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Discover the world of Edo Ball.
The Edo Ball Archive
A Guide to the World of Edo Ball
A living record of the world behind the art. Here, the stories, symbols, and traditions that shape Edo Ball are collected — from the courts and warriors to the spirits and philosophies that define its universe. It’s both history and mythology — a place to explore how the game became legend.
About Edo Ball
the art of basketball
Edo Ball is a world where basketball becomes mythology — a fusion of sport, art, and storytelling inspired by the spirit of Japan’s Edo period. It reimagines the game not as competition, but as philosophy: balance, rhythm, and the endless pursuit of mastery.
Each artwork is a portrait of that idea — warriors, spirits, and courts shaped by culture and emotion. The project began as a personal exploration of how movement and meaning intertwine, then evolved into a living universe of stories, symbols, and design.
Influenced by the elegance of Ukiyo-e, Edo Ball captures fleeting moments of intensity — a leap, a duel, a calm before chaos — preserving them as modern myths. The brushstrokes echo ancient woodblocks; the players move like samurai; the courts become temples.
At its heart, Edo Ball is about the spirit of play — how discipline and creativity can coexist, how the game transcends borders, and how every shot, like every artwork, can tell a story that outlives the moment.
What is Ukiyo-e?
reimagined with basketball
Ukiyo-e (浮世絵) translates to “pictures of the floating world” — a style of Japanese woodblock printing and painting that flourished during the Edo period (1603–1868). It captured a society in transition — vibrant city life, kabuki actors, courtesans, landscapes, and legends — all rendered with bold linework, balanced composition, and a philosophy of impermanence.
The word ukiyo originally meant “sorrowful world,” but in Edo Japan it evolved to mean the fleeting beauty of the present — moments of pleasure, sport, or spirit suspended in time. Ukiyo-e artists such as Hokusai and Hiroshige turned daily life into myth, transforming the ordinary into the eternal.
Edo Ball draws deeply from this same spirit. Each artwork is a modern ukiyo-e — a snapshot of motion, mythology, and meaning. Where the masters once depicted rivers, mountains, and warriors, Edo Ball depicts courts, players, and energy — blending sport and spirituality through the same lens of balance, rhythm, and transience.
In this way, Ukiyo-e is more than an influence — it is the visual and philosophical foundation of Edo Ball: a world where every game becomes art, and every moment becomes legend.
Regions of Edo Ball
four lands four styles of play
The Iron Pines
Defense made sacred.
A frozen northern wilderness of forests, cliffs, and endless snow where silence and discipline define the game. Warriors of the Iron Pines are forged by survival — defense is sacred, teamwork is instinct, and the game itself is a test of endurance.
Region Leader: The Winter Shōgun
Region Sacred Location: The Gateway
Region Court: Temple of Hoops
The Golden Court
Offense as performance.
At the heart of Edo Ball lies the Golden Court — the shining capital of mastery, discipline, and hierarchy. Warriors here play with precision and purpose under the rule of The Eternal Shogun and The Court Emperor. Every match is a performance of control, balance, and legacy.
Region Leader: The Eternal Shogun
Region Sacred Location: Bamboo Season
Region Court: The Journey at Dusk
The Thousand Fans
Rhythm in the streets.
The Thousand Fans region is a land of artistry, expression, and balance. Here, the game becomes performance — every pass, shot, and motion is crafted like art. Players blend creativity with control, guided by artisans who see basketball as a form of design and meditation.
Region Leader: The Rock Maker
Region Sacred Location: Fan of The Game
Region Court: The Waterfall
The Breaker Isles
Power against the storm.
The Breaker Isles are a volcanic archipelago where ocean and fire shape both land and spirit. Life here is unpredictable — storms, eruptions, and passion define the players who call it home. Every game is chaos refined by balance, with warriors, spirits, and courts bound by elemental power.
Region Leader: Bonsai Baller
Region Sacred Location: Support & Stability
Region Court: Isolation Island
Warriors
legends of the lands
The Warriors of Edo Ball embody strength, style, and story — each carrying the eternal spirit that defines the game.
The Windmill
Type: Warrior • Region: Iron Pines
A coastal hooper whose game flows like wind. Known for his graceful spins and effortless dunks, his style represents balance between air and control.
Rivals: Reign Ronin
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Athletic, Flashy, Free | Typhoon Dunk — Spins mid-air for a perfect finish. |
The Winter Shogun
Type: Warrior • Region: Iron Pines
The disciplined ruler of the north, raised by wolves and famed for his defense. He teaches unity, trust, and the strength of the pack.
