Japan star Tokashiki to stand tall in Tokyo

OSTEND (Belgium) - If Olympic hosts Japan are to meet their aim of stepping onto the podium steps in Tokyo, then Ramu Tokashiki is likely to be the driving force behind that surge towards a dream medal.

The skilled forward is certainly reminding everyone of her incredible talent at the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Ostend. She was immense against Sweden, posting a spectacular double-double in a one-sided triumph that bodes well for what lies in wait.

One of the most potent players four years ago at the Rio games in a blistering Olympic debut, Tokashiki netted more than 17 points per game - indeed only Liz Cambage and Lara Sanders scored more at the event.

"HAVING THE CONFIDENCE TO BRING THAT WNBA LEVEL TO THE COURT IS STILL IMPORTANT TO ME." - Tokashiki

It was a phase when her career was reaching this devastating higher gear, playing during what was the second season of a three-year spell at the Seattle Storm.

"The biggest thing from Rio was that I played against the USA. It was the most important thing for me - to play against the champions and to try and perform on the court against the very best," recalled Tokashiki.

"I was able to gain so much experience and confidence of playing against the greatest players in the world when I was in the WNBA and that is something that helped me when I played for the national team in Rio.

"Everyone knows the WNBA is superior to the Japanese League, like it is superior to every other league. So, having the confidence to bring that WNBA level to the court is still important to me - even if I am not playing there now.

"SHE IS ABSOLUTELY THE BEST AND MY FAVORITE... BEST OF ALL SHE IS AN AMAZING PERSON." - Tokashiki

"When I am playing against WNBA players with the national team, it motivates me that I don't want to lose against them. I want to constantly prove and test myself."

Talking about that fusion of time spent wearing a Japan vest and donning a Seattle jersey brings her to the topic of Breanna Stewart. Her eyes visibly light up as she explains just how much the USA star means to her.

"She is absolutely the best and my favorite," enthused Tokashiki.

"Breanna is still like a teammate to me from the time I played in Seattle and I loved being able to not only play with her, but also play against her. We are the same position so we had some good times in practice and also when Japan plays USA in tournaments, which I hope will happen again.

"Best of all, she is an amazing person."

The dream 2020 Olympic Final for Tokashiki would be being able to renew her duel with Stewart when the gold medal is on the line. But of course there's a big test for the 28-year-old and Japan to pass if they want to make it to the showpiece game.

They must deal with the burden of pressure and the expectation that many hosts face, while Tokashiki in particular will be the player carrying the widest load on her shoulders.

She conceded: "In Japan, there is nobody taller than me so I have to always take every tournament we play in very seriously - like this one (in Ostend).

"I have to use the chance to challenge myself against the bigger players and I have to give 100 percent all of the time. I can never give only 80 or 90 percent, because I have to get better and be ready for the Olympics in Tokyo as we know what the ambitions are."

Yet perhaps outweighing any pressure, is the incentive to be able to draw strength and utilize the famous Japanese pride from being at home.

"The biggest thing is it being held in Tokyo and so my family and friends will all be there to watch," stressed Tokashiki.

"I will be able to express my appreciation to them on the court, for the fact that they have all helped me to play basketball and it will be a very powerful thing," she added.

FIBA