An exclusive interview with Akashi Seijūrō and Midorima Shintarō

(as published in Gekkan Basketball Magazine)

By Mitobe Rinnosuke

As two of Japan's greatest exports of the last few years, Akashi and Midorima are names familiar to basketball fans worldwide. The captain and vice-captain, respectively, of the Kiseki no Sedai, have found success in America, where they have perfected their craft and now returned home to play against the Japanese National team in the 2020 Olympics.

Midorima left Japan first, and with this trademark hard work, proved himself worthy to become the shooting guard from the starting line-up of the New York Knicks. He has an impressive record of achievements and laurels. As a member of the All-Star team for the last three years, and this year's winner of the Foot Locker Three-Point Contest, Midorima is more than just the league's leader in three-point shots last season, he's also a remarkable team player who looks not only for his own shots, but for the best opportunities for the team. He was awarded the MVP Award in his second full season with the Knicks.

Akashi followed a year later and took his expertise to the Los Angeles Clippers. Known for his ferocious athleticism and expert passing ability, he leads the league in assists per game. The Clippers outscore their opponents by an average of more than seven points per hundred with Akashi on the floor. He ranks fourth in overall scoring in the NBA and sixth among all Point Guards, while turning the ball over more than anyone in NBA history. He was awarded the MVP for this past season with the Clippers.

Many have questioned why these two quality players have chosen to play for their adopted country, the Unites States of America – both men have recently become U.S. Citizens, Midorima keeping dual citizenship, while Akashi forfeiting his Japanese citizenship completely – but after contemplating the last six years of service and commitment to their sport and sitting down to discuss matters with these two professional, the reasons become perfectly clear.

Mitobe: "You were both offered a chance to play on the Japanese National Team and represent your home country at this Olympics, but you chose to change alliances and play for the Team USA. What influenced your decisions?"

Akashi: "It was one of the hardest decisions I've made, frankly. Personally, I wanted nothing more than to play for Japan, as her native son, but I had to face some hard realities. Team Japan has excellent players and after being away for almost five years, it would have been pure ego to think that I could step into the place of their current Point Guard, a talented man in his own right."

Midorima: "For me, it was all about who I could play against that was the most important. Every time I've played against the members of Team Japan, I've learned more about myself as a man and a shooter. The American team, and Akashi, are excellent teammates, but what I want more than anything is to test myself against them again."

Mitobe: "How do you think your Japanese fans feel about your competition against our team?"

Akashi: "I get letters and emails from our fans back home every week. While some of them are disappointed that they won't be seeing a Kiseki no Sedai reunion, they are excited to be seeing us go head to head again."

Midorima: "I've had a similar experience. What's wonderful about the spirit of Japan is that their support of us goes deeper than international lines."

Mitobe: "What do you think about the matchup between Japan and the United States?"

Akashi: "Team Japan is full of members who defy expectations. I know that we couldn't ask for more dedicated rivals."

Midorima: "I agree with Akashi's assessment, but I'm most looking forward to testing my new skills against Kagami Taiga. Of all my high school rivals, he was the one who consistently made me work harder. I want to show him what my basketball has become in the United States."

Mitobe: "What are you looking forward to the most on your return to Japan?"

Akashi: "Spending time with the friends and family I haven't seen in far too long. After seeing my family, the first thing I intend to do is eat at Murasakibara's Les Délices de la Justice."

Midorima: "I'm most looking forward to going home. My parents came to visit us right after the birth of our daughter, but she was too small to know it. This will be her true introduction to the two most important people to me who are outside of our immediate household. And after that we'll be going to eat at Les Délices de la Justice, as well."

Mitobe: "You do remember that you'll be playing against Murasakibara in just a few weeks?"

Akashi: "Atsushi is a fantastic cook." [laughter]

Midorima: "He really is." [laughter]

Mitobe: "What have you found most impressive about America?"

Akashi: "Academically, there is no doubt that the United States is vast and varied, but it means nothing until you've crisscrossed it with travel, playing teams from sea to shining sea. Everywhere there is local flavor, that runs the gamut of the people, the food, the weather… it is a land of extremes."

Midorima: "What impresses me the most is the people. When I arrived in New York with barely enough English to tell them I didn't speak English well, I was taken in and cared for by people I'd never met before. Being an introvert, I'd find it difficult to do the same if situations were reversed." [laughter]

Mitobe: "As someone who has played against both of you before, I have to say I'm relieved that I'm not playing against the two of you on one team. I know it is hard, returning to Japan and playing against your friends here. Japan eagerly await the beginning of the Thirty Second Olympic Games in Tokyo and Akashi and Midorima's arrival. We all wish you the best of luck in your Olympic careers."

Akashi: "I appreciate the sentiment, but with Shintarō by my side, I don't need luck."

Midorima: "Thank you, Mitobe-kun. Whatever happens, Akashi, our American teammates, and I will do everything possible to win the Gold. I look forward to seeing you again in person."

As we close the interview, we'd like to wish good luck to all the Olympic athletes; getting this far means that you are already winners!

About the Interviewer: Mitobe Rinnosuke was a student basketball player during the reign of the Generation of Miracles. He was a starting member for the inaugural season of Serin Kōkō, playing both Power Forward and Center. In his second year, Mitobe faced both Akashi and Rakuzan and Midorima and Shūtoku, with Serin winning both encounters, and taking that year's Winter Cup. After another stellar year of basketball, Mitobe returned to his first love, writing and joined the full-time staff of Racing News, a publication of the Hanshin Racecourse in Osaka. After three years with that magazine, Mitobe transferred to the staff of Sports Graphic Number, where he covers high school and college basketball. The same year, he began freelancing with both Above and Gekkan Basketball Magazine.

A/N: If you don't know the story behind Mitobe and his writing career, and are interested in learning more about it, please check out my on-going story, Gentlemen, Place Your Bets.