Schoolchildren burst into brilliant Welsh national anthem at Japanese train station
It's the first time Wales will play Japan since November 2016.
Japanese high school students produced an impressive version of Wales' Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau ahead of this summer's Test series between the two nations.
Matt Sherratt's Welsh side will face the Brave Blossoms in two Tests next month, with the first game taking place at Mikuni World Stadium in Kitakyushu on July 5. Wales previously visited Kitakyushu for their pre-World Cup training camp in 2019, where they were given a fine welcome by the host nation. Japanese pupils have now done something similar.
Gathered at Kokura Station, the students were dressed in Welsh rugby T-shirts while harmonising to the 'Land of My Fathers'. The collective received warm applause after completing their version of the anthem.
The Japanese translation for the Welsh national anthem was provided on the big screen for spectators, with images of the Wales team on the walls ahead of their visit to the Kyushu Island city. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
Warren Gatland's Wales spent six days in the city prior to the 2019 World Cup, with hundreds of schoolchildren turning up to welcome the squad to their hometown.
Chants of 'Go, Go, Cymru!' could be heard from the crowds at the airport. As well as this, Kokura Castle was illuminated in the colours of Wales.
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After Wales face Japan in the first Test next month, they will travel to Osaka Bay. The second and final match against the Brave Blossoms will take place in Kobe at the Noevir Stadium on July 12.
Wales have lost 17 international matches in a row, and are looking for their first win since October 2023, with interim head coach Sherratt the man tasked with trying to steer the ship.
Ahead of the tour, the Cardiff Rugby boss has drafted in T Rhys Thomas, Adam Jones, Danny Wilson and Gethin Jenkins onto his coaching staff. Wales legend Leigh Halfpenny is the latest to be added, and will take on his first international coaching role despite still being an active professional player.
The iconic full-back is rumoured to be joining French second division outfit Beziers next season, but over the summer he'll be taking on kicking coaching duties from mentor Neil Jenkins in the Far East.
At the helm for Japan is former England boss Eddie Jones, who has recently called up a university student ahead of the tour. There are 16 uncapped players in the squad, with an average age of just 26.
There's just one player with more than 50 caps in the squad - veteran Michael Leitch, who has played in four World Cups and earned 87 appearances at Test level.
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The two nations have not faced each another for nine years. Current Grenoble fly-half Sam Davies knocked over an 80th-minute drop goal for Gatland's side to win 33-30 at the death in the autumn internationals of 2016.
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