Japan v Wales: Tourists hope for home support in Kitakyushu Test

Wales’ previous trip to Kitakyushu did not pass without controversy.

After all, this was the place in which the squad were based when attack coach Rob Howley was sent home after betting allegations surfaced.

But there are mainly happy memories for Wales – and their Japanese admirers – from those late summer days of 2019.

This visit will end with Saturday’s first Test, when Wales will aim to end a 17-match international losing run.

The Mikuni World Stadium was the scene of one of the highlights of Wales’ visit to these shores six years ago.

An open training session held before the tournament was attended by a capacity crowd of more than 15,000 locals, who memorably sang the Welsh national anthem in unison.

“I had never experienced something that before, where the stadium was full to the brim for just a training session,” said Wainwright.

“Having everyone singing and chanting during that session was one of the special highlights of my tour. Hopefully this time it will be even louder.”

But which anthem will be louder on Saturday? And will the home crowd be shouting for Japan or their beloved visitors?

“We were speaking to people last night and they think the majority of the crowd will be backing Wales,” said Williams.

“We hope that is the case.”