United States
64 vs 65
Japan
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F | |
| United States | 17 | 12 | 16 | 19 | 64 |
| Japan | 19 | 18 | 13 | 15 | 65 |
Tokyo, Japan – Japan’s women’s basketball team has traveled a long and determined road to reach this historic moment. Their first appearance at the Deaflympics was in 2005 in Melbourne, Australia, where they did not reach the semifinals and finished in 8th place. For years, they continued to develop, rebuild, and invest in their program. Now, in Tokyo 2025, Japan reached the semifinals and the finals for the very first time—and achieved the greatest milestone in their history. Playing on home soil, Japan captured their first-ever Deaflympics gold medal, marking a breakthrough moment for the women’s national team and for Japanese deaf sports.
The final was a tense, one-point thriller as Japan edged the United States 65–64. Both teams traded runs and defensive stands throughout the game, with possession battles and rebounding playing a decisive role. Japan’s discipline on offense and timely stops down the stretch proved just enough to separate the teams in a game that came down to the final minutes.
Japan received its offensive spark from Miharu Kotaka, who poured in 24 points on 9-of-22 shooting and provided the scoring punch the hosts needed. Shino Kato delivered a powerful inside effort, finishing with 12 points and an 11-rebounds double-double that helped control the boards. Veteran contributions came from Kaori Maruyama (10 points) and Marina Hada (9 points), while captain Yuzu Wakamatsu chipped in 8 points and 9 rebounds, giving Japan toughness and leadership across the lineup.
The United States mounted a fierce challenge, led by Cheyenne Talbot’s 19 points and 11 rebounds and Cassidy Perry’s 18 points on efficient 9-of-17 shooting. Alyssa Wells battled for a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds, keeping the USA in contention with physical play on both ends. Despite the loss, the American starters produced strong individual numbers and pressured Japan for the full 40 minutes, but could not overcome Japan’s balanced effort and home-court momentum.
In the end, Japan secured a dramatic 65–64 victory, triggering an eruption of celebration from the home crowd. The players embraced on the court as the final buzzer sounded, fully aware that they had just achieved something unprecedented. This gold medal was not only a victory for the 2025 roster, but a culmination of twenty years of progress, dedication, and belief in the growth of women’s Deaf basketball in Japan.
Japan’s historic triumph will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of Deaf athletes. Their journey from an 8th-place finish in 2005 to becoming Deaflympic champions in 2025, stands as a powerful testament to perseverance, development, and national pride. It is a golden moment that will be remembered for years to come.
