Mototaka Kohama, affectionately known as the "Godfather of Japanese basketball," died on Thursday. He was 84.

Kohama passed away from pneumonia at a Tokyo hospital. He had been battling cancer.

The coaching legend's lifelong passion for the game inspired generations of players and coaches in Japan. Blessed with an infectious spirit and a never-ending quest for knowledge, he remained actively interested in the game until the end of his life.