YOKOHAMA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 13: Japan players celebrate victory after the Rugby World Cup 2019 Group A game between Japan and Scotland at International Stadium Yokohama on October 13, 2019 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Japan players celebrate their win over Scotland in the Rugby World Cup in Yokohama. Getty

Watch: Japan fans go wild after Brave Blossoms enter Rugby World Cup quarter-final


Fans struggled to contain themselves as Japan created history by reaching their first-ever Rugby World Cup quarter-final.

The Brave Blossoms have captured hearts across the country, their stunning win over Scotland giving the nation a reason to smile in the aftermath of the devastating Typhoon Hagibis.

Japanese fans even blocked Tokyo's famous Shibuya crossing with a spontaneous celebration after Japan topped the group with four wins out of four.

As Japan won a tense match 28-21, fans screamed "Arigato!" (thank you) in unison.

"They made history," Masato Shimada, a 21-year-old college student, was quoted as saying by AFP. "Four wins, first place!"

He said Japan's World Cup run had changed perceptions. "I think it's fair to say their back-to-back wins have brought some hope to people," Shimada added, referring to the aftermath of Typhoon Hagibis that left 26 dead.