Fast Facts:
Players: 119,598
RWC Results: Third in Pool: 1991, Qualified: 1987, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011
IRB World Ranking: 11th with 75.63 points
Best Result 2014: Vs. Samoa 33-14
Coach: Eddie Jones Captain: Michael Leitch
Culture
Rugby was first introduced in Japan as early as 1874. Students in the British colonies at Yokohama, and Kobe started playing the sport; the game grew popular, and developed many roots around the country. The game was picked up by popular sporting prince Chichibu, and has been supported by the royal family ever since. This helped grow recognition for the sport, although it is still not as popular as baseball, or soccer. During the days of the WWII rugby had a temporary slump in popularity, firstly due to the fact that the sport was seen as British being predominantly played by Japan's enemies in the conflict. Secondly the majority of rugby players had to sign up for military service, many did not come back leaving a huge gap in the sports population. Nowadays there is integration between companies and rugby teams. Many large companies sponsor, and own a rugby team. This all started in 1945 when Kobe Steel formed a rugby team to boost moral after the war. Many companies followed suit in order to create a national championship recognised internationally, and well respected by many in the game. Because of this Japan is able to attain a brace of talented locals for the "Brave Blossoms" as the international team is known.
Play Style
Traditionally Japanese players have been smaller than their western counterparts, so they do a lot of fitness, and speed training in order to compensate. The Japanese like to play the game ate pace, but are also developing a physical element thanks to coach Eddie Jones. There has been a heavy focus on the set piece in recent years, because it was seen as a weakness before, and allows the Japanese to unleash their deadly backline. Apart from playing at pace, the Japanese also play a very clean game, but are liable to break under intense pressure on defensive. Under Eddie Jones's regime, Japan have become more professionally than ever, going into every game with a competitive attitude, and taking out improvements from the game week after week. Since the last world cup the Japanese have improved significantly, mainly due to the experience they have gained as a team whilst playing international opposition.
Kohei Kozakai