Wizards launch Japanese language ventures as Rui Hachimura gains following

The Washington Wizards are launching a Japanese-language podcast, video series and website to increase the team’s global presence after drafting Japanese-born Rui Hachimura in the first round of this year’s draft.

The Wizards are planning for increased media attention and coverage from Japanese outlets thanks to Hachimura, the country’s top young basketball star.

The team hired Zac Ikuma to be their Japanese Digital Correspondent, which they say is a first-of-its-kind role in the NBA. Ikuma will host the Wizards Global Podcast and the Wizards Players’ Diaries video series, which will target a Japanese audience.

General manager Tommy Sheppard said Hachimura’s following in Japan is only going to grow.

“I think the NBA, the Wizards, we have a responsibility to grow basketball around the world, and the best way to do that is to be really good at what we do on the floor, obviously,” Sheppard said. “But I think (Hachimura) feels a responsibility and a platform to bring attention to Japan and to Japanese basketball. I salute him for that and we’re going to support him in any way we can.”