In the annual NBA Summer League, young players have opportunities to test their skills against rookies and other up-and-coming pros in Las Vegas.
The 2025 NBA Summer League runs from July 13-20, with all 30 teams participating.
Guards Yuki Kawamura, Keisei Tominaga and Yudai Baba, all of whom have played extensively for the national team in recent years, represented Japan in Nevada. All three players have stated that it's their goal to land jobs on NBA rosters.
Kawamura was the most productive Japanese participant in Las Vegas, averaging 10.2 points, 6.2 assists and 2.2 steals in five games while playing for the Chicago Bulls.
That productivity paid off. Kawamura has signed a two-way contract with the Bulls for the 2025-26 NBA campaign, the team announced on Saturday.
The former B.League star had 20 points, including 6-for-9 on 3-point shots, 10 assists, four rebounds and two steals in 27 minutes off the bench in a 105-92 win over the Utah Jazz on Friday, July 18 at Thomas & Mack Center.
Kawamura also contributed 15 points, 10 assists and three steals in the Bulls' 114-105 win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday, July 14. And Kawamura also had three turnovers.
NBA Summer League: An Exhibit for Kawamura's Skills
Best-selling author Sam Smith, formerly of the Chicago Tribune who has covered the Bulls for decades, was impressed with Kawamura's razzle-dazzle playmaking skills.
"No clown car in this game; this was a ringmaster's repertoire of tricks," Smith wrote in an article for NBA.com.
"Kawamura among his 10 assists had his usual assortment of lobs and bounces. Though what he does, which is more common in the NFL than the NBA, is throw the ball where players should be going than where they are. It accounts for some of his turnovers that shouldn't be."
After splitting the 2024-25 season between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Memphis Hustle, the team's NBA G League affiliate, Kawamura, 24, worked to remain on the radar of another NBA team.
"I believe I still can play in the NBA," the former Yokohama B-Corsairs standout said in Las Vegas, the Chicago Tribune reported. "[And] I want to get a contract — two-way, whatever. I just want to get a contract."
He averaged 1.6 points, 0.9 assists and 4.2 minutes in 22 games for the Grizzlies this past season. For the Hustle, he impressed with 7.8 assists to go along with 12.4 points in 24 games. At 5-foot-8 (173 cm), he's a liability at times on defense.
He does, however, have a knack for using his speed to make steals.
Additional Observations About Kawamura
In another NBA Summer League article, Smith noted that former NBA guards Muggsy Bogues, Spud Webb, Earl Boykins, Keith Jennings and Charlie Criss were among the shortest players in league history. He provided that info to preface his observations on Kawamura.
"Kawamura shares with them the decisiveness, creativity and agility that suggests he can play in the NBA," the author of the classic NBA book The Jordan Rules wrote. "He'll be taken advantage of because of his size. A few times opponents this weekend literally tossed him aside in the two games. But he continually cracked back. He plays tough and fearless with a confident audacity."
What else grabbed Smith's attention while watching Kawamura early on in the NBA Summer League?
"Kawamura has backed away from no one," Smith wrote. "He challenges defenders and is so quick into the lane and back out that he can create space to get off his shot, and he's willing to navigate deep into the lane no matter the size of the defenders."
NBA Summer League Notes
Heading into the final day of the NBA Summer League (July 20), the Indiana Pacers had already played their allotted number of games. Tominaga averaging 5.0 points while appearing in three of the Pacers' five games.
And for the New York Knicks, who also weren't scheduled to play on the final day, Baba averaged 3.5 points in four games.
Tominaga has signed a contract to play for the B.League's Levanga Hokkaido for the 2025-26 season. In 2024-25, his first pro season, the former University of Nebraska shooting guard received limited playing time with the NBA G League's Indiana Mad Ants (averaging 5.4 points and 8.7 minutes in 14 games).
Tominaga expressed enthusiasm about playing in the Summer League in a July interview with the YouTube channel Hail Varsity, which specializes in Nebraska Cornhuskers reporting.
"It was one of my dreams to be in the Summer League," Tominaga said in the interview, "so I'm really excited."
He added, "It means a lot to me to be able to play at this level, competing at a very high level, it's a very good experience for me. And it's been very fun."