Allies: The Young Wolf, The Black Bear, The Spirit Snatcher
Links: Story →, Art Print →, Jersey →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Stoic, Defensive, Wise | North Wall Rotation — Creates an unbreakable defense. |
The Young Wolf
Type: Warrior • Region: Iron Pines
Son of The Winter Shogun. Fast, daring, and loyal, he leads his pack through instinct and teamwork, blending northern defense with evolving offense.
Allies: The Winter Shogun
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Adaptable, Loyal, Collaborative | Pack Instinct — Gains strength beside allies. |
The Black Bear
Type: Warrior • Region: Iron Pines
A legend born from friendship between boy and bear. His power and patience rule the Temple of Hoops, teaching that strength grows from calm.
Rivals: The Sumo
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Patient, Powerful, Protective | Bamboo Break — Crushes defenders with raw power. |
The Ice Ronin
Type: Warrior • Region: Iron Pines (Exiled)
A masterless samurai who left the Capital for peace in exile. His play is quiet and exact, like blades through mist — cold, patient, and flawless.
Rivals: The Daimyo (Brother), The Flamed Reaper
Enemies: The Eternal Shogun
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Silent, Cold, Precise | Snowfall Fadeaway — Soft, fatal shot in perfect rhythm. |
Reign Ronin
Type: Warrior • Region: Golden Court
A fearless wanderer who masters flight and hang time. Known for thunderous dunks that strike with power and beauty during mountain storms.
Rivals: The Windmill
Links: Story →, Art Print →, Jersey →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Bold, Confident, Fearless | Thunder Dunk — Leaps high and strikes with lightning force. |
The Shinobi
Type: Warrior • Region: Golden Court
A silent shadow who once served the Emperor. He masters deception and speed, moving unseen through the court to strike before defenders react.
Allies: The Court Emperor, The Eternal Shogun
Links: Story →, Art Print →, Jersey →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Silent, Elusive, Deadly | Shadow Step — Passes through opponents unseen. |
Block Mountain
Type: Warrior • Region: Golden Court
The Emperor’s unyielding guardian. His defense stands like stone, a living wall that defines the rhythm of the Capital’s courts.
Allies: The Eternal Shogun
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Noble, Protective, Towering | Stone Defense — Forms an immovable rim barrier. |
The Daimyo
Type: Warrior • Region: Golden Court
A strategist and ruler of the Capital’s courts. His leadership mirrors his play — balanced, deliberate, and always one move ahead.
Allies: The Eternal Shogun, The Court Emperor
Rivals: The Ice Ronin (Brother)
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Wise, Commanding, Tactical | Imperial Order — Restores balance and control mid-game. |
The Eternal Shogun
Type: Warrior • Region: Golden Court
The disciplined ruler of the Golden Court. His calm authority shapes every aspect of the game, turning order into power and play into purpose.
Allies: The Court Emperor, The Daimyo, The Shinobi, The Last Samurai
Enemies: The Ice Ronin, Bonsai Baller
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Powerful, Loyal, Strategic | Commanding Presence — Inspires allies to act as one. |
The Court Emperor
Type: Warrior • Region: Golden Court
Philosopher and ruler of the Capital, uniting basketball under one empire. His vision of order and discipline defines the Golden Court’s perfection.
Allies: The Eternal Shogun, The Daimyo, The Shinobi
Enemies: The Swamp Ronin
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Regal, Unshakable, Insightful | Imperial Vision — Reads the game before it unfolds. |
The Last Samurai
Type: Warrior • Region: Golden Court
A living embodiment of Bushidō and loyalty. His calm and courage preserve the Golden Court’s legacy through discipline and resilience.
Allies: The Eternal Shogun
Followed By: The Offseason, Spirit of the Mamba
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Brave, Disciplined, Resilient | Final Stand — Grows stronger when outnumbered. |
The Court Trainer
Type: Warrior • Region: Golden Court
Mentor and craftsman of the next generation. His dedication to training and mastery keeps the spirit of the Golden Court alive.
Allies: The Court Emperor, The Eternal Shogun
Links: Story →, Art Print →, Jersey →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Passionate, Skillful, Focused | Spirit Drill — Boosts team rhythm and focus mid-game. |
Air Geisha
Type: Warrior • Region: Thousand Fans
A performer turned hooper whose play flows like dance. Her movements blend rhythm, grace, and flair — basketball as performance art.
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Elegant, Playful, Charismatic | Aerial Performance — Executes flawless hang-time motion. |
The Rock Maker
Type: Warrior • Region: Thousand Fans
A master craftsman who once forged weapons, now shaping Edo Balls from stone. His patience and skill preserve the spirit of creation.
