The evening of July 10, 2022, HallPass Media proudly helped launch NBA Star Rui Hachimura’s new line of wine, Black Samurai, at the Summer League Tip-Off Party attended by NBA executives from around the world at Intrigue Nightclub at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, NV.

The first & only Japanese-born player to be selected in the first round of the NBA Draft (the 9^th overall pick), Rui Hachimura’s interests & endeavors stretch further than just his aspirations on the court.

In addition to many other off-the-court ventures, the Washington Wizards’ star forward has taken to the vineyards for his latest undertaking.

With the same passion that’s led to his success on the basketball court, Rui has embodied the diligence & attention to detail that’s required for excellence viticulture.

Cultivated in Napa Valley, the heart of California’s wine country, Rui had his hands on each step of the production of his cabernet sauvignon blend, from harvesting the grapes to be used, all the way through to the design of the bottle’s label.

The name Black Samurai pays homage to both sides of his family with his mother being a native of Japan & his father being a native of Benin in West Africa.

Rui was chosen as a lottery pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and has concurrently emerged as the most popular basketball player in the history of Japan, proudly representing the country he calls home on the global stage of the NBA.

Both the wine and it’s launch received glowing reviews from all who were in attendance, with fellow former Zag and 2x NBA All-Star, Domantas Sabonis saying, “It was awesome, it was awesome! He did a good job. Make sure you guys try it.”

More information on Black Samurai & their future offerings, click here to register for the Black Samurai mailing list.