Tokyo (AFP)

The Japanese fans exploded with joy on Saturday in the fan zones, the bars or in front of their small screen after the victory of Japan 19 to 12 against Ireland, unprecedented exploit of this Rugby World Cup organized in the Japanese archipelago.

An indescribable, atypical disorder in Japan, ruled the fan zone of Tokyo's Ginza luxury district, where hundreds of people - many of whom wore the red-and-white striped outfit of the "Brave Blossoms" - had gathered to follow the match played in Shizuoka (center).

"It's really historic, no doubt about it," said 30-year-old Akira Ueda, a travel agency employee with over-excited fans. "Today's victory is certainly due in part to the incredible support of fans," he told AFP. "I will support the team until the end!"

This staggering victory shows that Japan has not lost its ability to defeat oval ball giants as it did to everyone's surprise against South Africa during the 2015 World Cup.

Ireland had started strongly, but Japan's players have gradually regained the upper hand, helped by a tumultuous red and white crowd of 47,000 people and the idea that across the country they were being encouraged.

- "Nippon, Nippon!" -

In Tokyo, in the official fan zone, we sang in chorus "Nippon, Nippon!" ("Japan, Japan!" In French, Ed.) As the team took back the hair of the beast in the second half. .

"It's great, too great, I'm so happy," said Saki Tamade, a 29-year-old computer engineer. "I usually do not watch much rugby, but this time I have followed the team and I will continue, for sure," she said.

At the final whistle, a rumbling reasoned in the floors of the fan zone. The crowd of supporters began to drink, smiling to the ears.

"I never thought Japan would win," said Takashi Nakatsubo, a 43-year-old trader. "The victory did not come from individual players but from the whole team". "Japan is now very likely to advance to the round of 16 or even further," he enthused.

On the side of the Irish fans present, we were beautiful player. Sean McGouren, 27, said she was "sad, but at the same time very happy". "If I have to lose, I want to lose against Japan, the Japanese have been very, very good today, absolutely unbelievable."

if-oh-uh-qt / GGR

© 2019 AFP