Allies: The Rock, Spirit of the Game
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Patient, Loyal, Grounded | Stone Craft — Creates perfect rhythm through precision. |
The Master Gardener
Type: Warrior • Region: Thousand Fans
A former warrior turned cultivator who grows living courts of bamboo and stone. She represents balance, patience, and quiet strength.
Allies: The Court Emperor (commissioner)
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Nurturing, Spiritual, Artistic | Rooted Guard — Defends with natural calm and grace. |
The Spring Samurai
Type: Warrior • Region: Thousand Fans
A masked warrior who plays with focus and flow. His game represents renewal, blending precision with fierce intensity.
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Fearless, Focused, Intense | Mask of Renewal — Regains strength through ritual motion. |
The Ikebana All Stars
Type: Warrior Collective • Region: Thousand Fans
A team of artisans who play as if arranging flowers — their movement elegant, cooperative, and fleetingly beautiful.
Led By: Air Geisha
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Harmonious, Graceful, Transient | Blossom Flow — Turns play into art through rhythm and timing. |
The Sumo
Type: Warrior • Region: Breaker Isles
A powerhouse shaped by volcanic soil. His movements are heavy yet graceful, his defense unshakable — a monument of grounded strength.
Rivals: The Black Bear
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Dominant, Proud, Grounded | Volcanic Seal — Plants deep and holds position immovably. |
The Blood Ronin
Type: Warrior • Region: Breaker Isles
A fiery wanderer who channels volcanic energy through twin flaming nunchaku. His game burns with chaos and brilliance in equal measure.
Rivals: The Spring Samurai
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Fierce, Loyal, Unpredictable | Nunchaku Spin — Strikes through defenders in blazing rhythm. |
The Tide Twins
Type: Warriors • Region: Breaker Isles
Twin shooters from a fishing village whose shots rise and fall like the sea. Their synchronized play embodies perfect balance and flow.
Guided By: The Flamed Reaper
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Confident, Playful, Precise | Twin Splash — Dual attacks in perfect shooting rhythm. |
Spirits
forces of the underworld
The Spirits of Edo Ball drift between worlds—born of instinct, devotion, and myth. Each is an unseen force, its echo lingering beyond the living realm.
The Ghost
Type: Spirit • Region: Iron Pines
A yūrei who never came down from a perfect leap. Known for haunting mid-air moments and possessing players caught in the rhythm of the game.
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Vengeful, Mysterious, Fearless | Haunting Step — Appears, steals, then vanishes. |
Spirit of the Mamba
Type: Spirit • Region: Iron Pines
Born from obsession and repetition beneath the Temple of Hoops. It inhabits those who play with relentless purpose — demanding excellence above all.
Follows: The Offseason, The Last Samurai
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Relentless, Focused, Unbreakable | Mamba Possession — Ignites cold-blooded instinct. |
The Spirit Snatcher
Type: Spirit • Region: Iron Pines
A finisher spirit called forth in the final moments of tight games. He steals resolve from opponents and delivers calm to those who trust the moment.
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Clutch, Calculated, Ruthless | Last Possession — Absorbs rival willpower in clutch time. |
The Swamp Ronin
Type: Spirit • Region: Golden Court (Haunts North)
A vengeful spirit haunting the wetlands near the Capital. Once a samurai of the old Emperor, he now guards his past in fog and silence.
Loyal To: Old Emperor (Thousand Fans)
Enemies: The Court Emperor
Links: Story →, Art Print →, Jersey →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Vengeful, Haunted, Cunning | Marsh Grip — Slows and traps opponents in place. |
Spirit of the Game
Type: Spirit • Region: Thousand Fans
The original spirit of Edo Ball, born from the discovery of The Rock. It embodies purpose, rhythm, and the pure connection between player and game.
Found: The Rock at The Cascading Game
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Eternal, Wise, Foundational | Ancestral Rhythm — Aligns heart and motion with the court. |
The Rock
Type: Spirit • Region: Thousand Fans
The first Edo Ball and the foundation of the game. Its presence represents truth, balance, and the eternal rhythm shared by all players.
Found By: Spirit of the Game
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Honest, Grounded, Balanced | Truth Bounce — Reveals fairness through the ball’s path. |
The Bunny
Type: Spirit • Region: Breaker Isles
A mythic yōkai of the southern Isles, known for impossible leaps and joyful play. Its legend celebrates freedom and lightness of heart.
Trained At: The Windmill
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Joyful, Explosive, Light | Sky Hop — Uses air itself as a spring for flight. |
Bonsai Baller
Type: Spirit/Warrior • Region: Breaker Isles
Guardian of the southern lands, a patient master who blends nature and basketball through control, focus, and perfect balance.
