Kazuhiko Shimamoto's Special Fan Meeting for "NBA LEGENDS" to be Held on July 25 (Sat) at MINT Kichijoji!

A special fan meeting, "LEGENDARY 90's NBA NIGHT with MINT," featuring Kazuhiko Shimamoto, who handled the translation for "NBA LEGENDS," has been scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2026, at MINT Kichijoji in Kichijoji, Tokyo.

This event will feature a talk show by Mr. Shimamoto, a special exhibition of his treasured collection, a signing session, a two-shot photo session, pack wars, and a premium raffle, with special plans for fans who love 90s NBA.

Kazuhiko Shimamoto was the founding editor of "Monthly Basketball," which debuted in 1973, and became its editor-in-chief in 1975. He has been conveying the appeal of the sport and the stories of its players since the dawn of specialized basketball media in Japan.

Kazuhiko Shimamoto

From 1989, he also worked as a basketball commentator for NHK-BS, spreading the charm of the NBA through broadcasts even when it was not yet widely popular in Japan. He has delivered the excitement, depth, and unique personalities of star players from the NBA and other international basketball leagues to many fans. He also previously served as the Executive PR Director for the bj league's Oita Heat Devils. Furthermore, he is known as the naming father of the bj league, and has been involved in the Japanese basketball world from various angles, including media, broadcasting, club management, and fan communities.

Book "NBA LEGENDS"

At this event, the talk will revolve around the world of "NBA LEGENDS," which explores the 80-year history of the NBA from multiple perspectives, including great players, legendary coaches, iconic teams, and memorable games. Mr. Shimamoto will share his unique insights on the excitement of the era when the NBA spread to Japanese fans in the 90s, behind-the-scenes stories from his NHK-BS commentary, and the appeal of the star players and classic games of that time.

In addition, a special in-store exhibition will feature Mr. Shimamoto's treasured collection, showcasing his passion as an avid collector of basketball memorabilia. Attendees will receive the new book "NBA LEGENDS," the latest pack "2025-26 PANINI HOOPS HOBBY," and a special MINT bonus: "90s NBA Vintage Cards."

Furthermore, there will be pack wars where all participants open the latest packs together, and a premium raffle where participants can win valuable items provided by Mr. Shimamoto and rare vintage cards prepared by MINT. This will be a valuable event not only for fans who experienced the 90s NBA firsthand but also for NBA fans who want to learn about the culture of that era anew. We hope you will pay close attention.

"Kazuhiko Shimamoto Special Fan Meeting: LEGENDARY 90's NBA NIGHT with MINT" Details

Date & Time: Saturday, July 25, 2026, starting at 14:00 Reception: 13:30 - 14:00 Event Duration: 14:00 - 15:30 (scheduled)

Venue: MINT Kichijoji 1-5-1 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-8520 Kichijoji PARCO 5F

Organizer: MINT Co., Ltd.

Participation Ticket

Fee: 4,000 yen Sales Period: Sales will end once the planned number of tickets is sold.

Purchase URL: https://www.mint-mall.net/products/detail.php?product_id=1301716&

All participants will receive the following at the reception:

- New book "NBA LEGENDS" - Latest pack "2025-26 PANINI HOOPS HOBBY" - "Assortment of 90s NBA Vintage Cards"

*The packs distributed will be used in the pack wars during the event.

Event Contents

- Talk Show & Signing Session

- Special Exhibition of Kazuhiko Shimamoto's Treasured Collection

- Pack Wars

*Participants will open the latest pack "2025-26 PANINI HOOPS HOBBY" with Mr. Shimamoto. Customers who pull players or insert cards matching Mr. Shimamoto's theme will receive luxurious prizes. - Premium Raffle

Inquiries

For inquiries regarding the event, please call MINT Kichijoji. Phone: 0422-27-6180

About MINT Co., Ltd.

MINT Co., Ltd. operates under the philosophy of "Creating a Collection Culture." In addition to being one of the first companies in Japan to develop specialty stores for sports trading cards, we have also provided wholesale services and value-added services related to trading cards. In recent years, we have continued to take on challenging initiatives, such as partnering with PSA, the world's largest trading card grading company, and launching MINT Seller's VAULT, a consignment sales service for card storage, all while promoting the culture surrounding the history and background of these items.

Official Website: https://mint-web.jp/ X: https://x.com/MintHeadquarter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mintcardjapan