On May 27, 2026, NINJA BASKETBALL ARMY, a new storytelling brand officially approved by the National Basketball Association (NBA), was unveiled.

The project is directed and produced by Takaya Mitsunaga and the Japanese creator collective NINJA BASKETBALL ANONYMOUS, known for presenting works both in Japan and internationally.

The brand explores an alternate world in which basketball existed during Japan’s Sengoku period, weaving together storytelling, design, characters, fashion, and other creative disciplines. Set in a fictional 16th century inspired by the landscapes, cultures, and histories of both Japan and the United States, the story imagines a world where ninjas seek to unify the nation not with swords or shuriken, but through basketball.

Each ninja represents a different region of Japan, carrying newly created team logos and family crests inspired by local history and cultural characteristics. Rather than shedding blood, these warriors dedicate themselves to honing their skills in pursuit of unifying a divided Japan through the game.

The decorative lettering used throughout the project incorporates Ninja Characters, developed with the cooperation of the Ueno Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a region historically associated with ninja culture. By combining basketball—originally created in the United States—with a distinctly Japanese interpretation, the project aims to share a unique creative vision with a global audience.

Ahead of its official launch alongside the NBA’s 2026–27 season, the brand will host its first art exhibition and pre-order event, SHOMEI (“First Cry”), in **Daikanyama> from June 13 to June 21. The exhibition will showcase upcoming art pieces, apparel, and other products, while transforming traditional Japanese rooms and gardens into an immersive environment where basketball culture and Japanese culture intersect.

Historical Setting

In 16th-century Japan, people fought over territory with swords, and countless lives were lost in constant conflict.

Amid this age of war, feudal lords from across the country gathered and agreed to pursue the unification of Japan through peaceful means. The method they chose was Temari, a traditional ball game that had been enjoyed since the Heian period.

The ninjas who had once served their respective domains laid down their swords and shuriken and instead took up a ball. Determined to achieve national unification, they devoted themselves to refining their skills day after day.

The game was played by throwing a ball into a basket inspired by the peach, a symbol believed to ward off evil spirits. As the sport evolved and victories came to be decided by successfully placing the ball into the peach-shaped basket, people began referring to the game as Basketball.

Combining their agility and athleticism with unique ninja techniques, the ninjas of each region developed their own distinct styles of play. Over time, this island nation gave rise to a basketball culture unlike any other in the world.

Ninja Characters

The project incorporates Ninja Characters throughout its visual designs, including team crests and family emblems. Developed with the cooperation of the Ueno Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a region with deep historical ties to ninja culture, these characters play a key role in shaping the world of NINJA BASKETBALL ARMY.

The typeface is inspired by Jindai Moji, a writing system that has sparked debate among historians and researchers due to theories suggesting that it may have been used by ninjas in the past. The font was created based on a systematization of symbols documented in Edo-period texts.

Within the parallel world of NINJA BASKETBALL ARMY, ninjas use these coded characters in letters, ropes, and other forms of communication to exchange information and coordinate with one another in secret.

“NINJA BASKETBALL ARMY” Officially Inspired by the NBA

The project explores an alternate world in which basketball existed during Japan’s Sengoku period, spanning multiple creative disciplines including storytelling, design, characters, and fashion.

Set in a fictional 16th century inspired by the landscapes, cultures, and histories of both Japan and the United States, the story follows ninjas who seek to unify the nation through basketball rather than swords or shuriken.

Each ninja represents a different region of Japan and carries a newly created team logo and family crest inspired by local history and characteristics. Rather than shedding blood, they dedicate themselves to honing their skills in pursuit of uniting a divided Japan.

“NINJA BASKETBALL ARMY” 1st Exhibition: SHOMEI

Venue:
Daikanyama Space R
1-35-3 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0021

Dates:
June 13 (Saturday) – June 21 (Sunday)

Hours:
13:00–21:00

Additional details will be announced through the official NINJA BASKETBALL ARMY Instagram account.

Produced by NINJA BASKETBALL ANONYMOUS

The project is directed and produced by NINJA BASKETBALL ANONYMOUS, a Japanese creative collective deeply connected to basketball culture and inspired by communities across the United States.

The collective is led by creative director Takaya Mitsunaga, whose work has been exhibited both in Japan and internationally. The team consists of a diverse group of globally active artists, art directors, designers, photographers, and other creative professionals, all working together to bring the world of NINJA BASKETBALL ARMY to life.