Kawasaki Brave Thunders Announce Shohei Kikuchi as Development Support Coach for 2026-27 Season

The Kawasaki Brave Thunders are pleased to announce that Shohei Kikuchi, whose playing career began with the Toshiba Brave Thunders and who has long been active on the front lines of Japanese basketball, will now begin his coaching career with Kawasaki.

The 'Development Support Coach' role will be newly established starting in the 2026-27 season. This position will specialize in supporting individual player skill development and growth, working alongside assistant coaches to nurture each player’s personal progress.

We expect Coach Kikuchi, with his strong professional mindset cultivated over a long playing career and the authentic player perspective he holds immediately after retirement, to instill a professional attitude and technical excellence in young players and contribute to elevating the entire organization.

Shohei Kikuchi - Development Support Coach Profile

Date of Birth

August 27, 1984

Hometown

Yamagata Prefecture

Education

Nihon University Yamagata High School Nihon University

Playing Career

Toshiba Brave Thunders (JBL) Toyota Alvark Tokyo (NBL) Alvark Tokyo Koshigaya Alphas Alvark Tokyo

Comment from Coach Shohei Kikuchi

I am honored to begin serving as the Development Support Coach for the Kawasaki Brave Thunders starting this season.

It is a great privilege to take my first step as a coach with the Brave Thunders, the very team with which I began my playing career. I will do my best to support the Head Coach, Assistant Coaches, and players so that together with the entire Thunders family, we can achieve the highest possible success. Thank you for your continued support.