Junichi Inamoto Thoroughly Analyzes Japan's World Cup Team: 'Adaptability Was Lacking' in Brazil Defeat / The Origin of Genius 3P Shooter Keisei Tominaga! A Surprise Letter from a Mentor from His Childhood Inspires Him to Say, 'I'll Work Hard to Reach the NBA' — 'ABEMA Sports Time'

The new future of television, 'ABEMA,' aired its sports program 'ABEMA Sports Time' live on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM, with free on-demand viewing available immediately after the broadcast. Please enjoy the program at: https://abema.go.link/bfh3o

The new future of television, 'ABEMA,' broadcast its sports program 'ABEMA Sports Time' live on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

This program is a fresh, new-style sports show aiming to 'anticipate the excitement of sports.' Focusing on baseball and soccer, it delivers the latest updates on trending sports live on a monthly, irregular basis.

This episode featured main commentators Tsuyoshi Kawasaki, former Major League Baseball player, and Junichi Inamoto, former Japanese men's soccer national team player, along with special guest Evelyn Baga, an active female basketball player, making her first appearance. The show revisited Japan's intense World Cup soccer campaign, highlighted spectacular plays by the Japanese men's basketball team, and explored the roots of next-generation star Keisei Tominaga.

Junichi Inamoto Thoroughly Analyzes Japan's World Cup Team: 'Adaptability Was Lacking' in Brazil Defeat

The program first discussed Japan's men's soccer team, which was eliminated in the Round of 32 by Brazil. Kawasaki shared his passion, telling Baga—who watched the match until dawn—'I didn't just watch it live; I canceled all my work and didn't watch any baseball, not even Major League games. I was fully focused on soccer!' His enthusiasm brought laughter to the studio. He added, 'I even watched the coach's facial expressions,' and joked, 'I want Hidetoshi Namba to say that to me too!'—energizing the show.

Inamoto, who faced Brazil at the 2002 World Cup in Germany, analyzed, 'Compared to back then, the players' level has improved, but losing at the very end means something was missing.' He continued, 'The ability to respond when Brazil clearly changed tactics will be necessary going forward.'

When discussing the tournament MVP, the panel praised goalkeeper Saya Suzuki. Inamoto and others exclaimed, 'She was incredible!' and 'She has “Zion the World”—something only she can do,' giving her high acclaim.

Tsuyoshi Kawasaki Thrilled! Japan's Men's Basketball Team's Coordination Compared to the '96 Chicago Bulls'

The discussion then shifted to men's basketball, spotlighting spectacular plays by Japan's national team, currently leading their group in the Asian qualifiers.

Highlights included Yudai Baba's powerful dunk, 'BABA BOOM,' back-to-back buzzer-beaters by Baba and Keisei Tominaga, the technical skills of captain Yuki Fujigaki (167 cm, the shortest on the team), and Takumi Saito (172 cm), who slipped through two blocks with remarkable agility.

The studio erupted over a particularly dazzling team play. Kawasaki, watching Saito drive and pass to Baba, then to Yuta Watanabe for the score, shouted, 'It's just like the '96 Chicago Bulls!' Baga added, 'With defenders focused on Saito, Baba cut into the open space. Watanabe could have shot himself but chose to pass once more. It was a brilliant team play where no one acted selfishly.'

Looking ahead to upcoming games against China and South Korea, Baga expressed hope: 'South Korea has many strong 3-point shooters and fast transitions. I hope Japan uses its advantages wisely in the game.'

The Origin of Genius 3P Shooter Keisei Tominaga! A Surprise Letter from a Mentor from His Childhood Inspires Him to Say, 'I'll Work Hard to Reach the NBA'

The program also aired a special feature on Keisei Tominaga, the world-renowned 3-point shooting prodigy. Footage showed him making 34 consecutive 3-pointers in college, sitting outside the court 8 meters from the rim, and hitting shots from 14 and even 20 meters—demonstrating otherworldly shooting ability.

Baga was amazed: 'If your wrist, elbow, and knee are straight, the ball goes in from anywhere—that pure shooter's feel. Only Curry in the NBA and Tominaga have that sensation.'

The show revealed Tominaga's roots at the 'Dina Guts Aichi' basketball court and his mentor, Yasuki Sakurai, who ran the court and supported him since childhood. It was said that from second grade, Tominaga used a size 7 adult ball, and by fourth grade, he was regularly making 3-pointers—difficult even for adults. He also trained one-on-one against middle schoolers on Sakurai's suggestion.

Additionally, after practice, he played NBA video games, living a basketball-obsessed life. Reflecting on those days, Tominaga said, 'I've never changed my shooting form throughout my career. That's what connects to my current shot.'

At the end of the program, a surprise letter from Sakurai was read aloud: 'I want to share, as a basketball man, the impact, emotion, and potential that comes from loving something so deeply. Thank you for this life!' In response, Tominaga declared, 'Personally, I want to work hard to reach the NBA and stand on a big stage competing against the world.'

ABEMA will also provide a free live stream of the men's basketball FIBA World Cup qualifier, Japan vs. South Korea, on Monday, July 6, 2026, starting at 6:30 PM (tip-off at 7:30 PM). Don't miss this crucial match on ABEMA as Japan aims for the main tournament.

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

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

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

※ This match will be streamed live for free on ABEMA and also broadcast on BS Asahi.

※ Broadcast dates, content, and formats are subject to change without prior notice.

'ABEMA Sports Time' Program Overview

Episode #133 Broadcast Date and Time: July 1 (Wed), 7:00 PM onwards

Broadcast URL: https://abema.go.link/bfh3o

Cast:

【Host】

Yuka Nishizawa

【Main Commentators】

Tsuyoshi Kawasaki, Junichi Inamoto

【Special Guest】

Evelyn Baga

※ Broadcast dates, content, and formats are subject to change without prior notice.

※ When using images, please credit: 【(C) AbemaTV,Inc.】