The possibility of seeing more Filipino basketball players in Japan’s professional league is gaining traction after officials of the Saga Ballooners, one of the pioneering Division 1 teams in the Japanese B.League, visited Manila to explore opportunities for cooperation.
The delegation toured the facilities at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, made possible through the invitation of Otsuka Philippines, the maker of Pocari Sweat, the official hydrating drink of Team Philippines since the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
The delegation included Otsuka Japan general manager Hiroo Goto, King of Car president Funaki Shib, manager Junpei Yamano, and Otsuka Philippines president Ken Saito.
Saito said the visit was more than a courtesy—it was a first step toward formalizing a collaboration that could benefit players from both sides.
“Several Filipinos are now playing in the Japanese League, and they have made a strong impression,” he said. “That’s why Saga is looking for a partnership with the PSC to strengthen the relationship between our countries. Hopefully, this will open a window of opportunities for even more Filipino players to ply their trade in Japan.”
Looking ahead, officials outlined concrete plans to bring the collaboration to life.
“Part of the plan is an exchange program, where Filipino players can go to Saga to conduct basketball clinics and camps, and vice versa,” Saito revealed. “It’s not just about competition, but also about cultural exchange and learning from each other’s systems.”
“Opportunities like this can inspire the next generation,” she said. “It shows that basketball is not just a local dream—it can also open international doors for our players,” said PSC commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo.
The collaboration could extend beyond the court as well. Pocari Sweat officials announced that the PSC has been invited to visit Saga this October during the hosting of the Asian basketball championships, where discussions are expected to continue.
Saito concluded with confidence that the groundwork being laid in Manila will soon yield results.
“This is just the beginning,” he said. “We see the Philippines as a partner, not just in basketball but in building bridges between our communities. And basketball, being such a beloved sport in both our countries, is the perfect way to start.”
