Athlete's Optimistic Reflections on His Choices (Athlete Stories)

In the bustling city of Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture, a young girl named Naho Miyoshi (26 years old, Value Chain Business Development Div.) began her basketball journey as an elementary school second grader. Her parents, concerned about her weight, encouraged her to take up the sport to get more exercise.

Naho's passion for the game was undeniable, and she dedicated herself to improving her skills. However, her dreams of representing Japan on the international stage were momentarily derailed when she suffered a major injury to her anterior cruciate ligament during a practice session in the sixth grade. This setback forced her to take a year off from playing, but she continued to watch all the team's training sessions and matches from the sidelines.

Her determination paid off, and Naho returned to the court with renewed vigour. She began to absorb the special skills of her teammates, adapting her game to become a more versatile player. This change in approach, combined with her natural talent, led her to become a valuable member of the Toyota Motor Corporation's women's basketball team, the Antelopes.

In 2017, Naho was selected as a candidate for the Japan national team for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018. Although she was not ultimately chosen for the final team, the experience was invaluable, and she learned to handle the intense competition and pressure that comes with being a national team candidate.

Naho's appealing qualities as a player include her bold spirit and energy. As captain of the Antelopes, she leads by example, communicating with her teammates and maintaining a positive mental attitude. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, as she was chosen to be the captain of the Antelopes in the second season after her transfer, succeeding a League legend.

The Antelopes home base is the Aoi Gym in Nagoya City, where a picture of the team mascot "Antenowa" proudly hangs on the wall. Naho's own impact on the team is reflected in her court name, "Sun," given in the hope that she would rise like a sun shining out over the team.

Despite the pressures of her role, Naho remains grateful for the opportunities basketball has given her and hopes to pass on that feeling to the next generation. She gives basketball coaching classes to children and wants to raise the profile of women's basketball.

Looking towards the future, Naho's current dream is to play in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Although she has been out of the national team selection since Rio 2016, she continues to work hard, acting as a "control center" for women's basketball.

Naho's basketball journey is a testament to her resilience and determination. From her humble beginnings in Ichikawa City to her current role as a professional player, she continues to inspire and motivate those around her. Her dreams may extend beyond the basketball court, but for now, she is focused on achieving her goal of playing in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.