MANATO, a member of the seven-member dance and vocal group "BE:FIRST," appeared on a special program about the American professional basketball league "NBA" that was live-streamed on WOWOW on October 20th. After the broadcast, MANATO gave an interview to WOWOW, talking about the appeal of the NBA and how he became a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers, the team that Rui Hachimura belongs to.
MANATO is a big fan of the NBA, and was appointed "Friends of NBA" last year. He appeared on "BE:FIRST MANATO's First Appearance! NBA 2024-25 Season Opening Special!", which was live-streamed on the 20th, and had a lively discussion with basketball analyst Chris Sasaki, So!Spo NBA editor-in-chief Sotaro Nagasawa, and announcer Misaki Miyawaki about players to watch this season.
This season's NBA kicks off on the 23rd, and there are plenty of highlights to look forward to, including not only Hachimura's performance, but also the challenge of Yuki Kawamura, who has signed a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies and may become the fourth Japanese NBA player. MANATO is from the same prefecture as Kawamura, Fukuoka, and was a classmate of his. In the interview, he spoke at length about the things he has in common with Kawamura.
The interview is as follows.
--What were your impressions of your first appearance on WOWOW NBA?
First of all, it was fun. There weren't many people around me I could talk to about the NBA, so I was simply happy to have this opportunity to talk about something I love. I also learned a lot. Personally, I was happy to share the same prediction for the championship as Nagasawa Sotaro and Sasaki Chris. It was nice to think that we were able to see it from the same perspective.
--I've heard that you're a big Lakers fan. What made you like the Lakers and why?
I started watching the NBA around the time Hachimura was drafted (2019). When it comes to watching the NBA, the first name that jumps out at you is LeBron James, right? That made me want to pay attention to the Lakers. I also like the sense of the players the Lakers draft and the excitement of the fans. I love that even though I'm watching it on a live stream, I can feel the excitement as if I'm there.
--Please tell us what you expect from Hachimura, who is active in the Lakers.
--I think he's a very competitive player. Last season, he was active in the in-season tournament (renamed the NBA Cup this season) and the playoffs. I think he can become a key player for the Lakers, regardless of the bias of being a fan. The Lakers have players who can create the game, such as LeBron and D'Angelo Russell, so I think it's important to be able to make three-pointers with passes from those players. I think outside shots can be counted on as an option for the Lakers, so I'm looking forward to that.
--Your same-age friend, Kawamura Yuki, is working hard to reach the NBA. How do you feel about Kawamura's challenge?
--It's great, isn't it? Even before he signed a two-way contract, I was happy about the fact that he was going to challenge himself overseas. And when the signing of the two-way contract was announced, it was late in Japan (early morning on the 20th), but miraculously I was awake and was very surprised when the news came in. I was very happy to be able to feel the joy with people all over the world. I am from the same country, the same prefecture of Fukuoka, and moreover, I am of the same generation, and I am very inspired by people who are working hard globally, regardless of their sport or occupation, even though Kawamura is a basketball player. I have also watched Kawamura's interview video in English, and I am inspired by his attitude of trying to quickly adapt to the team and trying to learn English as quickly as possible. I think it is because of this attitude that everyone on the team loves him.
--Do you keep in contact with Kawamura?
When he made his first appearance in the Grizzlies' preseason, I contacted him for the first time. I contacted him and said, "I watched the game. I'm looking forward to every game," and even though he was busy, he replied, "Thank you. I'll do my best." I also met him when I was covering the Japan vs. Korea match (before the Paris Olympics) and I encouraged him, saying "Do your best!" I think that you have a great passion and a sense of comradeship in the sense that you are the same age and compete on a global scale. I will continue to support you as a fan and as a classmate.
--I think that players Kawamura and Tominaga Hiroki have something in common with MANATO, who is active globally, in that they are aiming to succeed overseas. What do you think is important to compete overseas?
I think there are fears and anxieties in jumping into an unknown world and taking on a challenge. The members of BE:FIRST are also trying to answer interviews with overseas media in English as much as possible. We have big dreams, and I think Kawamura and Tominaga also have big dreams of succeeding in the NBA, so I would like to work hard together. BE:FIRST had the opportunity to go overseas this year. There, I felt that the local people were very interested in us. So I think it's really important to show the other person the same interest and affection you have by asking them questions you want to know right away.
--You said in the stream that you're paying attention to the New Orleans Pelicans, but what are the specific points to look out for this season?
--I think the core parts and the roles that each player has will remain the same from last season. Also, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are producing results as the two aces, so I think they have good supporters and role players around them. Also, the lineup is amazing, so I just want Zion to do whatever he wants.
--What is the appeal of the NBA to you, MANATO?
The first time I saw the NBA, it was a highlight collection of super plays. (The NBA) is a world of physical ability, so you can see amazing passes and dunk shots made with incredible jumping ability (in the highlight collection). If you're watching the NBA for the first time, I recommend starting with the highlights.
--On November 7th Japan time, the Lakers, which Hachimura plays for, and the Grizzlies, which Kawamura plays for, will clash. If the two of them were to take the court, who would you root for?
That's difficult... Is there any option to not watch it? (laughs) But I would like to see the two of them on the same court. I'm rooting for the Lakers, so I want them to win, but I think it's really wonderful that there is a possibility of seeing the two of them at this point, and I'm looking forward to it. I'll be happy just to be able to watch it.
*WOWOW will broadcast the NBA's 2024-25 season live every day. Two games per week of the Lakers, which Hachimura plays for, will be live streamed. The "Suns vs. Lakers, with Rui Hachimura scheduled to play" match on October 26th will be broadcast and streamed free of charge.
