Unleashing the Roar: How Shigehiro Taguchi and the Akita Northern Happinets Harness the Power of Cheers to Dominate the B League
Akita Northern Happinets: The Power of Voice in Basketball
Akita Northern Happinets is a professional B.League basketball club based in Akita, one of Japan’s leading basketball regions. The face of the team is veteran player Shigehiro Taguchi, an energetic shooting guard known for his catchphrase “Oisa!”
Taguchi emphasizes the importance of voice in basketball, particularly in Akita, where the boosters are enthusiastic and have discerning eyes. “Voice has a lot of power in basketball, especially here in Akita,” he says with conviction.
Taguchi’s experience with the power of the booster dates back 12 years. In February 2012, he first felt the energy of the crowd during his debut against the Shinshu Brave Warriors away from home. Despite limited playing time, he performed comfortably and made 5 three-point shots in the second game, earning him a starting position in the next game.
However, Taguchi’s first home game was a different story. He felt his legs shaking, and his body tensed up, causing him to strain and lose his rhythm. “My shots were short, and I couldn’t make any,” he recalls.
Despite this initial struggle, Taguchi was able to bounce back and showcase his true abilities. “I’m a party guy. I pride myself on my ability to enjoy the moment,” he says. “I thought to myself, ‘Hey!’, and with that strange feeling, I was able to get through the next match.”
Akita is renowned for producing talented basketball players, including the legendary Noshiro Technical High School team. The prefecture’s boosters are known for their passion, knowledge, and pride, which can be both motivating and intimidating for players. “Before the COVID-19 outbreak, the cheers were so loud that you could feel the earth rumbling,” Taguchi recalls.
While the cheers can be overwhelming for some players, Taguchi believes that once you get past the initial pressure, it’s like surfing. “The cheers really get us going, but for rookies and players who get nervous easily, it can be a bit of a pressure at first,” he says.
Without Cheers, There’s No Adrenaline
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of cheering in basketball. “During games without cheers, I was confused and thought, ‘I didn’t realize I had that much adrenaline,'” Taguchi says. “It takes time for adrenaline to kick in, so you have to build it up yourself. Having experienced the COVID-19 period, I realized once again that it’s the cheers of the crowd that give you the motivation to do your best.”
Being showered with cheers can make you feel like you’re “in the zone.” For Taguchi and the Akita Northern Happinets, the energy of the crowd is an essential part of their game.