Japan’s Sakuragi Surprised By ‘Slam Dunk’ Popularity In Philippines, Interested To Meet Pinoy Sakuragi JR Sakuragi, a naturalized player for the Japan national team in the FIBA Asia Championship, is no stranger to the passion of Filipino basketball fans. After all, the 6-foot-8 forward born as JR Henderson had a short stint up for the Mobiline squad in the PBA. What he didn’t know was that his surname would resonate with local fans who grew up watching the anime series “Slam Dunk,” featuring the protagonist Hanamichi Sakuragi. “I’m surprised. I didn’t know that,” said Sakuragi, who took on his new surname when he was naturalized in 2007, in an exclusive interview. “I know that was my surname was taken from an animation character, but I didn’t know it was popular in the Philippines. Broadcast over free television during parts of the past two decades, “Slam Dunk” has become part of Filipino popular culture — so much so that PBA player Marc Pingris has been nicknamed “Sakuragi” because of his rebounding and hustle, traits that also defined the anime series. Last year, Pingris told InterAKTV that he welcomed the comparison to the red-haired protagonist of “Slam Dunk.” “Si Sakuragi kasi yung favorite cartoon character ko nung high school pa ako,” Pingris said. “Pareho kasi kami eh, noon hindi rin naman ako marunong mag-basketball, hindi talaga yun yung sport ko. Nung high school, track and field talaga yung sport ko.” The Japanese Sakuragi is thrilled to meet the Philippines’ version inside the hard court. “That would be interesting,” he said. The two Sakuragis will likely get a chance to meet later in the tournament when their teams begin their second round campaigns. _-_-_-_-_-
Posted on: Fri, 02 Aug 2013 12:04:54 +0000
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