Rui Hachimura Announces Second Black Samurai Summit in Japan This August Rui Hachimura, the Los Angeles Lakers forward, has confirmed the second annual BLACK SAMURAI SUMMIT 2026 will take place in Nagoya, Japan, from August 6 to 8, 2026. The event, hosted at the IG Arena, will feature basketball training sessions for 10,000 fans and a championship game involving 20 U18 athletes. Ticket sales for the public showcase game began on April 17 through AXS Japan, with premium box seating and dCard cardholder access available first. The summit builds on the success of its 2025 debut, aiming to cultivate elite athletes through a combination of physical training, mental conditioning, and exposure to high-pressure environments. Hachimura’s initiative is rooted in his belief that Japanese basketball players possess the physical talent to compete globally but lack the mental resilience required to succeed at the highest levels. Drawing from his experiences at Gonzaga University and in the NBA, he has designed the summit to instill five core mental principles: court ego, embracing pressure, professional independence, self-belief, and self-understanding. These frameworks are intended to challenge young athletes to think critically, adapt to adversity, and maintain confidence in their abilities. The summit’s structure emphasizes immersive training, with participants competing in front of large crowds to simulate the intensity of professional basketball. The event’s final day will feature an NCAA-style championship game, where selected U18 athletes will face off in a high-stakes competition. This format is designed to test players’ ability to perform under pressure, mirroring the challenges of elite competition.#rui_hachimura #softbank #ig_arena #black_samurai_summit #nagoya_japan
Professional Basketball Player Rui Hachimura Hosts Second Annual BLACK SAMURAI SUMMIT 2026 Showcase to Inspire the Next Generation of Athletes Professional basketball player Rui Hachimura is set to host the second annual BLACK SAMURAI SUMMIT 2026, a special event designed to inspire the next generation of athletes in Japan. The summit, scheduled to take place from August 6 to 8, 2026, at the IG Arena in Nagoya, will feature a training camp aimed at elevating Japanese basketball on the global stage. AXS Japan has been named the official ticketing partner for the event, marking a significant collaboration between the ticketing company and Hachimura’s initiative. BLACK SAMURAI is a groundbreaking platform that bridges Hachimura’s experience as a top-tier international basketball player with the aspirations of young athletes in Japan. The event emphasizes direct fan engagement and mentorship, with Hachimura sharing insights into elite skills, physical preparation, and the disciplined mindset required to compete at the highest level. Building on the success of the 2025 summit, the 2026 edition will offer immersive coaching experiences for young players while serving as a major sports and entertainment platform to promote ambition across Japan and strengthen the nation’s presence in global basketball. Hachimura expressed gratitude for AXS Japan’s partnership, highlighting the importance of creating a seamless and trusted event experience for participants and fans alike. He emphasized his long-term vision for BLACK SAMURAI, aiming to elevate the initiative globally and share it with a wider audience. AXS Japan’s Vice President, Akio Masamoto, praised the event as a symbol of ambition and national pride, underscoring AXS’s commitment to innovation and fan engagement.#rui_hachimura #black_samurai_summit_2026 #ig_arena #axs_japan #akio_masamoto
