Like its opponent in its opening game, Japan goes into the World Cup knowing that the tournament marks the end of an era.
Adam Parker has added some much needed bulk to the Japan pack. However, the Japanese will need to make sure they make the most of every opportunity if they are to improve on their World Cup record of just one win in 12 games.
Just as his more illustrious opponent Ian McGeechan of Scotland has decided to hang up the tracksuit, so Japan's head coach Shogo Mukai has said that Japan's last game in the tournament will be his last in charge of the national team.