Speaking from Matsue, his new home and the capital of Shimane Prefecture, the Boomers star has spoken about settling into a new team, a new basketball league and a new culture and life without his future wife, Emily Tann.

He is optimistic that will soon change.

"We've got her paperwork in," he said. "Unfortunately, it's a slow process. But, hopefully, she'll be here in the next month or so."

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Born and raised in Tamworth, Kay joined Shimane on a one-year deal after being lauded for his performances as the Boomers claimed an historic bronze medal at this year's Tokyo Olympics.

Following Australia's first ever Olympic medal for basketball, the former Wildcats star lamented how COVID-19 had prevented him from returning to Perth post-Games to be reunited with Tann, who he has not seen since April when he was in Spain playing for Real Betis.

Many Australians are in a similar position, long separated from loved ones due to the pandemic.

Kay speaks of Matsue and Japan with a real fondness. Located by a lake, Matsue is "beautiful", he has said, adding that he has enjoyed exploring the city of more than 200,000 people and immersing himself in Japan's singular culture.

The 29-year-old forward, amiable off the court but uncompromising on it, can't wait to have Tann by his side.

"I talk to her about it all the time," he said of living in Japan. "I think she's gonna thrive over here and love it.

"I just want to be able to show her the cool experiences that I've already had, and let her embrace these new experiences as well."

Following the Olympics in August, Kay told the Leader that he met Tann through basketball in Perth. He said that she was an exercise physiologist who was doing a master's degree in teaching while working at the Mulberry Tree Child Care and Kindy, in Perth.

They have been together for almost three years and engaged for more than a year - their wedding slated for July 9 in Perth.

"I'm looking forward to getting her over here and kinda getting that homely vibe that you have by having the missus here," Kay said.

He added: "Yeah, it will definitely make life a lot easier and better when she gets over here."

Japan's B1 League is currently in hiatus for three weeks while the country's national basketball team is in action.

After 14 games of a marathon 60-game regular season, the Magic are in sixth place in the 22-team competition.

Kay is averaging 11.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.9 steals a game.

"Individually, I'm finding my feet," he said. "I think it took me a few games to find that rhythm and get going again.

"But I'm in a much better place now and really enjoying being over here and playing again."

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