Japanese culture is synonymous with the value of respect, which makes their team a perfect fit in the game of rugby.
Particularly so at a Rugby World Cup, where the familiar sight of the Japanese players – women and men – bowing to the crowd after a game has become iconic.
The scenes have been repeated at Rugby World Cup 2025 in England, with the players having a lot of support from the neutral fans – even from the fans of the Red Roses.
After losing to New Zealand the crowd was once again acknowledged with a trademark gesture of respect. All the more poignant as the defeat means the Sakura 15 will not be able to progress to the quarter-finals regardless of their result against Spain this weekend.
“We lost both of our first two matches, but many people came into the stadium to watch, and when Japan played well the atmosphere was incredible,” said Kotomi Taniguchi.
“Even after the matches, when we went around to greet the fans, everyone stood and cheered us on, which made me feel very emotional.
“We always say to each other, ‘We are so grateful. What a wonderful country this is’ as we bow to the crowd.”
While defeat in Exeter was a disappointment, there was reason for Kanako Kobayashi to smile. The centre plies her trade there for the Chiefs, and says she was touched by the support that came from afar as well as from the locals.
“I don’t think I will ever again have such a joyful experience through rugby,” she said.
“To be able to play in the World Cup, which had been my target, and to do so at Sandy Park, makes me very happy.
“At the venue, even people I didn’t know recognised me and said things like, ‘You’re the player who was at the Chiefs, right? I remember that green head cap!’ I really felt like I was at home playing rugby.
“And when I went to greet the crowd, so many told me, ‘That was great rugby’, which moved me deeply. Many Japanese families who had supported me back then also came.
“I couldn’t meet everyone, but I received so many messages from people saying, ‘We’ll come and cheer for you,’ and I was so glad to be reunited with familiar faces.”
Kobayashi says the Japanese will put their disappointment behind them as they look forward to their final game against Spain in York on Sunday.
“It is disappointing that we cannot reach the quarter-finals, which was our target,” she said.
“But after the Ireland match we managed to implement our intent to ‘throw the first punch,’ so in this final match against Spain we want to win and show Japan’s style of rugby before heading home.”