Rui Hachimura
Awards & Honours
7
Awards Won
4
Honours
4
Rankings
6
Covers
3
Records
Rui Hachimura has broken multiple barriers for Japanese basketball. He was the first Japanese-born player ever drafted in the NBA lottery and the first Japanese national to appear in the NCAA Division I men's tournament. He also became the first Japanese player to score 30 points in an NBA game. In Japan, he received the Prime Minister's Award for his contributions to sports in 2020 and was named to Forbes Japan's 30 Under 30 list. His signature shoe line with Jordan Brand and his own clothing brand "Rui 8" have further cemented his influence as a cultural icon in Japan.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
First Japanese-born player drafted in NBA lottery
Selected 9th overall by Washington Wizards, the highest draft pick ever for a Japanese player.
First Japanese national to appear in NCAA Division I men's tournament
Played for Gonzaga in the 2017 NCAA tournament.
Japanese Prime Minister's Award
Awarded for outstanding contributions to sports and inspiring the nation.
Forbes Japan 30 Under 30
Listed as one of Japan's most influential young figures.
Rankings & Lists
Forbes Japan 30 Under 30
ESPN Top 100 NBA Players
Bleacher Report Top 100 NBA Players
The Athletic NBA Player Tiers
Magazine Covers
Sports Illustrated
February 2020
The Japanese Phenom
Forbes Japan
December 2020
The Face of Japanese Basketball
GQ Japan
March 2021
Rui Hachimura: The New Wave
Vogue Japan
July 2021
Homecoming (Olympics special)
ESPN The Magazine
2021
The Body Issue
SLAM Magazine
January 2023
L.A. Story
Records & Feats
First Japanese-born player drafted in NBA lottery
Selected 9th overall in 2019, the highest draft pick ever for a Japanese player.
First Japanese national to appear in NCAA Division I men's tournament
Played for Gonzaga in the 2017 NCAA tournament.
First Japanese player to score 30 points in an NBA game
Scored 30 points for the Washington Wizards against the Chicago Bulls on December 31, 2020.