Kenji Hasegawa has been removed as head coach of the Japanese team ©FIBA

Japan are looking for a new coach of their men's basketball team on the road to Tokyo 2020 after the departure of Kenji Hasegawa.

The change forms part of a "restructuring" of the programme in an attempt to also qualify for the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup in 2019.

Hasegawa has spent over two years in the post since being appointed shortly before the Japanese Basketball Association (JBA) was suspended by FIBA as part of a row over rival leagues in the country.

After being reinstated, the team progressed to a fourth place finish at the 2015 FIBA Asia Championships in Changsha in China.

They then clinched a spot at the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade.

Once there, however, they were comfortably beaten 88-48 by Latvia and 87-71 by Czech Republic.

Avoiding a repeat of this is thought to have been key to the decision to launch the restructure - which led to Hasegawa announcing his resignation.

"It was a step-by-step process and I think we were steadily making progress as a team," he said. 

"I would like to thank the entire staff and all the players for great memories."

Japan were heavily beaten by Latvia and Czech Republic at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade ©Getty Images
Japan were heavily beaten by Latvia and Czech Republic at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade ©Getty Images

Former Montenegro national team coach Luka Pavicevic has been appointed supervisor of men's national team activities until a permanent choice is made.

It is likely the permanent successor will be a foreigner, officials said, while "Olympic experience" is also key.

JBA technical director Tomoya Higashino said that they will most likely introduce the new head coach between spring and summer next year.

"The JBA is not guaranteed participation in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games as the host country and has already begun a restructuring and strengthening activities towards the 2019 FIBA World Cup and 2020 and beyond," Higashino said.

"Following the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, we reviewed the development of the men's national team.

"Under such circumstances, we need to demand the best results in every game and propel the development of the men's national team with a mid- to long-term vision. 

"From here on, we need to take a fresh start toward the world, and Mr. Hasegawa has decided to step down as the head coach of the Japan men's national team.

"The JBA deeply appreciate his dedication and efforts and we expect his continuous support in various ways in the future."