This archive report was first published on 21 October 2019.
October 20, 2019, marked a significant day for Japan's rugby fans as their team made history by reaching the World Cup quarter-finals. However, their fairytale run came crashing down with a 26-3 defeat to South Africa.
The Brave Blossoms had captured the imagination of a country hooked on baseball and sumo, with supporters packing out fanzones and tuning in in their millions to watch the game on TV.
At a fanzone in downtown Tokyo, 32-year-old businessman Akihito Kojima expressed his gratitude to the team, saying, "I want to tell them a big thank-you for the inspiration."
Despite the loss, Captain Michael Leitch was not satisfied with their historic run, and some fans already had their sights on loftier goals, including a tournament victory.
At the Tokyo fanzone, supporters erupted in thunderous roars every time the Japanese players threatened the Springbok line, mirroring the tens of thousands of Brave Blossom fans at Tokyo Stadium.
World Rugby brought the tournament to Japan, the first time the global showcase has featured in Asia, to tap into a new audience and educate fans on the finer points of the game.
With the new-found popularity, many fans, including 18-year-old Rintaro Watanabe, an athlete who plays on the wing for his high-school team, predicted that more young athletes would try the sport.
South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus paid tribute to the Japanese team and the fans, saying they should be proud of the way they have hosted the 2019 World Cup.
