Rugby in Japan: Blossoming Passion

Introduction

Rugby has found a passionate home in Japan, a country renowned for its meticulous blend of tradition and innovation. What began as a relatively obscure sport in the Land of the Rising Sun has now burgeoned into a national passion. The success of Japan’s national rugby team, the Brave Blossoms, particularly during the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and the blossoming domestic league showcase how Japanese rugby is thriving and evolving. This article explores the history, rise, and ongoing zeal for rugby in Japan, delving into key clubs, historic matches, and influential personalities who have driven the sport's popularity.

The Rising Force: Brave Blossoms' Impact on International Rugby

Japan’s rugby history dates back to the late 19th century when the sport was first introduced by Professor Edward Bramwell Clarke and Tanaka Ginnosuke. From its modest beginnings, Japanese rugby has made tremendous strides, culminating in a landmark achievement during the 2019 Rugby World Cup hosted on home soil.

The Brave Blossoms captured global admiration with their exhilarating performances, most notably their historic win against Ireland and their remarkable journey to the quarter-finals. The World Cup was a watershed moment that demonstrated Japan’s potential as a formidable rugby nation. The team’s quick, agile playing style and unyielding spirit endeared them to fans worldwide, while also igniting a rugby fervour within Japan.

A Thriving Domestic Scene: Japan’s Rugby Union and Top Clubs

Japan's domestic rugby scene is characterised by both tradition and modernity, mirrored in the robust structure of its leagues. The Top League, Japan's premier rugby union league, has grown significantly in popularity and competitiveness, now featuring a blend of local and international talent.

Sunwolves and Super Rugby Impact

A notable highlight in the development of rugby in Japan was the inclusion of the Sunwolves in the Super Rugby competition from 2016 to 2020. While the Sunwolves faced challenges on the field, their participation significantly boosted the sport’s profile in Japan. They brought high-calibre international rugby to Japanese fans and provided local players with invaluable experience against top-tier teams.

Key Clubs and Their Contributions

• Panasonic Wild Knights: One of the most successful clubs in the Top League, known for their robust playing style and strategic prowess. Coached by rugby luminary Robbie Deans - a Kiwi who coached Australia - they have fostered local talent and showcased international stars.

• Toyota Verblitz: Featuring notable players like Kieran Read - the ex-All Blacks Captain and No. 8 - the club has been instrumental in elevating the standard of Japanese domestic rugby.

• Kobelco Steelers: A club with a rich history, the Steelers have contributed greatly to the development of rugby in Japan, both in terms of competitive success and talent cultivation.

These clubs, among others, serve as the backbone of Japanese rugby, nurturing talent and driving the sport’s popularity through community engagement and impressive performances.

Memorable Rugby Matches in Japan

Japan’s rugby journey is dotted with memorable encounters that have left an indelible mark on the sport.

World Cup Highlights

• Japan vs South Africa, 2015: Before the glory of 2019, it was the 2015 World Cup that truly signalled Japan’s arrival on the global stage. The Brave Blossoms’ stunning victory over South Africa, often termed the “Brighton Miracle”, is arguably one of the biggest upsets in rugby history, showcasing the resilience and skill of Japanese rugby.

• Japan vs Ireland, 2019: In front of an electrified home crowd, Japan’s unexpected victory over the then World No. 2 ranked Ireland during the 2019 World Cup was a masterclass in strategy and endurance.

Significant Domestic League Encounters

• Panasonic Wild Knights vs Suntory Sungoliath, Top League Final 2019: This fiercely contested match exemplified the high calibre of Japanese club rugby, with Panasonic Wild Knights emerging victorious in a game filled with tactical brilliance and robust defence.

• Kobelco Steelers vs Toshiba Brave Lupus, 2018: A thrilling encounter that highlighted the intense rivalry and competitive spirit within the Top League, further cementing the domestic league's growing stature.

Influential Personalities in Japanese Rugby

The growth of rugby in Japan has been significantly influenced by key players and coaches, both local and international.

• Michael Leitch: The Brave Blossoms’ inspirational captain, renowned for his leadership and dedication, has been pivotal in the team’s success and popularity. A tough, versatile back rower, Leitch grew up in Christchurch, NZ, but moved to Sapporo at the age of to complete high school. He became a Japanese national in 2013 and is revered in his adopted country.

  
  

• Jamie Joseph: A Maori, who played for Otago and the All Blacks before moving to Japan, he was selected for the national team in 1999, and later became coach of the Brave Blossoms. In this role, he was tasked with building on the foundations laid at the 2015 World Cup by his predecessor Eddie Jones. Joseph continued to enhance the team’s dynamic playing style and non-stop, fast-ball performance, leading the Brave Blossoms to new heights in the 2019 World Cup.

• Eddie Jones: The 2015 head coach of Japan’s national team, Eddie Jones’ was re-hired as the Brave Blossoms' coach after in 2024, after a lengthy stint coaching England, and a truncated stint in charge of the Wallabies. Jones' was brought back for three reasons: his familiarity with Japan and its culture, his passionate belief in Japanese rugby and its indigenous talent, and his tactical acumen so aptly demonstrated during the historic 2015 World Cup campaign.

Wrap-Up

Rugby in Japan is a testament to the country's ability to embrace and excel at new challenges, blending tradition with modern dynamism. From the inspirational feats of the Brave Blossoms to the vibrant domestic league, Japanese rugby is on a thrilling upward trajectory. As the sport continues to grow, driven by passionate clubs, memorable matches, and influential personalities, Japan stands poised to become a lasting force in international rugby. The blossoming of this passion promises a vibrant future for rugby in Japan, captivating hearts and fostering a legacy of excellence in the sport.