5 Fascinating Facts About Rui Hachimura's Parents, Makiko Hachimura And Zakari Jabil

The journey of Los Angeles Lakers star Rui Hachimura from Toyama, Japan, to the NBA is a story of groundbreaking athletic talent and a powerful blend of cultures. His unique path is inextricably linked to his parents, Makiko Hachimura and Zakari Jabil, whose mixed-race marriage and dedication to raising their family in Japan laid the foundation for his historic career. As of the current date, December 13, 2025, Hachimura continues to be a vital player for the Lakers, and understanding his family's background provides essential context to his global impact on the sport and cultural identity.

Rui Hachimura’s parents have largely maintained a private life, allowing their son’s achievements to speak for themselves. However, their distinct heritages—Japanese and West African—are the key to unlocking the full narrative of the first Japanese-born player to be drafted in the first round of the NBA. Their unwavering support and the challenges of a biracial family in Japan are a central, inspiring part of the Rui Hachimura story.

Rui Hachimura: Full Biography and Family Profile

Rui Hachimura’s life is a fascinating study of athletic excellence nurtured by a unique cultural fusion. His full family and biographical profile highlights the roots that anchor the NBA star:

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• Full Name: Rui Hachimura
• Date of Birth: February 8, 1998
• Place of Birth: Toyama Prefecture, Japan
• Nationality: Japanese
• Ethnicity/Heritage: Half-Japanese, Half-Beninese (Hāfu)
• Father: Zakari Jabil (from Benin, West Africa)
• Mother: Makiko Hachimura (from Japan)
• Siblings: Three younger siblings—one brother, Allen (also known as Aren), and two sisters, including Amina.
• Upbringing: Raised in Sendai, Japan.
• High School: Meisei High School (Sendai, Japan)
• College: Gonzaga University (Spokane, Washington, USA)
• NBA Draft: 9th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards.
• Current Team: Los Angeles Lakers (as of the 2024-2025 season).
• Career Highlights: First Japanese player drafted in the first round of the NBA, NBA All-Rookie Second Team, All-WCC First Team (2019), Karl Malone Award (2019).

1. The Powerful Dual Heritage: Japan and Benin, West Africa

The most defining aspect of Rui Hachimura's background is the powerful dual heritage passed down by his parents. His mother, Makiko Hachimura, is a native of Japan, where Rui was born and raised.

His father, Zakari Jabil, is from the Republic of Benin, a French-speaking country located in West Africa. This unique blend of Japanese and Beninese roots is the source of Rui's distinctive identity, which he has openly embraced throughout his career. He has often spoken about the challenges and the eventual pride of being a "Hāfu" (a term for a person of mixed race) growing up in a largely homogeneous society like Japan.

The family name, Hachimura, comes from his mother's side. Furthermore, his given name, Rui, was chosen by his grandfather and means "base" or "fortress" in Japanese, a nod to his early involvement in baseball before he switched to basketball.

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2. The Hachimura Family is a Basketball Dynasty in Japan

Rui is not the only member of the Hachimura family to pursue a professional basketball career; the entire family possesses a strong athletic background.

Rui’s younger brother, Allen Hachimura (sometimes referred to as Aren), is also a talented basketball player, continuing the family's legacy in Japan. Allen has played at the collegiate level for Tokai University, a prominent basketball program in the country.

Rui also has two younger sisters, including Amina, who are also reportedly involved in sports. This collective athletic prowess suggests a home environment that heavily encouraged physical activity, discipline, and competitive spirit, all of which were essential for Rui's eventual leap to the NBA.

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3. Makiko Hachimura and Zakari Jabil Raised Their Children in Sendai

Despite Zakari Jabil's Beninese origin, the couple chose to raise their children in Japan, specifically in Sendai, a major city in the Tohoku region.

This decision meant Rui and his siblings grew up immersed in Japanese culture, language, and education while simultaneously navigating their biracial identity. Rui Hachimura has publicly discussed the difficulties he faced as a child due to his appearance, stating, "It was really hard as a kid. I had a hard time." However, this unique upbringing ultimately forged a resilient and globally-minded athlete.

The parents’ commitment to raising their family in Japan, while maintaining connections to their African roots, is a testament to their efforts to provide a stable, loving environment for their children to thrive.

4. Their Heritage Inspired Rui Hachimura's Signature Shoe Design

The impact of Makiko Hachimura and Zakari Jabil’s dual heritage is so profound that it was immortalized in one of Rui’s signature collaborations. When he launched his Air Jordan 34 PE (Player Exclusive) sneaker, the design was explicitly created to honor his family roots.

The shoe featured a split design: one foot celebrated his Japanese mother, Makiko, with traditional Japanese patterns and motifs. The other foot celebrated his Beninese father, Zakari Jabil, with vibrant African-inspired patterning and colors. This detail serves as a powerful, visible symbol of how Rui Hachimura views his career—as a fusion of the two cultures his parents gave him.

5. Their Story is a Beacon for the 'Hāfu' Community in Japan

Rui Hachimura’s success, which includes becoming the first Japanese player to be a first-round NBA draft pick in 2019, has turned him into an icon for the growing Hāfu community in Japan.

His parents’ decision to raise him with an understanding of both African and Asian cultures has provided a role model for countless mixed-race children. His journey—from facing discrimination in his youth to achieving global stardom—is a powerful narrative that challenges traditional views of Japanese identity.

By achieving success at the highest level of professional basketball, Rui Hachimura has brought international attention to the complexities and beauty of a biracial identity, a legacy that began with the union of Makiko Hachimura and Zakari Jabil.