Basketball: Japan team members concerned by empty World Cup seats

While Japan's opening World Cup clash with Germany captivated fans in the host nation, members of its basketball community have questioned why large blocks of seats inside Okinawa Arena remained empty for Friday's headlining game. Tickets for Akatsuki Japan games at the venue have been in high demand, making the empty segments, including premium seats behind team benches, stick out among the otherwise packed stands. According to official figures, 6,397 spectators watched Japan's 81-63 loss to Germany at the approximately 8,000-seat arena. In a statement Saturday, the governing body, FIBA, said...