KYODO NEWS - Jul 23, 2019 - 12:26 | Sports, All

Rui Hachimura was rolled out for one of his first big marketing campaigns in Japan with giant instant noodle company Nissin Foods announcing it is adding him to its stable of major sporting ambassadors.

Fronting his first press conference in Japan since joining the NBA's Washington Wizards, he said on Monday he enjoyed the experience of filming a television commercial for the cup noodle giant.

The company proudly displayed an oversized noodle container bearing the image of its latest sporting ambassador while announcing the tie-up.

"(The commercial) was like being in a movie," Hachimura, who completed the filming last week, told the press conference attended by around 200 reporters and photographers. "I am pleased I am getting attention and the media (coverage) is increasing."

"When you think of Japan, you think of cup noodles," said Hachimura. "It's a food that I've been around and eaten since I was a little boy."

"It is a real honor for me to start a contract (with Nissin Foods)."

Nissin also sponsors Japanese tennis stars Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori.

Hachimura also said he would relish the chance to play at the World Cup starting next month in China with the Japan national team.

The Akatsuki Five have been drawn against Turkey, the Czech Republic and the United States in the tournament's preliminary round.

"The (NBA) season is going to start, but before that, there is the World Cup in China and I want to do well there too. I want to play well once the season starts hopefully build on that towards the Tokyo 2020 Olympics."

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