Fervor for rugby in Japan at all levels is on the rise -- here a fan supports the "Cherry Blossoms" during a 2011 Rugby World Cup match in New Zealand.
Rugby on the rise in Japan —
Fervor for rugby in Japan at all levels is on the rise -- here a fan supports the "Cherry Blossoms" during a 2011 Rugby World Cup match in New Zealand.
FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images
Japanese rugby was given a boost when the country was awarded the right to host the 15-a-side World Cup in 2019. It will be the first time Asia has staged the tournament.
Welcoming the world —
Japanese rugby was given a boost when the country was awarded the right to host the 15-a-side World Cup in 2019. It will be the first time Asia has staged the tournament.
Marty Melville/AFP/Getty Images
Japan has endured mixed results on the international stage but celebrated victory over Wales last year, the team's first victory in 80 years over a major rugby nation.
Welsh woe —
Japan has endured mixed results on the international stage but celebrated victory over Wales last year, the team's first victory in 80 years over a major rugby nation.
TORU YAMANAKA/AFP/Getty Images
Backing for sevens is growing in Japan -- here female fans cheer on the national team at the 2013 Hong Kong Sevens.
Fan fever —
Backing for sevens is growing in Japan -- here female fans cheer on the national team at the 2013 Hong Kong Sevens.
Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
Also in 2013, the all-conquering All Blacks visited Japan for a full international, with New Zealand captain Richie McCaw being mobbed by fans.
Awesome All Blacks —
Also in 2013, the all-conquering All Blacks visited Japan for a full international, with New Zealand captain Richie McCaw being mobbed by fans.
Phil Walter/Getty Images
The national side is under the tutelage of Eddie Jones, the former Australia international coach who has a Japanese mother.
'Steady Eddie' —
The national side is under the tutelage of Eddie Jones, the former Australia international coach who has a Japanese mother.
TORU YAMANAKA/AFP/Getty Images
A host of international stars have played or play in Japan, including former England back-row forward James Haskell.
'Gaijan' imports —
A host of international stars have played or play in Japan, including former England back-row forward James Haskell.
David Rogers/Getty Image