Japan hasn't really appeared on the global map in basketball's conventional five-man game.

But when it comes to the 3x3 game, which basketball governing body FIBA is keen to promote worldwide, Japan is playing significant role.

FIBA has run the World Tour circuit, the club world championship for the 3x3 game, since 2012, and has granted Japan hosting rights to one of the seven Masters tournaments over the next three years, starting this year. Japan will also host the World Tour Final in 2019.