Rui Hachimura expresses desire to finish career in Toyama

NBA player Rui Hachimura, currently with the Los Angeles Clippers, expressed his desire to finish his professional basketball career in his hometown of Toyama, Japan. During a homecoming event titled ‘BLACK SAMURAI Toyama Homecoming’ held at the YKK AP Arena, Hachimura spoke to approximately 5,000 local fans about his future vision.

Hachimura stated that he hopes to play for the Toyama Grouses, a team participating in the upcoming B.League Premier. While noting that he is 28 and intends to continue performing at a high level in the NBA while his physical condition allows, he expressed a strong wish to return to his roots once his time in the United States concludes. He also mentioned his hope to recruit fellow national team player Yudai Baba to join him in Toyama in the future.

During the event, which included a basketball clinic for local students, Hachimura also shared his appreciation for Toyama’s natural landscape and local specialties, such as sushi, reflecting on the region as the place where his basketball journey began.