THE LAST SAMURAI —最後の侍

In the storied realm of Edo Ball, countless warriors have emerged, showcasing their skills on the court, yet one stands alone, immortalized as The Last Samurai. This warrior's legend was forged in a momentous duel against an army of sharpshooting archers in one of the most epic shogunate battles ever witnessed. The decisive battle symbolized the essence of the samurai, encapsulating the spirit of Bushido, the warrior's code. It not only shaped the Last Samurai's enduring legacy but also paved the way for a code that future samurais would live by.

THE CASCADING GAME — 段々滝遊戯

Deep within the tranquil mountains, a seasoned basketball traveler discovers his sanctuary. Seated amidst the towering cliffs of a majestic gorge, he was captivated by the untamed beauty surrounding him, immersing himself in the love that basketball ignites within his soul. The waterfall that lies ahead holds a legendary status among hoopers—a cascading flow of water that eternally reshapes and evolves the rocks in its path.

BLOSSOM BALL — ボールの開花

For the hoopers who played, basketball was more than just a sport or a pastime. It was a way of life, a passion that burned deep within their souls. With each new game they played, they felt the seed of the game growing stronger, blossoming into something beautiful and powerful. Hoopers knew from the day they found the game that it would be there to stay but not many could visualize how encompassing the game would be.

THE BLACK BEAR — 黒いくま

The Black Bear Baller, a formidable and legendary warrior, had conquered courts across the vast expanse of the land. However, unbeknownst to many, he owed much of his prowess to an unusual ally he had befriended in his youth: a colossal black bear.

The two always worked as a team and were fearless in battle.

THE WATERFALL — 滝

The Waterfall was more than just a backdrop to their game. It was a force to be reckoned with, an elemental power that demanded respect and skill from those who dared to play in its shadow. Every shot that was taken had to be precise, every movement had to be deliberate, or The Waterfall would claim its victim.

THE ROCK MAKER — 芸術家

The Rock Maker was known for his unparalleled skill in creating basketballs from the finest stone of street ball courts across the land. The rocks he created were like no other, each one unique in shape, size, and texture. They were also known for their durability, able to withstand the toughest games on the court.

TEMPLE OF HOOPS — バスケの寺

The journey to the Temple of Hoops was never easy. It was a rigorous hike that required stamina, endurance, and a love for the game. But the players who made the journey knew it was worth it. The 21 stairs they climbed to reach the great hanging bell of basketball were a symbol of the game's importance to them. It was a spiritual experience that connected them to something greater than themselves.

THE FLAMED REAPER — 火の死神

Hand-forged by countless hours in the gym, the reaper had the unreal ability to get hot quickly in the game of basketball. It only took a bucket or two for a spark to catch fire and eventually grow into an uncontrollable fire which fueled the reaper’s confidence and game.

THE ETERNAL BLOSSOM — 永久の開花

Lovers of the game and each other, they went their separate ways at the end of each summer. Although they were forced to part ways each year, their passion for the game and for each other never diminished.

As the winter months passed, they held onto the memories of their time together on the court, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the sakura blossoms once more. And when the winds of spring carried the delicate petals to the ground, they returned to the court where their love and their game first bloomed, ready to make more memories and baskets together.

SUPPORT AND STABILITY — 安定と支え

The story of a tree growing around the basketball hoop had been passed down through generations. As the tales go, the hoop was originally set up in a quiet village that was eventually overrun by a massive flood. 

As the years passed, the tree grew taller and stronger, its roots spreading deep into the ground to support the hoop and the court around it. The tree became a symbol of Support and Stability, a reminder to players that even as the game evolved and changed, the fundamentals of the game remained the same.

EMPEROR EMBIID

Emperor Embiid's path to rebuilding the Sixers Shogunate wasn't an easy one. His passion for the game of basketball inspired him to create a new vision for his people, one where they could find strength and unity through their love for the game. With his team of warriors by his side, he fought tirelessly to restore their once-great empire.

Despite many setbacks and obstacles along the way, the Emperor refused to give up. His determination and leadership led the Shogunate to victory after victory, until they became a competing powerhouse of the land.

THE SHINOBI — 忍者

The Shinobi was a master of the art of deception, trained in the way of the ninja from a young age. Their skills were unmatched, and they could move silently and unseen through the shadows, striking their opponents with deadly precision.

At basketball courts across the land, the Shinobi left behind a trail of origami shuriken (throwing star) as a testament to their presence. No one knew who the Shinobi was or where they came from, but everyone feared them.

KATANA KEMBA — 刀

Katana Kemba was not always the triumphant leader he is today. As a young samurai, he struggled to find his place among the Charlotte clan. But Kemba was determined to prove his worth, and spent countless hours training his offensive skills and perfecting his signature double katana crossover.

