Rugby: Japan players return from World Cup in France

NARITA, Japan, Oct. 11 Kyodo - Kazuki Himeno, captain of Japan's men's national rugby team, attends a press conference in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, eastern Japan, on Oct. 11, 2023, after arriving at Narita airport following their World Cup matches in France. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rugby: Japan's pre-World Cup training

TOULOUSE, France - The Japan National Team works out during a gym session ahead of the upcoming Rugby World Cup at the Brave Blossoms' base in Toulouse, France, on Sept. 5, 2023.

RWC - England v Japan

RWC - England v Japan

Yutaka Nagare #9 of Japan and Maro Itoje #4 of England during the Rugby World Cup match between England and Japan at Stade de Nice on September 17, 2023 in Nice, France. Photo by Baptiste Paquot/ABACAPRESS.COM

RWC - England v Japan

RWC - England v Japan

Yutaka Nagare #9 of Japan and Alex Mitchell #9 of England during the Rugby World Cup match between England and Japan at Stade de Nice on September 17, 2023 in Nice, France. Photo by Baptiste Paquot/ABACAPRESS.COM

RWC - England v Japan

RWC - England v Japan

Yutaka Nagare #9 of Japan, Michael Leitch #6 of Japan and Courtney Lawes #6 of England during the Rugby World Cup match between England and Japan at Stade de Nice on September 17, 2023 in Nice, France. Photo by Baptiste Paquot/ABACAPRESS.COM

RWC - England v Japan

RWC - England v Japan

Yutaka Nagare #9 of Japan and Maro Itoje #4 of England during the Rugby World Cup match between England and Japan at Stade de Nice on September 17, 2023 in Nice, France. Photo by Baptiste Paquot/ABACAPRESS.COM

RWC - England v Japan

RWC - England v Japan

Yutaka Nagare #9 of Japan and Alex Mitchell #9 of England during the Rugby World Cup match between England and Japan at Stade de Nice on September 17, 2023 in Nice, France. Photo by Baptiste Paquot/ABACAPRESS.COM

RWC - England v Japan

RWC - England v Japan

Maro Itoje #4 of England and Yutaka Nagare #9 of Japan during the Rugby World Cup match between England and Japan at Stade de Nice on September 17, 2023 in Nice, France. Photo by Baptiste Paquot/ABACAPRESS.COM

RWC - England v Japan

RWC - England v Japan

Maro Itoje #4 of England and Yutaka Nagare #9 of Japan during the Rugby World Cup match between England and Japan at Stade de Nice on September 17, 2023 in Nice, France. Photo by Baptiste Paquot/ABACAPRESS.COM

RWC - England v Japan

RWC - England v Japan

Illustration of a scrum with Yutaka Nagare #9 of Japan during the Rugby World Cup match between England and Japan at Stade de Nice on September 17, 2023 in Nice, France. Photo by Baptiste Paquot/ABACAPRESS.COM

RWC - England v Japan

RWC - England v Japan

Ben Youngs #21 of England and Yutaka Nagare #9 of Japan during the Rugby World Cup match between England and Japan at Stade de Nice on September 17, 2023 in Nice, France. Photo by Baptiste Paquot/ABACAPRESS.COM

RWC - England v Japan

RWC - England v Japan

Alex Mitchell #9 of England and Yutaka Nagare #9 of Japan during the Rugby World Cup match between England and Japan at Stade de Nice on September 17, 2023 in Nice, France. Photo by Baptiste Paquot/ABACAPRESS.COM

RWC - England v Japan

RWC - England v Japan

Alex Mitchell #9 of England and Yutaka Nagare #9 of Japan during the Rugby World Cup match between England and Japan at Stade de Nice on September 17, 2023 in Nice, France. Photo by Baptiste Paquot/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby World Cup: Japan vs. England

Rugby World Cup: Japan vs. England

Japan's Yutaka Nagare (C) attempts to claim a high ball against an England player during the first half of a Rugby World Cup Pool D match at Stade de Nice in Nice, France, on Sept. 17, 2023.

Rugby World Cup: Japan v Chile

Rugby World Cup: Japan v Chile

Japan's Yutaka Nagare (5th from L) leads his teammates onto the pitch ahead of a Rugby World Cup Pool D match against Chile at Toulouse, France, on Sept. 10.

Rugby: Japan's pre-World Cup training

Rugby: Japan's pre-World Cup training

Yutaka Nagare is pictured during Japan's training ahead of their upcoming Rugby World Cup Pool D opener against Chile at the Brave Blossoms' base in Toulouse, France, on Sept. 7, 2023.

