Japan make history by beating Wales

Japan make history by beating Wales

TOKYO, Japan - Captain Toshiaki Hirose (R top) of Japan is lifted by Takashi Kikutani (8) after Japan beat Wales 23-8 at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground in Tokyo on June 15, 2013. Japan recorded their first official test-match win against a Tier One rugby nation.

Japan make history by beating Wales

Japan make history by beating Wales

TOKYO, Japan - Takashi Kikutani of Japan charges ahead in the second half of a game against Wales at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground in Tokyo on June 15, 2013. Japan beat Wales 23-8, recording their first official test-match win against a Tier One rugby nation.

All Blacks thrash Japan with 13 tries

All Blacks thrash Japan with 13 tries

HAMILTON, New Zealand - New Zealand's Conrad Smith (L) fends off Japan captain Takashi Kikutani during the first half of a Rugby World Cup game at Waikato Stadium in New Zealand on Sept. 16, 2011. The All Blacks scored 13 tries in an 83-7 romp.

All Blacks crush Japan at Rugby World Cup

All Blacks crush Japan at Rugby World Cup

HAMILTON, New Zealand - Japan captain Takashi Kikutani (L) fends off Keven Mealamu of New Zealand during the first half of a Rugby World Cup game at Waikato Stadium in New Zealand on Sept. 16, 2011. The All Blacks crushed Japan 83-7, scoring 13 tries.

All Blacks crush Japan at Rugby World Cup

All Blacks crush Japan at Rugby World Cup

HAMILTON, New Zealand - Japan captain Takashi Kikutani (C) is sandwiched by Andy Ellis (R) and another New Zealand player during the first half of a Rugby World Cup game at Waikato Stadium in New Zealand on Sept. 16, 2011. The All Blacks crushed Japan 83-7, scoring 13 tries.

Japan rugby team in N.Z.

Japan rugby team in N.Z.

GULF HARBOUR, New Zealand - Japan national rugby team coach John Kirwan (R) attends a press conference with captain Takashi Kikutani in Gulf Harbour, New Zealand, on Sept. 8, 2011. Japan will face off on Sept. 10 against France, their first opponents at the Rugby World Cup.

South Africa's Blue Bulls too powerful for plucky Eagles of Japan

South Africa's Blue Bulls too powerful for plucky Eagles of Japan

Canon Eagles flanker Takashi Kikutani is tackled by Blue Bulls players during the first half of a preseason friendly rugby union match on July 31, 2015, at Machida Athletic Stadium in Tokyo. The Bulls from South Africa hammered the Japanese side 50-3. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Japan rugby team in N.Z.

Japan rugby team in N.Z.

GULF HARBOUR, New Zealand - Japan national rugby team coach John Kirwan (R) attends a press conference with captain Takashi Kikutani in Gulf Harbour, New Zealand, on Sept. 8, 2011. Japan will face off on Sept. 10 against France, their first opponents at the Rugby World Cup. (Kyodo)

All Blacks crush Japan at Rugby World Cup

All Blacks crush Japan at Rugby World Cup

HAMILTON, New Zealand - Japan captain Takashi Kikutani (C) is sandwiched by Andy Ellis (R) and another New Zealand player during the first half of a Rugby World Cup game at Waikato Stadium in New Zealand on Sept. 16, 2011. The All Blacks crushed Japan 83-7, scoring 13 tries. (Kyodo)

All Blacks thrash Japan with 13 tries

All Blacks thrash Japan with 13 tries

HAMILTON, New Zealand - New Zealand's Conrad Smith (L) fends off Japan captain Takashi Kikutani during the first half of a Rugby World Cup game at Waikato Stadium in New Zealand on Sept. 16, 2011. The All Blacks scored 13 tries in an 83-7 romp. (Kyodo)

All Blacks crush Japan at Rugby World Cup

All Blacks crush Japan at Rugby World Cup

HAMILTON, New Zealand - Japan captain Takashi Kikutani (L) fends off Keven Mealamu of New Zealand during the first half of a Rugby World Cup game at Waikato Stadium in New Zealand on Sept. 16, 2011. The All Blacks crushed Japan 83-7, scoring 13 tries. (Kyodo)