'There has been unparalleled emotion around the country' - World Rugby take notice of Japan's success

And that includes World Rugby, the sport’s governing body, which has been stunned by the huge numbers being racked up in terms of television viewers and social media engagements as well as the good old-fashioned barometer of jersey sales.

Whether or not the Brave Blossoms continue to defy the odds in this Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final, the success of Jamie Joseph’s side on home soil looks set to open plenty of doors at world rugby’s top table.

Japan’s on-field success at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in going unbeaten through their Pool A campaign, including those famous victory over Ireland, then ranked second in the world, in Shizuoka on September 28, and Scotland last Sunday in Yokohama, has captivated not just the host nation but rugby supporters around the world.