Hawkinson is Strict About "Puns" Too!? His True Self Revealed in a Hilarious Interview with Kawanada Hiroya! Baba Yudai Admits to "Born Face Can't Be Helped..." and Confesses Loving Criticism from Wife Mori Kanna!?

ABEMA, the "new future TV," will offer a free live broadcast of the "Japan vs. Korea" match on July 6, 2026, which is an away game for the Japanese men's national team in the Asian qualifiers for the "FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027" to be held in 2027. As a special pre-event promotion for this broadcast, we have released interview and talk videos with six groups: Yudai Baba, Akira Jacobs, Josh Hawkinson & Koya Kawanada, Takumi Saito, Makoto Hiejima, and Head Coach Oke-tani.

In this project, each player was asked to self-evaluate and be evaluated by others using a radar chart with five categories: "Celebrity, Competitive, Aesthetic Sense, Cowardly, and Otaku." Additionally, as the day after the Korea match is Tanabata, each player was asked to write their wishes on a tanzaku strip.

Special Interview with Hawkinson & Koya Kawanada! A "Competitive" Side Revealed Regarding Puns!?

The video begins with a heartwarming scene of a pie-in-the-face celebration for Hawkinson's birthday, which was the day of the shoot. When evaluating each other's "otaku level," Kawanada revealed, "Taka-chan (Hawkinson) likes puns." Hawkinson, who showcases a unique sense of humor, such as saying "U~ yummy!" after eating eel in Shizuoka, was revealed to have a surprisingly "competitive" side outside of basketball, as he would dismiss Kawanada's puns, saying they were "too advanced and a bit off."

Furthermore, regarding Hawkinson's "celebrity level," Kawanada revealed, "His golf clubs are expensive, like Honma's," adding, "They're custom-made." The interview highlights the seamless banter between the two, who are close friends.

Yudai Baba Receives Precise Advice from Wife Kanna Mori!? Shows Fighting Spirit with "I Want to Win, Even by Cheating"

Yudai Baba's interview revealed a series of private episodes with his wife, Kanna Mori. Regarding the "aesthetic sense" category, he explained that since his job involves being seen, he receives loving and precise advice from his wife, such as, "Your born face can't be helped, so make sure to take care of the parts you can change (skin condition and cleanliness)." In the "cowardly" category, he shared an anecdote where his wife, who encourages him to try bungee jumping and skydiving by saying, "Your life will change if you jump," gently accommodates him when he refuses. On the other hand, his "competitive" side was evident when he revealed his hidden passion for winning, even in private board games, stating, "I want to win, even by cheating."

Takumi Saito is Terrified of Insects! Also Shows a Calm Side by "Nudging" in Games

In Takumi Saito's interview, regarding the "cowardly" category, he confessed to being extremely afraid of insects, saying, "I hate bugs so much. I get so loud about it." However, for the "competitive" category, he calmly analyzed himself, stating, "Instead of showing my emotions, I think about how I can win." He also revealed his surprising playstyle in private games, smiling as he said, "I say little annoying things. I nudge my opponents."

In the "otaku" category, he passionately discussed his favorite series, "One Piece," being mindful of spoilers, and said, "The reunion between Robin and someone was very moving for me." On his tanzaku strip, he wished for "a collaboration between One Piece and the Japan national basketball team."

In addition to these, the content is packed with candid remarks and little-known personal sides that can only be heard here, including interviews with Akira Jacobs, Makoto Hiejima, and Head Coach Oke-tani. The away game "Japan vs. Korea," held on July 6, will expand its broadcast time starting at 6:30 PM, one hour before the game starts, and will include the latest footage from the venue. Please enjoy this crucial match towards qualifying for the FIBA World Cup with ABEMA's special content.

"Men's Basketball FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Japan vs. Korea" Broadcast Overview

Broadcast Date and Time: July 6, 2026 (Monday) 6:30 PM onwards (TIP OFF 7:30 PM)

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

* In addition to the free live broadcast on ABEMA, this match is scheduled to be broadcast on BS Asahi.

* Broadcast date and time, content, and broadcast format are subject to change without prior notice. Please understand this in advance.

Special Interview Project Now Available for Free on "ABEMA"

・Yudai Baba Interview | June 23, 2026 Japan National Team Training Camp

Streaming URL: https://abema.tv/video/episode/38-438_s40_p571

・Akira Jacobs Interview | June 23, 2026 Japan National Team Training Camp

Streaming URL: https://abema.tv/video/episode/38-438_s40_p572

・Josh Hawkinson x Koya Kawanada Interview | June 23, 2026 Japan National Team Training Camp

Streaming URL: https://abema.tv/video/episode/38-438_s40_p573

・Head Coach Dai Oke-tani Interview | June 23, 2026 Japan National Team Training Camp

Streaming URL: https://abema.tv/video/episode/38-438_s40_p574

・Takumi Saito Interview | June 23, 2026 Japan National Team Training Camp

Streaming URL: https://abema.tv/video/episode/38-438_s40_p575

・Makoto Hiejima Interview | June 23, 2026 Japan National Team Training Camp

Streaming URL: https://abema.tv/video/episode/38-438_s40_p576

* When using images, please include the credit: "(C) AbemaTV, Inc."

About "ABEMA"

ABEMA is a video distribution service that aims to innovate television, operating as "new future TV." Launched on April 11, 2026, it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Since its launch, it has been an internet television service that can be enjoyed without registration and is basically free, offering approximately 25 channels 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including news channels, original dramas, romance reality shows, variety shows, anime, and sports, all pursuing "highest quality or uniqueness."

In addition to boasting the No. 1 number of original episodes in Japan among domestic video services (*as of March 2026, self-researched), it offers a rich lineup of new movies, popular domestic and international dramas, and trending anime, as well as live sports broadcasts and online concerts. Users can enjoy content anytime, regardless of time, through TV and on-demand viewing. ABEMA continues to provide content that adapts to diverse lifestyles through a viewing experience that is not restricted by location, accessible on smartphones, PCs, tablets, and TV devices.

Furthermore, "ABEMA Premium" for ¥1,180 (tax included) per month offers exclusive features and content, while "ABEMA Premium with Ads" for ¥680 (tax included) per month allows viewing of ABEMA Premium exclusive content with advertisements.

* As of March 2026, self-researched.

For the latest information, please check official social media.

Enjoy free videos and trending content on the new future TV "ABEMA" (https://abema.tv/)

To commemorate its 10th anniversary, ABEMA is rolling out various campaigns throughout the year, including special program broadcasts and the "ABEMA 10th Anniversary Free Grand Thanksgiving Festival." Please look forward to ABEMA's 10th anniversary.

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