Nothing declares a fan’s love better than a heartfelt message.
The 2019 Rugby World Cup may be over, but intense matches, exhilarating plays, and inspiring acts of kindness by international teams have left a deep impression in Japan, forever changing how its citizens view the contact team sport.
For one Japanese mother named Tomoko, rugby became her favorite sport when the Welsh Rugby Union, one of the strongest teams out there, conducted training camps in Kitakyushu. Impressed by their indomitable spirit and remarkable sportsmanship, she penned down her thoughts in English and handed it to one of the camp staff.
▼ A gushing note for an amazing team.
An example of just how much the people of Japan have made #RWC2019 an unforgettable tournament.
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) November 1, 2019
Tomoko and her sons have followed Wales around the country since we arrived in Kitakyushu almost two months ago.
手紙ありがとうございました。心より感謝します。 pic.twitter.com/dlpIJJnUFW
Instead of writing everything in Japanese, Tomoko tried her very best to convey her message in English:
To: all of Wales
World Cup is held in Japan and I’m happy. I became a big fan from camping in kitakyushu. My sons love your play. Storong during the match. Private is very friendly. So my sons love and longing. I was pleased with the famous and respected players every time. I was happy to see such sons. I became a big fan of you.
Thank you for giving me a dream. I am always grateful to the friendly staff and players. Thank you for showing me great play. Wales (Welsh) fans are also very nice people. I really wanted to cheer. Please not be injured. I wish you a good time.
Tomoko
Welsh fans were moved by her charming message:
“Thank you Japan for your hospitality, we hope to see you guys come the distance to visit Wales.”
“That letter was so cute, glad you found joy in watching Wales play.”
“Oh my goodness, my heart! Well done to our boys for being such brilliant ambassadors for Wales!”
“What a beautiful sport. Well done, @WelshRugbyUnion. Respect to you for a tournament well played.”
“Wow! Beautiful!”
Kudos to the Welsh team for spreading that rugby love around Japan and winning the hearts of people all around. Admittedly, with all the incredible sportsmanship being displayed during the World Cup, it is hard not to become completely mesmerized by a team or two.
Source, featured image: Twitter/@WelshRugbyUnion
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Rugby World Cup: Ireland fans sing for Japan outside convenience store after defeat
Rugby World Cup: Captain Michael Leitch melts hearts with the reason why he plays for Japan
Japan exits Rugby World Cup, captain Michael Leitch wins with his +64 Cafe in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli unveils new interactive stationery dioramas that bring anime movies to life on your desk
Pokémon and Polaroid reveal collaboration with adorable Pikachu and Eeveelution camera and film
Studio Ghibli composer Jo Hisaishi just set three Guinness Records
Universal Studios Japan partners with manga horror master Junji Ito’s Tomie
7-Eleven Japan brings back best-selling flat croissant that became a hit on social media
Starbucks Japan releases two new seasonal drinks that blur the line between summer and autumn
New Shinkansen Supreme Class private cabins get try-before-you-ride displays at Tokyo, other stations
Tokyo pub prohibits talking or keeping your phone out, only lets you drink in morning on weekends
Japanese convenience store sunglasses just became our newest Convenience Wear obsession
Japanese workers reveal their top five mysterious rules they wish would disappear【Survey】
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
12-year-old foreign tourist missing in Japan, police asking for help finding her [Video]
Japan’s Rabbit Island in danger of becoming Boar Island, tourists asked to follow feeding rules
Japanese gacha machine in Shibuya now sells tiny capsule terrariums
Stay at a hotel with a bed for your plushie in Japan
The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and October
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Tokyo’s newest viral dessert is like a Japanese parfait inside a bread bun [Taste test]
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】