Both sets of fans commended after Japan's shock win over Ireland

Fans in Japan magnanimous in defeat and gracious in victory

The atmosphere in Japan for the Rugby World Cup has been lauded since the opening ceremony, but yesterday saw a ramping up of World Cup hysteria as Japan pulled off a shock victory over Ireland in Shizuoka.

While Irish fans left the Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa dejected after defeat, both sets of fans have been applauded across social media for their bonhomie before, during, and after the game.

Lee McKenzie, a TV presenter who works with the BBC and Channel 4, commented during the game on the good-natured exchanges between both sets of fans.

Loved seeing some Ireland fans smiling along with the Japan celebrations. This is a cracking match. So far, Japan have been everything that is good about the sport #JPNvIRE #RWC2019

— Lee McKenzie (@LeeMcKenzieTV) September 28, 2019

Irish fans were quick to commend their hosts, with Japan rivalling Ireland in the hospitality stakes.

This video captures just how much rugby fever has hit the host nation, with joyous celebrations at the final whistle.

And here is the reaction at the Rugby World Cup fanzone in Tokyo.

And just in case you wondered what ‘that win’ meant to Japan, check out the Tokyo #RWC2019 fanzone reaction! pic.twitter.com/0mlcxKgJqP

— dominic rumbles (@dominicrumbles) September 28, 2019

The reaction was even more ecstatic inside the stadium.

Incredible scenes here in Shizuoka. Japan were brilliant and it will give rugby some boost here. #JPNvIRE pic.twitter.com/cWe89RYXCG

— Bernard Jackman (@bernardjackman) September 28, 2019

Not surprisingly, the historic win for the Brave Blossoms made the front pages in Japan:

Japan’s win over Ireland front page news in the host nation. Amazing experience to have watched the game in a Japanese bar with fans from all over the world cheering for them. pic.twitter.com/UnqWAx3lrK

— Will Aitkenhead (@willaitkenhead) September 29, 2019

The Irish Rugby official Twitter account provided the first words of congratulations to Japan after the final whistle.

#RWC2019

Congratulations Japan @JRFURugby - worthy winners today with an incredible performance and amazing support. Thanks to our own fans who cheered us to the last - wonderful as always.#ShoulderToShoulder #JPNvIRE #TeamOfUs pic.twitter.com/XLlMsWnzfE

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) September 28, 2019

And was also quick to applaud the Ireland fans in Japan.

#RWC2019

Ireland fans In Shizuoka were incredible today. Cheered the team to the end. Applauded @JRFURugby win. They may be disappointed but they know we’ll rise again. Thank you. #JPNvIRE #TeamOfUs #ShoulderToShoulder pic.twitter.com/qKsvgQf6o9

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) September 28, 2019

After the celebrations, some Japanese fans even stayed behind to help clean the stadium.

Japan fans staying to clean up the stadium after beating Ireland is so awesome. Not that it should be, but it just is #JPNvIRL pic.twitter.com/CESHF5qHVB

— Alex R Terrell (@alxterrell) September 28, 2019

Overall, full credit must go to both sets of fans. For more reaction to yesterday's game, watch The Daily Donal, with Donal Lenihan providing his analysis from Japan every day.