But Kemba never let his success go to his head. He remained humble and focused, always striving to improve his game and lead his clan to victory. For three consecutive years, Kemba has fought his way into the All Star game, cementing his place in history as one of the greatest Samurai to ever grace the hardwood.

Created exclusively for Kemba Walker.

EMPEROR POP — 皇

As the room settles into a hushed silence, Emperor Popovich sits and invites questions at the Imperial Palace post-game press conference. As the media of the land gather at the Imperial Palace, the room is filled with an air of reverence and anticipation.

With a glass of rare and costly sake by his side, the Emperor Popovich, a towering figure in the history of the Imperial NBA, takes a seat in the elegant hallway of the imperial palace, ready to speak to his devoted followers.

SPIRIT OF THE GAME — 試合霊

As the final full moon of the season rises in the sky, players from all corners of the land gather to prepare for battle. They know that father time is an opponent that cannot be defeated, but they strive to push their limits and extend their journey in the game.

As the night grows darker, the gateway to the underworld opens, and the spirits of the game begin to emerge. They are the guardians of the game, bringing with them their own journey and passion. Only the strongest and most determined are granted access to the Hall of Yūrei, the sacred space where the greatest basketball players of all time are enshrined.

JAMES GARDEN BONSAI HARDEN — 盆栽

The time and craft put into the Japanese art of Bonsai planting is only comparable to the dedication and grooming of the beard and his game. 

Like a seed grows in soil, Harden and his team have slowly grown a special team which finished as the #1 seed in the 2017-2018 season. As his beard grew so did his game and in 2018 he was awarded the league’s MVP trophy. 

THE MASK — 面頬

Samurai Kyrie is an assassin on the court. His lightning-quick handle and reaction time has defenders out of position at every turn and myth has said that his speed is even faster when he is equipped with The Mask. 

The combined result of Samurai Kyrie and his Mempō mask was an unstoppable warrior who drove fear and despair into defenders all over the league. 

SHOGUN JAMES — EDO NIGHTS — 将軍

Every great shogunate can easily crumble under the pressure and conflict caused within the Imperial Edo Ball association. Like Japan’s capital moved from Kyoto to Edo (Tokyo) in 1868, Shōgun James also moved his shogunate from Cleveland to Los Angeles on July 10, 2018 in search of greater lands and warlords to conqueror.

With the new capital came new weapons. Shōgun James joined forces with a new set of ronins and has crafted a new set of battle weapons and armor to ready his forces for the upcoming season.

MT MUTOMBO — 山

Standing at 3,289 blocks tall, Mt. Mutombo is one of the toughest climbs in the association. Only a handful have ever reached the summit and many expeditions have been turned back at Finger Wag base camp. 

THE DAIMYO — 大名

The Daimyō (大名) refers to Japanese lords who ruled over the country from the 10th to mid 19th century subordinate only to the shogun. Dame like the Daimyō has risen to prominence after often being overlooked early on in his NBA career. With a relentless work ethic and dedication to the game Damian Lillard is looking to expand his rule from the Northwest Division ward to the Western Conference Prefecture and finally the entire league. 

THE WINDMILL— 風車

North of the border the Raptors were gifted one of the greatest leapers of all time in Vince Carter. A high flying performer with some of the greatest vertical leaps of all time, Vince was given the nickname Air Canada after his home court arena in Toronto, Canada. 

THE WOLFPACK — 強狼

Winter is coming in the north and the Timberwolves have bred a new pack leader in Karl-Anthony Towns. Young, resilient and constantly earning more respect in the NBA hierarchy, KAT is ready to expand the packs territory.

While individual wolves have been able to overpower larger prey, their advantage is in collaborating with their pack. The pack uses their conditions and surroundings to their advantage and will look to venture over tough terrain in the west to make it to the promised land, the playoffs.

THE GATEWAY — 鳥居

The Torii is a gateway that signals the transition from the profane to the sacred in Shinto religion. In many ways basketball is a gateway for people and their communities. The game offers a special sacred place to make friends, laugh and share stories. A place where people go to escape real life and come together as one to strengthen bonds and community.

THE OFFSEASON — 休憩

The four seasons are distinct and beautiful, but there is a fifth season for basketball fans,  The Offseason. As the season ends the offseason begins, players and fans of the game have time to rest, repair and become one with the game.

One of the most beautiful spectacles of the offseason is the numerous trades and signings you can observe, which can be compared to the Japanese cherry blossom, commonly known as sakura.

THE DIRKIRYO — 生霊

Dirk Nowitzki in the 2011 playoffs could not be stopped, he was possessed. Round after round of the playoffs he took his oppositions souls and left them as Ikiryō.

Ikiryō are the souls of still-living people which have left their bodies and move about on their own. Ikiryō commonly appear due to some intense emotion, trauma, or the lack of ability to guard a fadeaway jump shot. 