Enemies: The Eternal Shogun
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Patient, Artistic, Disciplined | Rooted Fade — Shoots with serene, flawless form. |
The Flamed Reaper
Type: Spirit • Region: Breaker Isles
The spirit of fire and shooting rhythm. Each perfect shot ignites his power until the whole court feels his flame.
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Passionate, Fearless, Intense | Firestorm Run — Scores in rapid streaks of momentum. |
Object of Desire
Type: Spirit • Region: Breaker Isles
The embodiment of obsession with the game. Appears as a glowing ball that drives players to chase perfection beyond reason.
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Obsessive, Alluring, Powerful | Possession Fever — Draws all attention toward the rock. |
The Offseason
Type: Spirit • Region: Breaker Isles
The restless ghost of progress that haunts players during downtime. It pushes warriors to train, rebuild, and rise again when the court is silent.
Follows: Spirit of the Mamba, The Last Samurai
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Ability |
|---|---|
| Restless, Hopeful, Obsessive | Renewal Cycle — Converts restlessness into future strength. |
Locations
Where sacred courts meet hidden arenas.
From snow-capped temples to coastal cliffs, each location in Edo Ball tells a story, shaped by the warriors, spirits, and legends that keep the game alive.
The Great Game
Type: Location • Region: Iron Pines
Coastal court where the sea mirrors the rhythm of play. Matches shift like tides — momentum swings fast, teaching humility and respect for the game.
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Effect |
|---|---|
| Fluid, Spiritual, Eternal | Harmony of Motion — Restores rhythm... |
Temple of Hoops
Type: Location • Region: Iron Pines
A mountaintop stone court carved from rock, where players climb twenty-one steps to face the sacred game. Each shot echoes through valleys like prayer.
Guarded By: The Black Bear
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Effect |
|---|---|
| Sacred, Enduring, Spiritual | Bell of Balance — Calms the spirit... |
The Gateway
Type: Location • Region: Iron Pines
A crimson torii marking the meeting point of all hoopers. Beneath the falling snow, strangers become teammates — basketball as a bridge between worlds.
Guarded By: The Winter Shogun & Pack
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Effect |
|---|---|
| Sacred, Protective, Eternal | Torii’s Calm — Eases pressure... |
The Graveyard
Type: Location • Region: Iron Pines
A misty court where agility meets silence. The lone samurai known as The Gravekeeper rules here — his crossovers so sharp they haunt defenders forever.
Haunted By: The Ghost, The Spirit Snatcher
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Effect |
|---|---|
| Mysterious, Fast, Tricky | Echo of the Fallen — Boosts agility... |
Journey at Dusk
Type: Location • Region: Golden Court
A high mountain court reached by a narrow bridge, where warriors test endurance beneath the fading light. The air is thin, the path treacherous, and every game a lesson in resolve.
| Traits | Effect |
|---|---|
| Dangerous, Sacred, Unforgiving | Bridge of Resolve — Sharpens focus... |
Bamboo Season
Type: Location • Region: Golden Court
A tranquil training ground surrounded by bamboo. Warriors study patience and balance as the stalks move with the wind, learning to bend without breaking.
Training Ground For: The Shinobi
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Effect |
|---|---|
| Flexible, Peaceful, Growing | Canopy Calm — Restores stamina... |
Cascading Game
Type: Location • Region: Golden Court
A serene waterfall court where the first Edo Ball was discovered. The steady rhythm of falling water teaches harmony, focus, and the flow of play.
Origin Of: The Rock
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Effect |
|---|---|
| Serene, Meditative, Evolving | Flow State — Unlocks full coordination... |
Eternal Blossom
Type: Location • Region: Thousand Fans
A spring court blanketed in cherry blossoms. Players gather here to honor renewal, playing with harmony and connection as petals fall across the lines.
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Effect |
|---|---|
| Romantic, Serene, Hopeful | Love of the Game — Strengthens bonds... |
The Waterfall
Type: Location • Region: Thousand Fans
A narrow cliffside court beside a roaring waterfall. Focus and precision are vital here, as every movement must balance calm and control.
Ruled By: The Spring Samurai
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Effect |
|---|---|
| Precise, Powerful, Calm | Mist Focus — Clears distractions... |
Fan of the Game
Type: Location • Region: Thousand Fans
A communal summer court where players of all regions meet. Laughter and play define this space, celebrating the joy of basketball itself.
