Japan squad for Rugby World Cup 2023: Full list of players selected for Brave Blossoms

The meteoric rise of rugby in Japan is one of the game's biggest success stories in recent years — while the Brave Blossoms have competed in each and every World Cup since the inaugural 1987 tournament, the last two have seen the Asian nation reach new heights.

Karne Hesketh's last-minute try to beat South Africa in 2015 shocked the world, and Japan's hosting of the 2019 World Cup showed just how much the sport had encapsulated the nation, as the Brave Blossoms defeated Russia, Ireland, Samoa and Scotland to top their pool, before losing to eventual winners South Africa in the last eight.

Since then though, it's been a transitional period for Jamie Joseph's side. That Scotland victory was their last against a Tier 1 nation, with the Japan defeating only Portugal, Uruguay and Tonga since 2020 and losing 14 of their 18 matches.

Rugby World Cup #4️⃣

Michael Leitch and Shota Horie are ready to run things all over again #RWC2023 | @JRFURugby pic.twitter.com/5V6Kqn7GJN

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) August 15, 2023

Japan have blooded several young players during this period though, many of whom make up their World Cup squad. Shota Fukui, Tomoki Osada and Jone Naikabula all made their international debuts this summer as Japan finished third in the Pacific Nations Cup.

22-year-old fly-half Lee Seung-Sin has made the number 10 shirt his own, and will be joined in the halves by either veteran Yutaka Nagare or Naoto Saito, the latter also a fairly recent debutant. 

Out wide, free-scoring outside backs Dylan Riley and Semisi Masirewa will add a great deal of pace and verve to the Brave Blossoms' attack, with 2019 World Cup star Kotaro Matsushima bringing almost 50 caps of experience in this area of the pitch. 

Japan's real experience comes in the pack though, with 37-year-old hooker Shota Horie bolstering a front row which also includes Asaeli Ai Valu and Keita Inagaki. In the back row, Michael Leitch will put his body on the line for the Brave Blossoms once again alongside new captain Kazuki Himeno.

From #RWC2019 standout to #RWC2023 captain! 🌟

Kazuki Himeno leads the way for @JRFURugby 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/D1jqJKOEAe

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) August 15, 2023

So-so preparation leaves Japan with a mountain to climb if they're to improve on their sensational 2019 showing, but with a rugby-mad nation behind them, they will certainly be looking to spring a surprise in Pool D; where they'll face tournament debutants Chile, a wounded England, and Samoan and Argentinian sides who are both on an upward trajectory.

Japan full 2023 Rugby World Cup squad

Jamie Joseph has named a 33-player squad, split fairly equally between forwards and backs.