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Yutaka Nagare and Naoto Saito answers questions from journalists during a conference press at the Ernest-Wallon stadium ahead of the 2023 rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France. Photo by Timo Claeys/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Yutaka Nagare and Naoto Saito answers questions from journalists during a conference press at the Ernest-Wallon stadium ahead of the 2023 rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France. Photo by Timo Claeys/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Yutaka Nagare and Naoto Saito answers questions from journalists during a conference press at the Ernest-Wallon stadium ahead of the 2023 rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France. Photo by Timo Claeys/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Yutaka Nagare and Naoto Saito answers questions from journalists during a conference press at the Ernest-Wallon stadium ahead of the 2023 rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France. Photo by Timo Claeys/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Yutaka Nagare and Naoto Saito answers questions from journalists during a conference press at the Ernest-Wallon stadium ahead of the 2023 rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France. Photo by Timo Claeys/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Yutaka Nagare and Naoto Saito answers questions from journalists during a conference press at the Ernest-Wallon stadium ahead of the 2023 rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France. Photo by Timo Claeys/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Yutaka Nagare and Naoto Saito answers questions from journalists during a conference press at the Ernest-Wallon stadium ahead of the 2023 rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France. Photo by Timo Claeys/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Yutaka Nagare and Naoto Saito answers questions from journalists during a conference press at the Ernest-Wallon stadium ahead of the 2023 rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France. Photo by Timo Claeys/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Yutaka Nagare and Naoto Saito answers questions from journalists during a conference press at the Ernest-Wallon stadium ahead of the 2023 rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France. Photo by Timo Claeys/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Yutaka Nagare and Naoto Saito answers questions from journalists during a conference press at the Ernest-Wallon stadium ahead of the 2023 rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France. Photo by Timo Claeys/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Yutaka Nagare and Naoto Saito answers questions from journalists during a conference press at the Ernest-Wallon stadium ahead of the 2023 rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France. Photo by Timo Claeys/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Yutaka Nagare and Naoto Saito answers questions from journalists during a conference press at the Ernest-Wallon stadium ahead of the 2023 rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France. Photo by Timo Claeys/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Yutaka Nagare and Naoto Saito answers questions from journalists during a conference press at the Ernest-Wallon stadium ahead of the 2023 rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France. Photo by Timo Claeys/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Rugby World Cup - Japan Team Press Conference

Yutaka Nagare and Naoto Saito answers questions from journalists during a conference press at the Ernest-Wallon stadium ahead of the 2023 rugby World Cup in Toulouse, France. Photo by Timo Claeys/ABACAPRESS.COM

Rugby: Italy vs. Japan

Rugby: Italy vs. Japan

Japan's Yutaka Nagare passes the ball during the first half of a test match against Italy on Aug. 26, 2023, in Treviso, Italy, ahead of the Rugby World Cup in France starting on Sept. 8.

Rugby: Japan's World Cup squad

Rugby: Japan's World Cup squad

Japan scrum-half Yutaka Nagare speaks during a press conference in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2023, after being named to the country's squad for the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France.

Super Rugby's Sunwolves

Super Rugby's Sunwolves

TOKYO, Japan, Feb. 23 Kyodo - Sunwolves captain Yutaka Nagare takes part in a practice session at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground in Tokyo on Feb. 23, 2018, ahead of their Super Rugby opener against the Brumbies the following day.

Tea for war dead

Tea for war dead

HAKODATE, Japan - Former Urasenke-clan tea master Sen Genshitsu (R) and sculptor Masayuki Nagare (L) dedicate tea to the souls of the World War II dead in the town of Nanae, Hokkaido, on Aug. 24, 2010.

Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival wraps up with Oiyama float race

Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival wraps up with Oiyama float race

The "Chiyo Nagare" float speeds through the compounds of Kushida Shrine during the finale of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival in Fukuoka, southwestern Japan, on July 15, 2015. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival wraps up with Oiyama float race

Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival wraps up with Oiyama float race

The "Nishi Nagare" float races through the compounds of Kushida Shrine during the finale of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival in Fukuoka, southwestern Japan, on July 15, 2015. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Shimogamo Shirine

Shimogamo Shirine

Shimokamo Shinto Shrine is located on the delta of Kamo River and Takano River in the Sakyo district of Kyoto. A torii in the popular Myojo style stands in the trees of Tadasuno Forest, and the main building can be seen in the rear. At Shimokamo Shrine, Shikinen Sengu (removal and dedication of the shrine) has been conducted every 20 years since the Heian period, but the present main hall was built in 1863 and exhibits nagare zukuri (a shrine construction style with the front roof spreading out in arch form, seen from the fist half of the Heian period) . At the foot of the torii are rickshaws with their handles placed down. One is empty, but the rickshaw man sits on the other one wearing a manto hat.==Date:unknown, Place:Kyoto, Photo:Tamamura Kozaburo, (Credit:Nagasaki University Library/Kyodo News Images) [Cabinet Number11‐37‐0]

Tea for war dead

Tea for war dead

HAKODATE, Japan - Former Urasenke-clan tea master Sen Genshitsu (R) and sculptor Masayuki Nagare (L) dedicate tea to the souls of the World War II dead in the town of Nanae, Hokkaido, on Aug. 24, 2010. (Kyodo)

Rugby World Cup in Japan

Rugby World Cup in Japan

Members of Japan's national rugby team -- (from L) Michael Leitch, Yoshitaka Tokunaga, Yutaka Nagare, Ryoto Nakamura and Kotaro Matsushima -- attend an event held in Fuchu, western Tokyo, on Nov. 2, 2019, to express appreciation for fans during the Rugby World Cup. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rugby World Cup in Japan

Rugby World Cup in Japan

(From L) Japan's Yoshitaka Tokunaga, Yutaka Nagare, captain Michael Leitch, Ryoto Nakamura and Kotaro Matsushima pose for a photo with fans at an event held in Fuchu, western Tokyo, on Nov. 2, 2019, to express appreciation for their support of the team during the Rugby World Cup. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rugby World Cup in Japan

Rugby World Cup in Japan

(From L) Japan's Yoshitaka Tokunaga, Yutaka Nagare, captain Michael Leitch, Ryoto Nakamura and Kotaro Matsushima pose for a photo with fans at an event held in Fuchu, western Tokyo, on Nov. 2, 2019, to express appreciation for their support of the team during the Rugby World Cup. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rugby World Cup in Japan

Rugby World Cup in Japan

Japan player Yutaka Nagare (C) speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on Oct. 21, 2019, a day after Japan lost to South Africa in a Rugby World Cup quarterfinal. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rugby World Cup in Japan: Japan v South Africa

Rugby World Cup in Japan: Japan v South Africa

Faf de Klerk of South Africa is tackled by Japan's Michael Leitch (6) and Yutaka Nagare during the first half of a Rugby World Cup quarterfinal match on Oct. 20, 2019, in Chofu, western Tokyo. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rugby World Cup in Japan: Japan v South Africa

Rugby World Cup in Japan: Japan v South Africa

Yutaka Nagare (R) of Japan tackles South Africa's Faf de Klerk (9) during the first half of a Rugby World Cup quarterfinal on Oct. 20, 2019, in Chofu, western Tokyo. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rugby World Cup in Japan: Japan v South Africa

Rugby World Cup in Japan: Japan v South Africa

Yutaka Nagare (far L) of Japan passes the ball during the first half of a Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against South Africa on Oct. 20, 2019, in Chofu, western Tokyo. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rugby World Cup in Japan

Rugby World Cup in Japan

Yutaka Nagare (R) of Japan attends a press conference in Tokyo on Oct. 19, 2019, ahead of a Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against South Africa the following day. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rugby World Cup in Japan

Rugby World Cup in Japan

Yutaka Nagare of Japan attends a press conference in Tokyo on Oct. 19, 2019, ahead of a Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against South Africa the following day. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rugby World Cup in Japan

Rugby World Cup in Japan

Yutaka Nagare of Japan attends a press conference in Tokyo on Oct. 19, 2019, ahead of a Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against South Africa the following day. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rugby World Cup in Japan: Japan v Russia

Rugby World Cup in Japan: Japan v Russia

Japan's Yutaka Nagare (front) is smacked in the face during a Rugby World Cup Pool A match against Russia in Chofu, western Tokyo, on Sept. 20, 2019. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rugby World Cup in Japan: Japan v Samoa

Rugby World Cup in Japan: Japan v Samoa

Japan's Yutaka Nagare (top R) looks to pass the ball during the first half of a Rugby World Cup Pool A match against Samoa on Oct. 5, 2019, in Toyota, central Japan. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo