TOKYO — Rather than focus on Japan’s 26-3 loss to South Africa in Sunday’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinal, it’s better to remember how far Japan has come since it played in the first World Cup in 1987.
It’s been often painful, frequently humiliating, and a road’s that’s now taken Japan to No. 6 in the world rankings — ahead of two-time champion Australia.
Japan lost to New Zealand 145-17 in 1995, and in 2007 there were two humbling losses — 91-3 against Australia and 72-18 vs. Wales. New Zealand battered the Brave Blossoms 83-7 in 2011.
“We’re really proud of what we’ve achieved at this World Cup,” said Japan coach Jamie Joseph, a former New Zealand player who also played for Japan. “This is for the players. They’ve given to the group and they’ve given so much to the country in this World Cup.”
Japan finished first in its group and won all four of its matches, including a victory over Ireland and a scintillating 28-21 victory over Scotland a week ago to guarantee its spot in the last eight.
Japanese rugby reporter Hiroshi Yoshida recalled watching that 1995 game on television, the 145-17 loss to New Zealand.
“I couldn’t look,” he said, squinting as if not to recall the moment. “At the time I hoped this shocking score would make some changes in Japanese rugby.”
Eventually it did.
A succession of top foreign coaches, starting in 2007 with New Zealander John Kirwan, began to change things. Japan drew with Canada 12-12 that year, ending a 13-match losing streak in the World Cup.
Australian Eddie Jones built on the success, leading Japan to the most shocking upset of the 2015 World Cup, a 34-32 victory over the same South Africa that defeated Japan on Sunday under Joseph.
In addition to foreign coaching, Japan also has a mix of players with various ties to Japan. About half the 23-man team on Sunday was born to two Japanese parents. They include stars like flyhalf Yu Tamura along with speedy winger Kenki Fukuoka.
Several players are eligible for Japan because of rugby’s liberal three-year residency rule, including South Korean-born Jiwon Koo, New Zealand-born Luke Thompson, and Australia-born James Moore.
Captain Michael Leitch was born in New Zealand with Fijian heritage, but came to Japan to study when he was 15 and speaks Japanese better than English. He’s the face of Japanese rugby, and his sponsors have placed him in media everywhere.
Winger Kotaro Matsushima was born in South Africa to a Japanese mother and a Zimbabwean father.
Segio Maeda, who played college rugby and is a long-time fan, attended Sunday’s game and has seen Japan progress.
“We remember that bad time,” he said. “Some of us gave up, but some didn’t.”
He said the victory against South Africa four years ago instilled confidence in the players and the fans.
“Until then, we didn’t believe.”
Joseph was asked about his future, and he dodged the question.
“I can’t tell you anything about what’s next,” he said. “I know that Japanese rugby is in a good place now. For me right now, I’m just going to celebrate the effort and achievements of this team.”
Leitch was asked if he was fulfilled.
“I am not fulfilled, I am not satisfied,” he replied. “It is not as if I am satisfied or not. I am just proud to be the captain of this team.”
