UNCASVILLE, Conn. — The first English word the Japanese forward Ramu Tokashiki learned from her Seattle Storm teammates is unprintable here. Used in jest, it has become Tokashiki’s favorite saying. But another favorite English word is “confidence,” something she has built during her first W.N.B.A. season. Tokashiki has become one of the league’s best rookies and a blooming fan favorite, while hoping to change the perception of women’s basketball in Japan.
“I want to prove that the Japanese player could do well in a world-class league,” Tokashiki, 24, said through her interpreter.
Over the past five years, Tokashiki dominated the Women’s Japan Basketball League, winning multiple Most Valuable Player Awards for her regular-season and playoff performances.