Japan hosted New Zealand with the chance to make a statement under returning head coach Eddie Jones, but what was a promising start soon fizzled out as the All Blacks ran away with a huge winning margin.
Driven by a strong desire to reach the finals on home soil, Japan emerged victorious once again with a score of 49-27.
In their Pacific Nations Cup opener, Japan defeated the USA 41-24 at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, showcasing strong performances from key players like Dylan Riley and Harumichi Tatekawa.
Japan head coach Eddie Jones has turned to Takuya Yamasawa at full-back after naming an otherwise unchanged starting XV for the visit of USA this weekend.
Eddie Jones' inexperienced Japan side may have slumped to a 52-17 loss in Tokyo, but there were performances that would have pleased the coach in his first game back.
Eddie Jones has selected a largely inexperienced squad for his first Test back as head coach of the Brave Blossoms, with rising star Yoshitaka Yazaki winning his first cap at full-back.
Japan's head coach, Jamie Joseph, has revealed the lineup for their upcoming clash against Samoa in Pool D, scheduled at Stadium de Toulouse on September 28.
Despite a promising start to the game, Japan have fallen to a disheartening 34-12 loss to England in Nice on Sunday evening. How did the Brave Blossoms rate in defeat?
Japan head coach Jamie Joseph has named his 23-man match-day squad to face England in Pool D at Stade de Nice on Sunday, 17 September.