Hosts Japan conjured the samurai spirit to smash Samoa 38-19 on Saturday and take a giant step towards a historic quarter-final spot at the Rugby World Cup.
Photo: Francois Nel - World Rugby via Getty Images. A general view of Japan dressing room, with the emblem on the wall.
Tries by Samoan-born Timothy Lafaele, Kazuki Himeno, Kenki Fukuoka and Kotaro Matsushima helped make it three wins out of three for the Brave Blossoms, who returned to the top of Pool A.
Yu Tamura scored 18 points on eight of 10 kicking to pace Japan, who added a bonus point through Matsushima's try long after full-time to take control of their own destiny.
After beating Russia 30-10 and then stunning Ireland 19-12 to top Pool A, Japan face Scotland next week in the biggest game in their history.
"I'm really proud of our team, especially at the end there - it was a never-say-die attitude," said Japan coach Jamie Joseph.
"At the end of the day the belief in our team has grown and I guess we will need it going into next week."
Samoa threw down the challenge before the game with their fearsome "siva tau" war dance on a cool night in Toyota.
However, in the heartland of the ancient samurai warriors, it was Japan who showed the greater hunger and fight as the Pacific islanders made an early exit.
Samoa crashed out of the tournament after their opening 34-9 win over Russia was followed by a 34-0 drubbing by Scotland in their next game.
