The Rugby World Cup which concluded at the start of the month injected an unexpected boost to host Japan's waning national confidence, largely thanks to the performance of its team, the Brave Blossoms. Beating initial skepticism, they won through to the final eight.
Whether rugby fans or not, many Japanese were quick to express pride about the "Sakura Warriors," sakura being cherry blossom, the national flower. It is interesting to note, however, that half of this warrior squad, 16 out of 31, were born outside Japan. Still, there was hardly a complaint that this had disadvantaged the native players.
