Basketball is included in top sports being played in Japan but it is less popular than football and baseball.
[1] Takehiko Inoue's manga series Slam Dunk (1990–1996) is frequently cited as popularizing the sport in the country and for inspiring a generation of players.
[4] The Japan Basketball Association later presented Inoue with a special commendation for his contributions to the sport.
In the end, compared to soccer, basketball couldn't get beyond the boundaries of school physical education.
As host of the Olympics, the men and women's national teams automatically qualified to compete.