THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
December 11, 2019 at 17:50 JST
Japan's national rugby team staged a parade in Tokyo on Dec. 11, waving in gratitude to throngs of supporters following a top eight showing at the Rugby World Cup.
It was the first time for the team members to fully gather since they were bested by South Africa in the quarterfinals--a first for the Brave Blossoms--on Oct. 20.
Team captain Michael Leitch, among those who participated in the event in the Marunouchi district, said, "I'm so happy Japan became 'one team'."
"One Team" was adopted as the mantra for the Blossoms' impressive performance at the global sports extravaganza.
The athletes waved as they walked about 800 meters on Marunouchi Nakadori street in the business and shopping area.
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Japanese national rugby team members wave to fans during a parade in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward on Dec. 11. (Hiroyuki Yamamoto)
