The Brave Blossoms are ready to spring a surprise in selection.
Unlike the other teams in the Pacific Nations Cup, Jamie Joseph has resisted the urge to make mass changes to his side for the second round of the competition.
It's been over seven months since Michael Leitch last played a match of rugby. On Saturday, he'll finally suit up after spending the rest of the season watching on from the sidelines, recovering from a chronic groin injury.
Japan captain Michael Leitch has sent a message to Israel Folau on Twitter calling for the Australian to apologise for comments he made yesterday.
Japan flanker Michael Leitch has revealed how the Brave Blossoms used special scrum drills to prepare themselves for last weekend's stunning 19-12 defeat of Ireland.
The public awareness campaign has gone into overdrive at the Rugby World Cup, with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe receiving the red-and-white jersey of the national team from captain Michael Leitch.
Sunwolves' impending exit from the Super Rugby is a blow for rugby in the Far East, but Michael Leitch can't wait for the Japan World Cup to start.
The NZ, Australian and Pacific Super Rugby replacement might not incorporate any teams from Asia, but a number of the Japanese sides could certainly compete with their Pacific neighbours. Could we see a playoff series in the ilk of the Champions Cup?