TOKYO (FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2017) - Japan and WNBA star Ramu Tokashiki has given the thumbs up to Australia competing at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2017.

The decision by FIBA to expand the competition to incorporate nations from the Oceania Region has been endorsed by the forward, who is excited that Japan will defend their title against the Opals.

She said: "I think having Australia will raise the level of Asia as a whole and we like the challenge of the number one team in Oceania competing against the number one team in Asia. It will be a pleasure to be able to compete with teams such as Australia, a nation that we could have only competed against previously in major global competitions.

"Having world class teams playing in Asia will also be uplifting for us in our continuing challenge to win a medal at the Olympic Games."

Tokashiki is also intrigued with the alluring possibility of competing against Australian players who are team-mates and also opponents in the WNBA, where she has been shining with Seattle Storm in recent years.

She stated: "I look forward to the chance of possibly playing with them and I also hope that there will be more Japanese WNBA players in the future, just like Australia have. I believe that this would increase the level of our respective national teams by playing in the WNBA. For example, I was able to adapt to the height of the China national team and there was not as much fear as before."

Tokashiki and Co will be aiming high after a good showing in Rio and also with some great memories from landing FIBA Asia Women's Cup titles in 2013 and 2015 - having previously had to endure a 40-year drought with no silverware.

"By losing to the USA in Rio, we understood our position in the world but I feel that if they are to be within our reach one day, then we need to work very hard," declared the forward. "The level of USA is definitely number one and we would like to face them in the Final of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. I would also like to try and see how my experiences of Rio can help us in this year's Asia Cup."

The 25-year-old points to the support of the Japanese team's fans as an integral part of the country's continental titles in 2013 and 2015.

"During 2013, a lot of Japanese people living in Thailand came to the tournament and supported our team. We felt like we are playing at home and we never felt that we would lose any game with the atmosphere," she recalled.

"Meanwhile, in 2015, I joined the team late because of WNBA games, but members of the team were mostly the same and I was able to play for the team without any difficulties."

Finally, there is little doubt that the profile of Tokashiki is likely to grow powerfully in the next few years and it means she's as keen as ever to keep delivering success and continue being a role model.

"I believe it's my destiny to perform and show the level of a WNBA player in continuing to win titles in and with Japan. I do not want to back down from the challenges from any other players that want to beat me. By building up the winning feeling with my team-mates of JX-ENEOS, it can also lead to the team's players being successful with the national team.

"I also want to continue working hard to become a key player with Seattle and lead the team to the WNBA Play-Offs - as well as trying to be one of the best five players in the world," concluded Tokashiki.

FIBA