Sakura Fifteen Fall to Fiji in Fukuoka

The Sakura Fifteen fell to a narrow 12-15 defeat against Fiji in their Japan Rugby Challenge Match 2026 at JAPAN BASE in Fukuoka on Friday. In the team’s first match since Toshizumi Kitagawa was confirmed as new Head Coach, a youthful Japan side fought back strongly after falling 10 points behind but were ultimately unable to overhaul the visitors.

Fiji made the bright start, with fullback Ivamere Rokowati opening the scoring in the ninth minute before flyhalf Varanisese Qoro added a second try midway through the first half. Japan responded through 18-year-old flanker Nami Asari, who marked her test debut with a try in the 28th minute. Fellow debutant Maiko Nishi added the conversion to reduce Fiji’s advantage to 7-10 at the break.

The visitors extended their lead early in the second half when winger Aqela Raitubu crossed in the 51st minute, but Japan again worked their way back into the contest. Hooker Asuka Kuge scored from close range six minutes later, cutting the deficit to just three points. Japan continued to press for a match-winning score, aided by a yellow card to Fiji number eight Alfreda Fisher, but the Fijian defence held firm to secure a hard-earned and well-deserved victory.

Despite the defeat, there were encouraging signs for a Sakura Fifteen side at the beginning of a new four-year cycle leading into Rugby World Cup 2029 in Australia. Asari and Nishi both made an immediate impact on debut, while captain Moe Tsukui provided an experienced presence at halfback. Having spoken before the match about the need for Japan to cope with Fiji’s physicality while developing the speed and footwork central to their own game, Kitagawa will have plenty to take from a closely fought first outing in charge.

The Sakura Fifteen will now turn their attention to the WXV Global Series in Europe, where they face Italy in Pordenone, Italy on September 19 before traveling to Ireland to take on their hosts in Galway on September 27 and Cork on October 3. They then return to Japan to begin preparations for their two-test home series against Wales in late October.

Sakura Fifteen 2026 Match Schedule

Friday 4 September
Japan vs Fiji
12-15 (L)
JAPAN BASE Fukuoka

Saturday 19 September
Italy vs Japan
WXV Global Series
Pordenone, Italy

Sunday 27 September
Ireland vs Japan
WXV Global Series
Galway, Ireland

Saturday 3 October
Ireland vs Japan
WXV Global Series
Cork, Ireland

Saturday 24 October
Japan vs Wales
Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2026 / WXV Global Series
Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo

Saturday 31 October
Japan vs Wales
WXV Global Series
Kumagaya Sports and Culture Park Rugby Stadium, Saitama