THE DURANTULA — 戦闘

The 2016 NBA season saw a new rivalry in the association. The Durantula and The Brodie were once a team, a force and very close to winning it all. Then it all changed.

The following season saw them facing each other as rivals, competing for trophies and ultimately getting it done in different ways. Durant won a championship, Westbrook won MVP, but this didn’t simmer the saltiness. The Warriors remain the champions but Westbrook has gathered a crew of samurai’s and is ready to challenge The Durantula again.

AIR GEISHA — 空気芸者

The air up there is pure. The Air Geisha are entertainers and are thoroughly trained in art, style and hang time. There has not been many who have made it to these heights throughout history besides the Air Geisha. The last to achieve an Air status in Edo Ball was the GOAT, Michael Jordan. 

THE GREEK RONIN — 兵士

Giannis Antetokounmpo is your modern-day gladiator, the new warrior and the new face of the game. Born in Athens, Greece, The Greek Ronin is a truly unique player. Not only is it special that he came from a culture far from the NBA but his skill set and size is unlike anything seen before.

No legion will be left standing.

THE BRODIE — 漢

Russell Westbrook is The Brodie.

The real dude, the people’s man, the fashionista, the MVP, the man. Russ brings a unique vibe to every game and situation, wether it’s his record breaking triple-double season, his famous media interviews or just his loveable approach to life with the ’Why Not?’ mentality.

Here Russ channels his inner Brodie, flexing his Westbrook Frames while contemplating who to samurai next. Why not?

THE SUMO — 相撲

Inspired by Shaquille O'Neal who was one of the most dominant players ever in the NBA. At 7 ft 1' and tipping the scales at 325 lb, he can easily be compared to Japan's finest sumo wrestlers.  It wasn't only about this size though, his agility and coordination were comparable to many guards. 

WHITE CHOCOLATE — ホワイトチョコレート

Jason Williams played in the NBA for 12 years as a point-guard and built a reputation for his street style of play. Due to his flashy style of play, Williams was given the nickname "White Chocolate".

Nobody was as pure with the ball and creating for his team in such a unique way. He was popular with team mates and fans. His popularity has continued well after his career and his highlights can be found sprinkled throughout youtube.

THE SPLASH BROTHERS — スプラッシュ兄弟

Steph Curry & Klay Thompson are The Splash Brothers, the starting PG & SG duo of the Golden State Warriors. The Splash Brothers nickname refers to the duo's ability to "splash" the net with the ball, particularly on three-point shots.

Arguably two of the greatest shooters of all-time, The Splash Brothers can make it rain from anywhere on the court. The shooting range, quickness of release and fundamentally sound shooting form makes them a tough cover for anyone. 

THE GHOST — 幽霊

The second of the two original artworks which inspired the series. Yūrei is a faint spirit or also a ghost in the Japanese culture and religion. There are many different types of Yūrei, and they differ in many ways depending on the circumstances on their death. 

THE BUNNY — ウサギ

Bunnies, hops, ups or just jumping. Every ball player wants as much bunnies as possible, the higher you can jump the greater the dunk. This iconic coastal scene capturing the explosiveness of a basketball dunk is sure to impress.

There have been many great jumpers over the years but maybe none better than Half-Man Half-Amazing, Vince Carter. 

THE ROCK — 岩は

One of the two original artworks which inspired the series. The Rock (a nickname for the basketball) is the centrepiece in the game of basketball. It lives, it gives, it takes away and the rock never lies. 

Maybe the most amazing attribute of The Rock is it's ability to bring people together from all cultures, religions and backgrounds. Anybody can get in a game and shoot The Rock.

THE OBJECT OF DESIRE — 欲望

The one and only Object of Desire, the basketball. The sleepless nights after a bad game, the summer afternoons with the squad at the park. Fans of the game are born with the desire to play, to compete and to be involved in the culture of the game.

SHOGUN JAMES — 将軍

The Shōgun held absolute power throughout Japan for hundreds of years, with dominance comparable to that of a King.

Even though the Shogunate within Japan ended in 1868, a new Shogunate begun in 2003 lead by Shōgun James, who is still in power to this current day. Shōgun James has continually been the most powerful force within the association, dominating his 14 year career, proving year after year that there is still no general in the league who can take his place on the throne.

THE REAPER — 死神

Shinigami is the death reaper in the Japanese culture and religion and is responsible for inviting people to the underworld.

Shinigami was present on March 10, 2013 at a Detroit Pistons, LA Clippers game and is assumed to have been behind the vicious dunk by DeAndre Jordan on
Brandon Knight.

THE KLAW — 鉤爪

Kawaii! And Kawhi Leonard, a.k.a The Klaw. A two way player for the San Antonio Spurs who is known for his
defensive prowess.

Sporting a long wingspan and extremely large hands makes The Klaw a nuisance on the defensive end of the court. Kawhi is also the leader of the Cornrow Club, being one of the last NBA players to rock cornrows.