Japan-Australia Basketball Reception
2025/9/19
On September 12 and 14, Perth’s NBL team, the Perth Wildcats, hosted a pre-season tournament “The Perth Wildcats International Series” here in Perth.
The NBL’s South East Melbourne Phoenix, and the Japanese B-League’s Ryukyu Golden Kings and Sunrockers Shibuya joined the Wildcats for the tournament.
The NBL’s South East Melbourne Phoenix, and the Japanese B-League’s Ryukyu Golden Kings and Sunrockers Shibuya joined the Wildcats for the tournament.
A Reception was held at the Consul-General’s Official Residence on September 11 to mark the occasion as the Wildcats welcomed the three teams to Perth.
The Reception had a great turnout and was attended by players and team staff/officials, and representatives of the local Japanese community. We were also glad to welcome the Hon Jessica Stojkovski MLA, Minister for Child Protection; Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence; Assisting the Minister for Transport to the reception.
The Reception had a great turnout and was attended by players and team staff/officials, and representatives of the local Japanese community. We were also glad to welcome the Hon Jessica Stojkovski MLA, Minister for Child Protection; Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence; Assisting the Minister for Transport to the reception.
Consul-General Karimata opened the reception with some words of welcome, cheering on the teams and speaking of his expectations that such sport exchange will deepen the friendship between Japan and Western Australia. Wildcats GM of Basketball and COO Danny Mills whose efforts and connections with the B-League helped make the tournament a reality also spoke on behalf of the Wildcats, welcoming the teams to Perth and the commenting on the increasing sports diplomacy between our two countries through basketball. The reception was a fantastic opportunity for the Australian and Japanese teams to meet with the local people of WA, furthering cultural exchange between our countries.