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Shiratani Leads Fukudai Ohori to Back-to-Back Championships Amidst National Team Commitments

Fukuoka, january 26, 2026 – Jack Hashiramako Shiratani, a 16-year-old basketball phenom, quickly became a focal point at Fukuoka University Ohori, leading them to consecutive “Winter Cup 2025” championships. The first-year high school student tallied 105 points and 70 rebounds throughout the tournament, ranking second despite only fully integrating into the team’s system in the fall.

Why Shiratani’s success stems from a unique approach by his coach, prioritizing his development as a global player even if it meant limited initial team practice time.Who involved are Shiratani himself, Coach Sota Katamine of Fukudai ohori, and the Japanese national team program. What happened was Fukudai Ohori won consecutive Winter Cup championships with Shiratani as a key player. How did it end? Shiratani’s performance was instrumental in securing the championships, despite a challenging schedule balancing school and national team commitments.

Did you know? – Shiratani’s name, Jack Hashiramako, is a combination of his parents’ names. “Jack” comes from his father, and “Hashiramako” is a combination of his mother’s given and family names, a common practice in Japan.

A Deliberate Challenge: Prioritizing Growth Over Comfort

Fukuoka University Ohori’s coach intentionally created a demanding habitat for Shiratani, believing it would accelerate his development.

Shiratani’s path to Fukuoka University Ohori wasn’t conventional. before even enrolling, he was already participating in activities with the Japanese national team, requiring frequent trips between Tokyo and Fukuoka during spring break. The summer brought further commitments with a U24 training camp and tournaments,leaving him just three days to prepare with his new team before the Inter-High match. He entered his first high school national tournament with limited familiarity with the team’s plays or rules.

Fukudai Ohori coach Sota Katamine explained he deliberately fostered this “harsh environment” after careful consideration of Shiratani’s aspirations. “I could have said ‘no’ to the offer, but I thought he would grow better than staying here and spending his days without much change. Even if he wasn’t at the Inter-High School… Of course, it would be safer for the team if he was there, but from the time he entered the school, I said, ‘I’m going to prioritize overseas camps and national team activities over team games.'”

pro tip – Balancing high school athletics with national team commitments requires exceptional time management. Shiratani’s success highlights the importance of prioritizing tasks and maintaining open dialog with coaches and trainers.

Shiratani had previously expressed a desire to study abroad after graduating from Yokkaichi Maryknoll Academy, though those plans didn’t materialize. Katamine affirmed that Shiratani’s ambition remains focused on competing internationally, and Fukudai ohori is committed to supporting that goal.

Adjusting to a New Level of Competition

Following the National Sports Tournament in early October, Shiratani finally had the possibility to fully settle into life at Fukudai Ohori. He focused on recovering from the demanding schedule with a regimen of alternating team practices and individual workouts.

Shiratani reflected on the experience.

Reader question – How do you think balancing school, team, and national commitments impacts a young athlete’s mental health? Share your thoughts on the pressures faced by rising stars.