Shinko Ono is a professional basketball player in Japan, most recently playing for the W-JBA's JOMO Sunflowers. Shinko has also represented Japan at the international level of competition, as a member of the Japanese Women's National Basketball Team. She has a collegiate background in the USA, where she attended the University of Evansville/Indiana.

When we first met Shinko, she was coaching from the sidelines at a girls street basketball tournament called Hoop in the Hood. We watched together, as her team (appropriately named The Ono All-Stars) battled it out with seven other girls street teams from the Tokyo, Saitama and Kanagawa area. After the tournament, we arranged a special interview with Shinko to find out more about street sports in Japan, and the role of sport as a tool for women's empowerment. See below for the complete interview.

Hope 81 is really grateful for this opportunity to work with such a talented and experienced competitor like Shinko Ono. With her help, we look forward to building a stronger voice for women in Japanese sport and growing the game of basketball -- for women here in Japan and overseas. Find out all about Shinko Ono's work to promote basketball in Japan, by visiting her official homepage here:
http://www.shinkoono.net/

INTERVIEW START

Hope 81: What do you think about street sports?

ONO: The concept of street sports is one good measure in spreadingbasket ball. I think it is important to have an environment that one can play sports freely. In that point, I think street basketball is one intimate sport for me.


Hope 81: What is appealing about street sports, compared to professional sports?

ONO: It is easier to find friends through sports, and perhaps easier for an individual to appeal oneself, or share one's individual talent. This is because one can improve themselves through their individual practice. And most importantly, street sports are open to anyone. Anyone willing to participate in street sports is given the opportunity.


Hope 81: On the contrary, what is the problem of women’s street sports society?

ONO: I think it needs more recognition by the society, in order to grow.


Hope 81: For female street athletes starting out at the grassroots level (i.e. street athletes) who are aiming to reach the professional level, what are some differences to consider?

ONO: There is a big difference in philosophy between street and professional sports. On one hand, in professional sports, players have to consider and put priority in the team. Furthermore, players have to be pliable to fit the team policy in order to improve team work. On the other hand, in street sports, the main stakeholder is an individual, so those stakeholders could act and play freely. Nevertheless, I think it is important to offer street basketball players more 5-on-5 opportunities.


Hope 81: In order to gain recognition and illustrate the importance of women’s street sports, what has to be done?

ONO: One way is make human growth visible to the society and illustrate the importance of sports. Another way is to contribute to the society directly. For example, if participation in street sports could contribute to the prevention of suicide, it could contribute to the society and gain visibility.


Hope 81: How about the possibility of street sports gaining funding from the government? What has to be done in that area?

ONO: Those sports would neeed to gain more supporters. But the first step is to create a good image of the community, so that it could attract supporters.


Hope 81: On the subject of women’s social status and (street) sports, what do you think is the relevance?

ONO: Nowadays, women are playing increasingly important roles in society. In the same manner, increased participation and contribution of women would have a significant impact on the society.


Hope 81: Could you give us one last comment please?

ONO: I want basket ball to be more popular in the world.


END OF INTERVIEW


*Interview conducted by Hope 81 Gender Empowerment
Project Coordinator, Shoki Omori