“You know, it means a lot for me and my family,” Rui Hachimura said, reflecting on his historic 2019 NBA Draft selection. As the first Japanese player picked in the first round and only the second Japanese-born player drafted, Rui knew what he had achieved. When he joined the Washington Wizards, Rui carried the pride of his family with every step he took—and now, as his path leads him to the Los Angeles Lakers, it’s time to explore the family that’s been behind him from the very start.
What is so unique about Rui Hachimura’s diverse heritage? Exploring details about his parents and their roots.
Rui Hachimura’s background is so interesting that it has given a very different twist to his journey to the NBA. His father, Zakari Jabil, hails from Benin, which is a French-speaking country in West Africa. His mother, Makiko Hachimura, is Japanese. This means his family hails from both ends of the world. However, the couple raised their children in Sendai, Japan. Here, his race stood out as a mixed-race individual in a predominantly Japanese society.
Rui admitted the experience wasn’t always easy in 2019. “They looked at me like I was different. I got used to it. It is what it is because they don’t have but so many Black people in Japan.” Despite the challenges, he always learned to embrace his identity.
Well, it wasn’t just him; even his father, Zakari, also faced the same struggles as a Black man in Japan. “I think it was hard for him, but he’s a real friendly guy and can communicate with the people,” Rui shared. “He didn’t feel sorry for himself.” This attitude undoubtedly shaped Rui’s own resilience.
Despite the obstacles, Rui takes immense pride in his mixed heritage, which is half-African and half-Japanese. He calls it rare, and he’s glad to be one. Well, it’s actually quite different in the NBA. Mostly, we have only heard about African Americans or European Americans. So, this clearly makes him his race a quite special.
Even his name itself holds significance. “Rui” means “base” in Japanese, tying to his love for basketball. And the number 8 jersey he wears? It’s a tribute to both Kobe Bryant and his family’s legacy, as “Hachimura” means “No. 8” in Japanese. Oh, what a use of brain!
However, talking about his parents’ love and support for Rui’s basketball journey, they go miles long. Even with a 16-hour time difference between Japan and the U.S., the hooper’s family found creative ways to keep up with his games. “They watch every single game. They’ve been watching me play basketball since I started playing,” he explained. This dedication was a constant reminder of how far Rui had come.
He is a combination of his parents; as per him, he gets his body from his father and the willingness to keep making efforts from my mother. So, this makes him a perfect combo of both parents. However, if you notice his mother’s surname, you will understand where he got his surname, Hachimura, from his mom.
Looking back at Rui’s story, you will see how his parents’ unwavering support and his unique heritage continue to fuel his passion and drive for success. From helping him face racism to supporting him wherever he goes, the Hachimura family’s pride and deep love shine through in Rui’s every move on and off the court. So, now that we have seen his parents and their story, let’s look into his siblings.
Who are Rui Hachimura’s siblings?
He has two younger siblings—sister Amina and brother Allen, also known as Aren. They are both his competitors. It’s because both of them are hoopers, too. Amina may have kept a low profile, but her accomplishments do the talking. She played basketball in high school and later at Lewis-Clark State College in Idaho. And guess what? There, she earned recognition as an Academic All-American, balancing both athletics and academics. She has also pursued art and modeling, showcasing her work in exhibitions and advertisements.
Aren, Rui’s younger brother, also shares the same passion for basketball. He played at Meisei High School, where he helped his team win national championships. He later continued his basketball career at Tokai University. As of 2024, Aren plays for the Gunma Crane Thunders in Japan’s B.League. Which tells that he’s following in Rui’s footsteps.
In 2018, Amina visited Rui in Spokane for the first time to see him play. He expressed how much it meant to him. “I really wanted them to come, especially my sister, because she’s never been here before,” he said. Her presence reminded him of his roots and added extra motivation to his game.
Each sibling supports Rui in their own way, but it’s clear that family is everything. Rui often speaks about the love and pride he feels for his siblings, who have their own paths but still share a deep connection. Their collective journey, from Japan to the basketball courts, has helped shape Rui into the player and person he is today.
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