Hoops of Hope: Sharing Faith Through Basketball in Japan

My Tokyo and Nagano Experience

My name is Monet Izumi, and I was born and raised in Japan. I attended college in Arizona and Delaware, playing basketball, where I truly found God during my senior year. Now, I am playing professional basketball overseas, and it’s all thanks to Him. This was my first experience with a mission trip—sharing hope, joy, and love through basketball. At the same time, I received and learned about hope, joy, and love by being part of OTM. Initially, I wasn’t sure if I could continue playing basketball, as my focus on God had diminished compared to when I was in the United States.

Mike, Riku (Middle), and Monet (Right)

Japan has a relatively low Christian population, with many diverse religions present. This made me realize that my faith is not just a “religion”; it is a genuine relationship with God through Jesus Christ. OTM’s basketball mission has truly changed my life.

Jondy, Irene, Rico, Gen (7 Year OTM Clinic Attendee), Mike, Riku, Kanta, and Monet

Our first clinic was held at the Ayase basketball club, where the kids were eager to practice both their English and basketball skills. I loved how naturally they picked up new languages while learning the game. We focused on basic skills like passing, dribbling, and shooting, and nearly 40 kids participated. The children came from various skill levels—some were just starting, while others had been playing for a while. Regardless of their experience, they all had fun and learned the importance of positivity, rooted in the knowledge that God loves them. Coaches Inoue, Kinoshita, and Chiba were open-minded and enthusiastic about learning more about God, different cultures, and American basketball. We had meaningful conversations that helped bridge cultural gaps.

Monet (Far Left), Ayase Club Team, Jungo (OTM Partner - wearing hat), OTM Coaches, and Ayase Club Coaches

For the second clinic, we had the opportunity to work with the Shinshu Brave Warriors youth team, a U-15 (under 15 years old) team affiliated with a men’s professional basketball team in Japan. The facility was beautiful and spacious, and the players demonstrated impressive skills and teamwork. However, we noticed that they often lacked self-belief and sometimes appeared timid. We emphasized the importance of building a strong mentality and resilience. Coach Gilbert from Hawaii was an exceptional mentor, bringing technical expertise and outstanding coaching abilities. Together, we encouraged the kids to find their inner courage.

Monet, Shinshu Brave Warriors U-15 Team, and Mike

The third clinic was an “Aloha” clinic, lasting seven hours, followed by a three-hour pickup game. We welcomed kids ranging from 1st to 10th grade. Initially, I doubted whether I could play basketball for ten hours straight, but it turned out to be an incredibly rewarding experience. Coach Gilbert and his wife, Hiroko-san, provided delicious homemade meals for everyone, which made the day even more special. The combination of love, good food, engaging conversations, and basketball truly rejuvenated me.

Aloha Academy Students (Maki & Yuuki sitting down), OTM Coaches in Back: Irene, Monet, Riku, Mike, Gilbert, Kanta, and Rico

Overall, my experience with OTM has left a profound impact on me. I learned so much about God, the OTM members, and myself. In May, I met Coach Mike only once at the All-Day basketball tournament at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo, where he invited me to join OTM for the summer. I accepted his invitation without hesitation.

After returning to Japan, I struggled to find a church or join Bible studies with others. I felt uncertain about my life’s direction and lacked motivation. However, this mission experience helped me realize that we all have the power to inspire, encourage, and motivate others in unique ways. God has already made us perfect and calls us to love everyone. This has been a powerful lesson for me, and I now feel a strong sense of purpose to learn these truths and share them with others.