The Japan women’s basketball team has secured the silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 tournament. Waseda alumni Nako Motohashi played in every game from the preliminary rounds to the final, so her contribution to the team medal was significant.
The Japanese team came second in its group, earning its place in the quarterfinals on August 2. Japan beat Belgium in the quarterfinal by a single point (86-85), then trounced France in the semis (87-71). The day of the final was August 8. After a valiant effort, Japan was beaten 75-90 by the USA, the team that has won the gold medal six times in a row starting with Atlanta in 1996. However, the silver medal was a remarkable accomplishment, the first ever won by the Japanese women’s basketball team at the Olympics.
Japan-USA, second quarter: Motohashi dribbles on attack (Kyodo)
The Japanese players erupt with joy at winning silver in the basketball (Kyodo)
Message from the President
I would like to congratulate our alumni Nako Motohashi on winning an Olympic silver medal in women’s basketball. As a Waseda student, Nako was a key player in our basketball club, contributing to so many games and in her final year, she led the team as captain. She continued her work as a pro basketballer after graduation, overcoming injury to be selected for the Tokyo Olympics. In all of the games from the group round to the final, Nako demonstrated all of her talents for the team, filling Waseda students and staff with hope. I wish her the brightest of futures.
Aiji Tanaka, President, Waseda University
Additional information
Motohashi began her studies at the School of Sport Sciences in 2012. She was a member of the basketball club, stepping up to the role of captain in her final year. Following graduation, she joined the basketball club Tokyo Haneda Vickies, where she has been earning a living as a professional player.
