#Japan #Tokyo #Seahorse Mikawa #U18 Select Team #Takashi Takashima

Seahorse Mikawa U18's Exciting Journey at the B.LEAGUE U18 International Cup 2026

The Seahorse Mikawa basketball team is set to make waves in the world of youth basketball as they prepare for their participation in the upcoming B.LEAGUE U18 International Cup 2026. Scheduled from February 10 to February 15, 2026, this prestigious tournament will be held at the National Yoyogi Gymnasium Second Gymnasium in Tokyo. Among the significant highlights of this event is the appointment of Kazuaki Takashima, the head coach of Seahorse Mikawa U18, as the head coach for the B.LEAGUE U18 Select Team.

A New Chapter for Mikata and Takashima

Joining Takashima on this notable journey is Kanta Mikata, a rising star who has just received his first call-up to the U18 Select Team. This represents an exciting opportunity for both coach and player to showcase their talents on an international stage. Takashima, born on February 25, 1984, hails from Ibaraki and has a rich basketball coaching background that includes his tenure with teams like Aisin Seahorses, Tsukuba Robots, and even Yokohama B-Corsairs.

Tournament Structure and Team Composition

The B.LEAGUE U18 International Cup will feature two groups, Group A and Group B, each consisting of four teams. The U18 selection team will face off against formidable opponents, including the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins U18, Osaka Evessa U18, and the U18 Selection Team from Victoria, Australia. On the other side, Group B includes teams like Leopalace21 Hokkaido U18 and ALBA Berlin U18 from Germany.

The tournament kicks off with the preliminary league matches running from February 10 to February 12. The knockout stages, which will determine the finalists and the playoff positions, will take place from February 14 to February 15. Each match promises to be an intense showcase of emerging talent from around the globe.

Match Schedule

Preliminary League Matches:

• - February 10, 2026 at 13:00 - vs. Victoria U18 Selection
• - February 11, 2026 at 09:30 - vs. Nagoya Diamond Dolphins U18
• - February 12, 2026 at 13:00 - vs. Osaka Evessa U18

As the Seahorse Mikawa U18 team gears up for this unprecedented opportunity, fans are encouraged to tune in for live coverage on the B.LEAGUE’s official YouTube channel. With the energy and dedication displayed by both Takashima and Mikata, optimism runs high among the supporters of Seahorse Mikawa.

This tournament not only marks an important milestone in their young careers but also showcases the future stars of Japanese basketball as they take on the formidable challenge of competing internationally. The camaraderie and skill displayed by these young athletes will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of players.

Join us as we follow the journey of Kazuaki Takashima and Kanta Mikata, cheer for their success, and witness the future of basketball unfold on the international stage.