Hosted By: The Ikebana All Stars
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Effect |
|---|---|
| Harmonious, Communal, Joyful | Court Harmony — Restores balance... |
The Eternal Emperor
Type: Location • Region: Thousand Fans (Statue)
A vast unfinished statue of the old Emperor, standing as both warning and inspiration. Its half-carved face watches the Capital eternally.
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Effect |
|---|---|
| Monumental, Revered, Somber | Legacy Aura — Inspires respect... |
Blossom Ball
Type: Location • Region: Breaker Isles
A seaside court born from a garden planted in volcanic soil. Flowers bloom through the lines, turning each play into a living expression of creativity.
Planted By: The Ikebana All Stars
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Effect |
|---|---|
| Creative, Fertile, Radiant | Garden Touch — Enhances finesse... |
Support & Stability
Type: Location • Region: Breaker Isles
A grounded court built around a great tree that survived a flood. The players here embody endurance, teamwork, and balance through hardship.
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Effect |
|---|---|
| Resilient, Communal, Enduring | Flood Guard — Maintains stability... |
Isolation Island
Type: Location • Region: Breaker Isles
A remote stone court surrounded by open sea. Warriors come here to test pure skill — alone, without noise, against the rhythm of the ocean.
Frequented By: The Spring Samurai
Links: Story →, Art Print →
| Traits | Effect |
|---|---|
| Rugged, Lonely, Honorable | Trial of One — Strengthens mastery... |
Terminology & Lore
glossary and terms of edo ball
This glossary explains key cultural and spiritual terms that shape the world of Edo Ball — where Japanese history, myth, and the spirit of the game intertwine. From emperors and samurai to spirits and symbols, these words define the philosophy, rhythm, and soul of the Edo Ball universe.
Emperor (Tennō)
The symbolic ruler of the realm — seen as divine, representing balance and destiny. In Edo Ball, the Emperor embodies vision, order, and legacy, guiding the Golden Court through philosophy rather than force.
Shogun
The supreme military commander and true power beneath the Emperor. Shoguns rule through discipline and unity — in Edo Ball, they represent leadership through control, turning chaos into structure.
Daimyō
Regional lords who govern territories under the Shogun. They balance loyalty with ambition, shaping how their courts play and train. In Edo Ball, Daimyō symbolize strategy, mentorship, and governance of play.
Samurai
Warriors bound by Bushidō — the way of honor, courage, and mastery. In Edo Ball, samurai are the core players of the world: disciplined, spiritual, and devoted to refining the game as an art form.
Craftsmen (Shokunin)
Masters of creation and detail — from swordsmiths to court builders. In Edo Ball, craftsmen forge the equipment, spaces, and even the Edo Balls themselves, representing patience, mastery, and devotion to craft.
The Rock (Edo Ball Origin)
The first Edo Ball, carved from stone in ancient times — the origin of the game and its eternal symbol. “The Rock” embodies truth, rhythm, and the unbreakable bond between player and game.
Shinobi
Silent agents of stealth and deception. Unlike samurai, they rely on speed, precision, and cunning. In Edo Ball, the shinobi represents creativity under pressure and mastery of unseen movement.
Rōnin
A samurai without a master — wandering, proud, and self-driven. In Edo Ball, rōnin players embody freedom and rebellion, shaping their own path in defiance of hierarchy.
Yōkai
Spirits, demons, or supernatural beings from Japanese folklore. In the world of Edo Ball, yōkai appear as manifestations of emotion and rhythm — haunting courts, guiding warriors, or testing them in unseen ways.
Bonsai
The art of cultivating miniature trees — patience and control over nature. Within Edo Ball, bonsai symbolizes balance, discipline, and beauty born through restraint — much like the game itself.
Spirit of the Game
The guiding force that connects all players, courts, and eras. Neither human nor divine, it is the rhythm that binds the Edo Ball universe — the echo of every bounce, pass, and prayer for perfection.
Torii
A sacred gate marking the threshold between the human and spiritual worlds. In Edo Ball, it symbolizes transition, purity, and the connection between realms — a passage to play with purpose.
Bushidō
The code of the samurai — honor, duty, and discipline. In Edo Ball, it reflects respect for the game and the idea that true mastery lies in character as much as skill.
Kamon
Family or clan crests used throughout Japan’s history. In Edo Ball, kamon designs mark team identity, legacy, and honor, decorating uniforms, courts, and banners across the regions.
Sensei
A teacher or mentor — one who passes knowledge from generation to generation. In Edo Ball, the sensei preserves tradition and discipline, teaching that growth comes through guidance.
Yūrei
Ghosts bound by emotion or unfinished purpose. In Edo Ball, they drift between worlds — echoes of players or spirits who linger where games once changed fate.
Explore The World of Edo Ball
