Nikkei Basketball Cultural Values

The early Japanese American (Nikkei) basketball leagues started shortly after the end of World War II. These leagues were characterized by traditional Issei (first generation) and Nisei (second generation) Japanese American cultural values. These cultural values are important today because they are the reasons why Japanese American leagues are different from mainstream leagues and why the Japanese American leagues should continue to exist in the future.

These cultural values serves as the foundation of the NBHA coaching education program and future NBHA educational programs.

Venice Fireballers on Nikkei Basketball Cultural Values

NBHA Cultural Values(tap/click to enlarge)

The 15 Nikkei Basketball Cultural Values are as follows:

LIFE
Harmony: Agreement; accord; harmonious relations
Kindness: The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate
Responsibility: The state or fact of being accountable or to blame for something

SELF
Commitment: The state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.
Humility: Modest opinion or estimate of one’s own importance, rank, etc.; freedom from pride or arrogance
Self-Control: Control or restraint of oneself or one’s actions, feelings, etc.

TEAM
Sacrifice: An act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy
Sportsmanship: Fair and generous behavior or treatment of others, especially in a sports contest
Teamwork: The combined action of a group of people, especially when effective and efficient

PEOPLE
Friendship: The emotions or conduct of friends; the state of being friends
Gratitude: The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness
Respect: To hold in esteem or honor; to show regard or consideration for

MINDSET
Endurance: The ability or strength to continue or last, especially despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions
Perseverance: Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition
Resourcefulness: The ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties