Japanese rugby fans react as they watch Japan's World Cup match against Scotland in Gloucester, England, at a public viewing event in Tokyo early Thursday morning. Scotland beat Japan 45-10. See story here.
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18 Comments
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Heckleberry
Wonder how many of these 'fans' watched the game vs South Africa.
sandhonour
They played the first half pretty well but the toll of having to play games so close to one another took its toll in the second half.....but come on Japan!
PTownsend
4 more years they'll be home and the Blossoms can show as Mishima said their full flower of Japanese manhood.
Steve Crichton
I told you all Scotland would hammer Japan but nobody listened. Back to your lives peoples.
Triumvere
Hey, you gotta start somewhere.
John Michael White
What entertaining expressions on their faces!!
Wc626
Is rugby popular in japan? Or is it only becoming popular now cause of their big win over S. Africa.
When I go out, I see the blue soccer jerseys or baseball caps. Sometimes nba attire or the rare nfl jersey, but never a Japan National Rugby Team jersey.
Steve Crichton
Samurai warriors v Scots Highland warriors. No contest was it , even with added polynesian muscle and an Australian coach.
don-in-japan
I think it will become more so... especially leading-into-then-post 2019.
Japan played the first 50 minutes well... then it became obvious that they were leg-weary. Japan weren't just beaten by Scotland, they were beaten by a crappy schedule (one that none of the top tier nations will have to suffer through).
some07791
The Scots wooden-spooners took advantage of weary Japanese legs.
Keep fighting, Japan.
HongoTAFEinmate
Couple of quick comments.
Firstly, Japan were at a disadvantage to start with. They were coming off a rather physical game against the South African geriatrics while Scotland had a bye in the first round (due to the 5-team pool system). Thus, the playing field wasn't level to start with.
Secondly, as a lifelong rugby tragic whose sons played rugby here in Japan while all the other kids were playing soccer or baseball, I would like to know where all these "fans" have come from. I also had to laugh that the game was actually shown live on terrestrial TV here in Japan. This time last week rugby coverage was limited to the either CS broadcasts or late night/early morning time slots.
Thirdly, Japan is still a chance to advance. They have already played two of the strongest teams in their pool and their next games should be a bit easier. Moreover, they have one of the best coaches in the game.
Finally, with Japan starting in the Super 16 next year both skill levels and coaching standards should improve at a grass roots level.
sighclops
Look anything that raises the profile of rugby in Japan is a plus! I played 10years+ back home and did a year here, and while Japan has a ways to go, I think it's heading in the right direction. The biggest problem is exposure - even at school / uni level, rugby is relegated to dirt fields (which are littered with stones)(wish I were kidding). Rugby is also played in summer here - it's most definitely a winter sport!
Christopher Glen
What I fear is that now Japan has lost a game, all the fans will be deflated. All of this new-found interest may prove to be fickle indeed. And all that talk from Jones before the game about running Scotland ragged.......not smart. Not smart at all. Japan were the ones who ran out of steam. I predict Japan will beat the US, by at least 10 points. As for Samoa.........perhaps, but I can't see it happening.
Jimizo
'Samurai warriors v Scots Highland warriors. No contest was it , even with added polynesian muscle and an Australian coach.'
I wouldn't get too excited about beating Japan. I'm sure you know the 'Scots Highland Warriors' are heading for a spanking themselves should they overperform and get through the group stage.
Leigh Ivan Quintellio Wighton
Shame really. Japan were playing well in the first half despite getting over excited and making some mistakes and bad calls near the Scottish goal line, but then in the second half they literally ran out of gas. The porous mid-field defence was a problem in the game against the Springboks and was a bigger problem in last night's game. They have a chance against Samoa, but Samoa are super physical and unless Japan really tighten up in the mid-field, I can see some of those big Samoans charging right through it.
gabrial888
Trying to catch lightening in a bottle twice.
Steve Crichton
@Jimzo. Sadly u may be right. I hope not though.