Brave Blossoms newcomers eye Wales upset

Japan has selected wing wizard Kippei Ishida, a breakthrough talent that Eddie Jones has billed as the ‘new Cheslin Kolbe’, for his first cap against Wales on Saturday.  

Yokohama Canon Eagles wing Ishida, 25, who captained his country’s sevens team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is poised to make the step up to the international Test level after being lauded by his head coach in the build-up to the two-match series.

Ishida, who scored 11 tries in his first full League One season after moving on from sevens rugby, admitted to feeling a mix of emotions ahead of his debut against Wales.

"I am very nervous but at the same time I am filled with excitement,” said the Hyogo-born livewire.

Jones has hailed his speed, aerial ability and footwork, as the Test match newcomer tries to live up to the hype and high expectations.

Ishida, who has previously said that Suntory Sungoliath and Springboks superstar Cheslin Kolbe, who he’s yet to go up against in League One, is his favourite player and is someone he tries to emulate on the field.  

Japan’s latest starlet has an opportunity to shine over the next week and to become his country’s most exciting homegrown wing since the box office duo of Kenki Fukuoka and Akihito Yamada.

Ishida, who starts on the right wing with Shizuoka Blue Revs standout Malo Tuitama on the left, will oppose Scarlets star Tom Rogers and Cardiff’s vastly-experienced Josh Adams who was the top try scorer at the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

The Yokohama hotshot will do everything in his power to succeed for his country.  

“I will give it my all and put my life on the line. Please support me."

Ishida is one of two debutants in the starting 15 with Kubota Spears’ loosehead prop Yota Kamimori (below), 26, being rewarded for a fine season with the League One runners-up.  

Kamimori, whose club side lost the final to Michael Leitch’s Toshiba Brave Lupus in June, said: "I would like to thank everyone who has supported me so far. I will do my best to fulfil my role and contribute to the team. I look forward to your support."

Kamimori’s club colleague Hayate Era, 23, who has blossomed under the learning tree of Kubota’s first-choice hooker Malcolm Marx, is set to earn his first cap from the bench.

"I am very honoured to be selected for the first time as a registered member of the Japan national team,” said Era who scored three tries last season.  

“I will do my best with a heart full of gratitude to those who have supported me so far.”

Toshiba’s back-to-back League One champion Sena Kimura, 26, is grateful for being selected for the Brave Blossoms for the first time after being named among their replacements.

The powerful prop said: "This is my first chance to play a match for the Japan national team. I am grateful for this opportunity.

“It is not by my own strength that I have made it this far, but thanks to my coaches, family and friends who have supported me. In the match against Wales, I will feel the responsibility of representing my country and I will do my best to contribute to the team's victory by doing what I can do.”

Kobe Steelers lock Waisake Raratubua, 27, who featured in the loss to the Maori All Blacks, is poised to earn his first cap from the bench.

"I am very happy to be selected for the Wales match. I would like to thank the head coach and coaches for having faith in me and giving me the opportunity to play this time. I will do my best to make a positive impact on the field and support the team."

Shizuoka Blue Revs scum-half Shuntaro Kitamura (below), who played a starring role in their surprise play-off run, 23, is available as cover for Kubota starter Shinobu Fujiwara.

Picture courtesy of JRLO

"I am happy to be selected for the Japan national team for the first time and to be able to stand where I have dreamed of and aimed to be since I was a child,” said Kitamura.

“I will do my best to represent Japan and live up to the cherry blossom jersey. Please give me your enthusiastic support."

Black Rams Tokyo utility-back Ichigo Nakakusu, 25, could also be introduced off the bench and offers Japan cover for the fly-half and full-back roles against Wales.

Nakakusu said: "I would like to thank my parents, teammates, coaches, staff, fans and everyone who has been involved in my first selection and first appearance. I would like to take this experience as a milestone and continue to work hard every day to continue to grow, even if it is only little by little.”

Kubota Spears wing and sharpshooter Halatoa Vailea, 26, could also be summoned from the replacements for his debut.

Tonga-born Vailea, who can also play in the midfield and at full-back, said: "I am proud to be able to play for Japan with the cherry blossom jersey. I will give my all in every moment of play in the name of the national team. I look forward to your support."