A new basketball league launched on Thursday 22nd September with the first game between Alvark Tokyo and Ryukyu Golden Kings held at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo. Our photographer, Yohei Osada, was there for the game and the build up. (All photos by Yohei Osada/AFLO)
The game attracted a sell-out crowd with the attendance recorded at 9,132 spectators.
As well as the match itself spectators could enjoy an innovative LED court used to display scores and during the pre-match and half-time shows.
The new league was formed as a result of a merger between the National Basketball League and the independent operated bj league.
The merger had been mandated by FIBA for Japan to have its membership resumed following suspension in November 2014.
Tokyo ended up winning the game 80-75.
