Yuki Kawamura: From Japanese Basketball Prodigy to NBA Two-Way Player
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Despite facing setbacks, Yuki kawamuras journey from a small-town Japanese high school standout to a professional basketball player in the NBA embodies perseverance and skill. The 1.70m (5’7″) guard currently holds a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls, navigating the challenges and opportunities of the world’s premier basketball league while representing his nation on the international stage.
Early life and Rise in Japan
Born on May 2, 2001, in Yanai, Yamaguchi, Kawamura drew inspiration from fellow Japanese player Yuki Togashi, admiring his success despite also being relatively short for professional basketball. He quickly distinguished himself as a talent,leading Fukuoka Daiichi High School to back-to-back Japanese high school championships.
Kawamura’s professional career began in January 2020 with the San-en NeoPhoenix as a special player while still in high school, instantly making history as the youngest player in B.League history at 18 years old.He didn’t take long to further cement his place in the league’s record books, becoming the youngest player to score a point in a B.League game.
dominance in the B.League and National Team Debut
After a move to the Yokohama B-corsairs, Kawamura continued to excel, ultimately winning the B.League MVP award and Rookie of the Year honors in the 2022-23 season – a first in B.League history. “Kawamura’s impact was immediate and undeniable,” noted a report from the B.League official website.
His success extended to the international level, making his debut for the Japan men’s national basketball team in the 2023 World Cup qualifying matches. He showcased his all-around game, averaging 10.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, 5.6 assists,and 2.7 steals in six qualifying games.
NBA Pursuit and Chicago Bulls Tenure
Kawamura’s ambition led him to the NBA, initially signing with the Memphis grizzlies on September 6, 2024. This contract was quickly converted to a two-way deal on October 19th. He demonstrated flashes of potential, scoring a career-high 10 points with seven assists in a 120-116 win over the Indiana Pacers on October 14, 2024.
In July 2025, Kawamura joined the Chicago Bulls for the NBA Summer League and afterward signed a two-way contract with the team on July 19th. A right lower leg injury unluckily led to his release on October 17, 2025. However, after recovery, the Bulls re-signed him to another two-way contract on January 6, 2026. He made his regular season debut for the Bulls on January 31, 2026, contributing six points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals in a 125-118 victory against the Miami Heat.
International Success with Japan
Kawamura’s contributions haven’t been limited to his NBA aspirations. He represented Japan at the 2017 FIBA U16 Asian Championships, averaging 5.3 points,4.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists.
He was a key player for Japan at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup,notably contributing 25 points,nine assists,and one rebound in a historic 98-88 upset win over Finland – Japan’s first victory against a European team. Across the tournament, he averaged 13.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 7.6 assists.
Kawamura continued to shine on the international stage at the Olympic games 2024, delivering a standout performance against france with 29 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, despite a narrow 94-90 overtime loss. he averaged 20.3 points, 7.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds across three Olympic games. “Kawamura is quickly becoming a focal point for the Japanese national team,” one analyst noted.
Yuki Kawamura’s story is far from over, and his continued dedication and skill promise an exciting future for this rising star in the world of basketball.
