ABEMA to Feature Former Japanese National Team Players Shinya Oguchi and Naoto Tsuji as Commentators for Away Match Against Rival South Korea in Men's FIBA World Cup Qualifier Japan vs. South Korea on July 6 (Mon); Special Talk Series Now Live

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ABEMA, the "television of a new future," announces that former Japanese national team players Shinya Oguchi and Naoto Tsuji will appear as commentators for the free live broadcast of the 'Men's Basketball FIBA World Cup Qualifier Japan vs. South Korea' on Monday, July 6, 2026. Additionally, starting today, June 29 (Mon), a special talk series featuring Oguchi alongside Ryoama Hashimoto and Head Coach Sota Katakami of Fukuoka University附属 Daimyo High School Boys Basketball Team will begin streaming.

This match is a crucial fixture in the Asian zone qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027. Japan, placed in Group B (Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan), currently holds a 3-1 record after four games. A win against either China on Friday, July 3, or South Korea on Monday, July 6, will secure advancement to the second qualifying round. Since first-round results carry over into the second round, the match against South Korea will be pivotal in shaping Japan's path forward.

For this highly anticipated clash, Shinya Oguchi of Kawasaki Brave Thunders and Naoto Tsuji of Gunma Crane Thunders—both former members of Japan's national team—will serve as commentators.

Shinya Oguchi, former captain of Japan's men's national basketball team, has long been one of the leading figures in Japanese basketball. Naoto Tsuji is renowned as a "once-in-a-generation pure shooter," having achieved the historic milestone of 1,500 career three-pointers—the first player in Japan's top men's league to do so.

ABEMA will deliver in-depth commentary from these two elite active players, analyzing key players on both teams and critical aspects of the game flow for this marquee Japan-South Korea matchup.

Comments from both Oguchi and Tsuji have been received following their casting announcement. Oguchi urged viewers to "unite as one Japan and cheer on our team!!" Meanwhile, Tsuji expressed optimism about the current national team roster, saying, "After hearing that Coach Okiya wanted to field the best possible lineup with domestic players, I truly believe this squad is determined to win this window."

The live broadcast will expand its programming block, starting at 6:30 PM—one hour before tip-off at 7:30 PM—featuring live onsite footage and pre-game updates from both teams for an enhanced viewing experience.

Additionally, starting today, ABEMA will launch a special talk series featuring Oguchi, Ryoama Hashimoto (former Japanese national team player, currently with BERTHUX Shizuoka), and Head Coach Sota Katakami. This series commemorates the launch of "88 Special Camp 2026," a basketball clinic hosted by Oguchi, Hashimoto, and former Yokohama B-Corsairs staff member Arerikuji Minatani. Joined by coach Katakami as an instructor, the discussions will center on nurturing the next generation, exploring the future of Japanese basketball and athlete development.

Don’t miss this crucial away match on the road to FIBA World Cup qualification, along with exclusive special content available only on ABEMA.

【Full Comments from Commentators】

<Shinya Oguchi – Full Comments>

©KBT

Q. What are the challenges and key points to watch for in the away match against South Korea?

A. The crowd will try to overwhelm us as one. If we take an early punch, it’ll be extremely difficult to recover, so we need to be very careful in how we start the game.

Q. This time, players like Hiejima and several young members have been added to the roster. What do you think is the intention behind this team selection?

A. I believe the composition is clearly designed to intensify internal competition.

Q. Please leave a message for viewers.

A. Let’s unite as one Japan and cheer on our team!!

<Naoto Tsuji – Full Comments>

©GUNMA CRANE THUNDERS

Q. What are the challenges and key points to watch for in the away match against South Korea?

A. South Korea’s home games feature intense crowd support similar to recent Japanese home games, and you can feel the players’ determination right from the start. They come out strong with physical defense and aggressive offense from the opening tip. It’s crucial not to let them dominate early and gain momentum.

Q. This time, players like Hiejima and several young members have been added to the roster. What do you think is the intention behind this team selection?

A. After hearing Hiejima mention in an interview that Coach Okiya said he wanted to bring the best possible team using domestic players, I felt clearly that this squad is serious about winning this window.

I’m a bit concerned about his personal condition, but I believe the team will be fully prepared.

Q. Please leave a message for viewers.

A. Just like in soccer, let’s unite as one Japan for basketball too!

Let’s support our players with passionate cheers!

Broadcast Details: 'Men's Basketball FIBA World Cup Qualifier Japan vs. South Korea'

Broadcast Date and Time: July 6 (Mon), 2026, 6:30 PM – (Tip-off at 7:30 PM)

Broadcast URL: https://abema.tv/channels/world-sports/slots/DDjvQyJQiwHY9M

*This game will also be broadcast on BS Asahi in addition to ABEMA’s free live stream.

*Broadcast schedule, content, and format are subject to change without prior notice.

Special Talk Series Now Streaming

· "Behind the Scenes: 88BASKETBALL × Fukuoka Daimyo High School SPECIAL CAMP 2026"

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Streaming URL: https://abema.tv/video/episode/38-438_s40_p568

· "Champions of High School Basketball: Fukuoka Daimyo’s Coach Katakami on Player Development"

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Streaming URL: https://abema.tv/video/episode/38-438_s40_p569

· "Oguchi, Hashimoto, and Katakami Select the Ultimate Japanese National Team"

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Streaming URL: https://abema.tv/video/episode/38-438_s40_p570

Streaming Date and Time: Starting June 29 (Mon), 2026, 5:00 PM

About ABEMA

ABEMA is a video streaming service that marks its 10th anniversary on April 11, 2026, continuing its mission as "the television of a new future" to innovate the TV experience. Since launch, ABEMA has offered an internet-based TV platform accessible for free without registration, broadcasting around the clock, 365 days a year, across approximately 25 channels—including a 24-hour news channel, original dramas, romance reality shows, variety programs, anime, and sports—all committed to "highest quality or one-of-a-kind" content.

Boasting the largest number of original episodes among Japan-originated video services (※), ABEMA also offers a rich lineup of new movies, popular domestic and international dramas, trending anime, live sports, and online concerts. With flexible viewing across smartphones, PCs, tablets, and TV devices, ABEMA delivers content anytime, anywhere, aligning with diverse lifestyles.

For 1,180 yen/month (tax included), "ABEMA Premium" offers exclusive features and content. "Ad-Supported ABEMA Premium" is available for 680 yen/month (tax included), allowing access to ABEMA Premium-exclusive content with ads.

(※) As of March 2026, based on internal research

For the latest updates, please follow ABEMA’s official social media accounts.

The television of a new future—ABEMA, where you can enjoy free videos and trending content: https://abema.tv/

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, ABEMA will host special programs and the "ABEMA 10th Anniversary Free Grand Thank-You Festival," among other year-round campaigns. Stay tuned for ABEMA’s 10th-anniversary celebrations.

ABEMA 10th Anniversary Website URL: https://contents-abema.com/10th/