Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

# brave blossoms

Last year
2023
England through to quarters as Japan fend off ferocious fightback from 14-man Samoa
All time
Japan learning to live with great expectations and the pressure of being marked men
Japan recall Kotaro Matsushima for Saturday's Test at the Aviva
What will Ireland have picked out from Japan's only game since July?
James Ryan: 'That game in 2019 is probably one of the toughest I've ever played'
'It's about belief in our game' - Japan are becoming rugby's great entertainers
Keenan expects Ireland to 'have our hands full' against high-tempo Japan
After their World Cup heroics, Japan finally make a welcome return to the Test stage
Japan name one debutant among team of World Cup stars to face the Lions
'I was more nervous about the haka than the game... It was a huge honour'
World Cup star Matsushima set for 'once-in-a-lifetime experience' against Lions
Joseph calls up Japan World Cup heroes for 'huge' Lions and Ireland games
Gatland's Lions to face Japan before departing on South Africa tour
Rugby fans mob Japan's Brave Blossoms at victory parade
Joseph to take Japan to next Rugby World Cup, ruling out All Blacks role
Sayonara, Japan! Curtain comes down on a memorable World Cup
Farrell's Ireland to host Japan, Springboks and Wallabies in November 2020
'We're a team of guys who aren't superstars' - Japan bow out with pride
'We're grateful for the opportunity to inspire Japan and we showed that'
Japan v Scotland, Rugby World Cup
'When I want to go out, I want to have a coffee, but it's impossible'
Scottish legal talk 'undermines' Japan's World Cup run, fumes Joseph
Japan make three changes from Ireland win for showdown with Samoa
'We had been preparing for this game for a hell of a lot longer than the Irish had'
'We got a 12-3 lead and we stopped playing to a degree': Schmidt laments penalty calls after shock in Shizuoka
Japan need 'best game of their lives' as captain Leitch dropped for Ireland clash
'Key weapon' - Ireland's opponents Japan aim high at Rugby World Cup after naming squad
Ireland's RWC pool rivals Japan rise to 9th in world rankings after impressive win over USA
Japan captain Leitch 'quietly confident' as he faces World Cup pool with Ireland
'If we are going to take the All Blacks down, then it is going to be tomorrow'
'Both sides went at it furiously': Italy withstand Brave Blossoms fightback to end season with victory
Three magic Keith Earls assists and all the highlights from Ireland's summer tour to the US and Japan
The big winners from Ireland's high-scoring summer tour
Overshadowed by Lions, but Ireland a joy to watch at tail end of historic season
All the little affirmations paying off as Andrew Conway revels chance to wear Ireland jersey
Conan's Barbarian rugby, new kids impress and more talking points from Ireland's big win
Keith Earls on fire again as Ireland run 7 past Japan
Japan v Ireland, summer tour
Solidity all important as Ireland tackle Sunwolves-laded Japan after heavy travel week
'Great day for the family,' but whirlwind tour leaves little time for Scannell brothers to celebrate