Now 29, Baba spent three seasons with the G League's Texas Legends, most recently in the 2022-23 campaign. He suited up for the B.League's Nagasaki Velca from 2023-25, contributing 14.6 points in 47 games in his second season with the team. Baba is trying to persuade the Knicks ― or another NBA club ― to offer him a contract for the upcoming season.
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- [JAPAN SPORTS NOTEBOOK] Yuki Kawamura Selected to Play in NBA G League Up Next Game
- [ODDS and EVENS] Yudai Baba Embraces a Bigger Role on the Japan National Team
- Nebraska's Keisei Tominaga Finishes College Career With a Strong Performance in NCAA Tournament Loss
Japan Women Advance to FIBA Asia Cup Final
In the 2025 FIBA Women's Asia Cup semifinals, Japan defeated China 90-81 on Saturday, July 19 in Shenzhen, China.
Japan outscored the hosts 24-14 in the third quarter to take an eight-point cushion entering the final period.
Kokoro Tanaka led Japan with 27 points, including 5-for-9 on 3-point attempts, and dished out five assists. Yuki Miyazawa added 18 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Norika Konno finished with 14 points and four assists.
Australia defeated South Korea 86-73 in Saturday's first semifinal.
The championship match is on Sunday evening.
Swimming
Kajimoto Captures Japan's 1st Pair of Medals at the World Championships
Ichika Kajimoto is off to a great start at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships.
The 21-year-old Osaka native captured Japan's first two medals of the high-profile meet in Singapore.
On Friday, July 18, Kajimoto placed third in the women's 5-km open water swimming competition, completing the race in 1 hour, 2 minutes, 28.90 seconds. Australia's Moesha Johnson claimed the gold in 1:02:01.30.
On Saturday morning, Kajimoto returned to competition in another open water event, the women's 3-km knockout sprint. A trio of races was held to determine the winner, and Kajimoto was in second place after her 1,500-meter preliminary heat and the runner-up in the 1,000-meter semifinal race.
In the 500-meter final of the knockout sprint, Kajimoto was the fastest swimmer to secure the gold in a competition being held as a medal event at the world championships for the first time. Her total time: 6:19.90. Runner-up Ginevra Taddeucci of Italy completed the event in 6:21.90.
Making More People Aware of Open Water Swimming
Kajimoto was pleased with the outcome of the 3-km knockout sprint.
"In Japan, open water is a lesser-known sport, but this time I was able to achieve eighth place in the 10-km [race], third place in the 5-km [race] and now champion in the 3-km knockout," Kajimoto said, citing her results at the world championships.
"Now more people [in Japan] are aware of open water swimming. This is very important to both me and the Japanese swimming federation."
Kajimoto is also planning to compete in a trio of freestyle races (400, 800 and 1,500 meters) in the pool at the World Aquatics Championships, which concludes on August 3.
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Sumo
Nagoya Basho Title Up for Grabs Heading into 2nd Week
After Day 7 of the Nagoya Basho, six sumo wrestlers shared the lead with identical 6-1 records.
Mitakeumi, a 16th-ranked maegashira, was the last remaining makuuchi division wrestler with a perfect record. Fujinokawa, a No 13 maegashira, handed Mitakeumi his first loss of the 15-day tournament on Saturday, July 19. The 20-year-old Isenoumi stable grappler improved to 5-2 at IG Arena.
Mitakeumi slipped to 6-1, putting him into a logjam at the top of the leaderboard with lone yokozuna Onosato, Kusano, Ichiyamamoto, Tamawashi and Kirishima.
Check out daily results (for all divisions) of the Nagaya Basho on SportsLook.
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Baseball
HarperCollins to Publish Children's Book About Ohtani's Dog Decoy
If you love dogs and baseball, a new children's book about Shohei Ohtani's dog Decoy (aka Dekopin) may leap to the top of your must-read list. Or become a sought-after souvenir.
Decoy Saves Opening Day, co-written by Ohtani and Michael Plank, is scheduled to be released in February 2026. The HarperCollins book will also feature illustrations by Fanny Liem.
Decoy Saves Opening Day is Ohtani's homage to his beloved dog.
The book "tells the story of how Decoy is supposed to throw the first pitch on opening day but realizes he left his lucky baseball at home and scrambles to retrieve it in time," The Associated Press wrote.
By collaborating on this book, reigning National League MVP Ohtani wants to celebrate his canine pal and also raise awareness about animal rescue organizations.
"Decoy has been by my side through so many meaningful moments, and I'm excited to share a story that celebrates what makes him so special," Ohtani said, according to a HarperCollins press release issued on Thursday, July 17. "I hope it brings joy to young readers and that our support of animal rescue organizations helps more incredible dogs find loving homes."
David Linker, the editorial director of HarperCollins Children's Books, also said he's fired up about this book.
"I couldn't be prouder to publish the first-ever picture book from baseball's biggest superstar, Shohei Ohtani, and his lovable pup, Decoy," Linker said in the press release. "It's a perfect celebration of friendship, teamwork, and hustle, and the perfect addition to any family's library."
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Mets' Senga Featured in CNN Profile
In other MLB news, CNN published a profile of New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga on its website on Friday. Senga shared insights on his career and differences in pro baseball in North America and Japan.
One of Senga's most interesting observations compared the atmosphere at MLB ballparks and NPB stadiums during games.
"Over here [in the United States] when the excitement hits, the fans cheer loudly, and you can really tell they're here to enjoy the game," Senga said, according to CNN "While over there [in Japan] they enjoy the cheering itself almost as its own activity, so I think that's a different experience."
Dragons' Takahashi Tosses His 1st Shutout of the Season
Chunichi Dragons right-hander Hiroto Takahashi tossed a four-hit shutout against the Hanshin Tigers on Wednesday, July 16 at Koshien Stadium.
Takahashi improved to 3-8 as the Dragons won their season-high sixth game in a row.
The 22-year-old fanned seven batters and didn't issue a walk in his second complete game of the NPB season.
In 2024, Takahashi had a career-best 12-4 record for Chunichi.
Soccer
Lopes Leaves Marinos, Joins Singapore Club
Brazilian Anderson Lopes, who led the J.League with 24 goals in the 2024 season, has joined the Singapore Premier League's Lion City Sailors.
Lopes, 31, suited up for Yokohama F Marinos from 2022-25 and scored 58 goals in 114 matches across all competitions.
"I'm thrilled to join the Sailors at such an exciting point in their journey," Lopes said in a statement. "Their run to the AFC Champions League Two final last season really caught my attention, and I've been impressed by the club's vision and ambition to elevate Singapore football.
"My objectives are clear: I'm here to contribute, to score goals, to win trophies, and to help the team make a real impact in Asia."
In addition to his successful stint with Marinos, Lopes also played for the J.League's Sanfrecce Hiroshima (2016-17) and Consadole Sapporo Hokkaido (2019-21). He scored 101 goals in 221 J.League matches, a total that grabbed the attention of Sailors management.
"To reach 100 goals in a league as competitive as J1 speaks volumes about his quality," Sailors head coach Aleksandar Rankovic said in a statement.
"But it's not just about his goal scoring — Anderson is excellent at holding the ball up and just as capable of creating chances for his teammates. I'm confident he'll be a tremendous asset to the team this season."
Quotes of the Week
"It is a huge honor for me to be here as a Celtic player and I can't wait to begin my time at this amazing club. Celtic is one of the top names in world football. I have already watched my countrymen like Daizen [Maeda], Reo [Hatate] and Kyogo [Furuhashi] do so well at Celtic and I will aim to have the same impact."
―Shin Yamada on signing a four-year contract to play for the Scottish Premiership's Celtic FC. The team announced the acquisition of the former Kawasaki Frontale player on July 19. Yamada, 25, scored 19 goals in 38 J.League matches in 2024, his top season as a pro.
"In my heart, I am very happy."
―Sakino Miyazawa, the Wimbledon girls' 14-and-under singles champion, reacting to her title-winning effort in the prestigious tennis tournament on July 13 in London, Japanese sports website The Digest reported. Miyazawa, 13, defeated Ukrainian opponent Sofiia Bielinska 3-6, 7-5 (10-5) in the final.
Author: Ed Odeven
Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and X (formerly Twitter) ＠ed_odeven.
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