**Japanese Schoolchildren Dazzle Commuters With Stirring Rendition of Welsh National Anthem at Train Station**
Commuters and bystanders at Kokura Station in Kitakyushu, Japan, were recently treated to an extraordinary surprise performance, as a group of Japanese high school students delivered a heartfelt rendition of the Welsh national anthem, “Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau”. Their choral effort comes in the run-up to Wales’ much-anticipated rugby tour of Japan, reigniting the bonds established during Wales’ last visit for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
The impromptu choir, clad in Welsh rugby shirts, drew a warm round of applause as their harmonious voices filled the bustling station. A big screen above displayed the Welsh anthem with Japanese translation, ensuring everyone could follow the poignant lyrics. Surrounding the performance area, images of the visiting Welsh rugby team further set the scene, creating a palpable sense of anticipation for the upcoming Test matches.
This heartwarming musical gesture echoes the memorable welcome Wales received in Kitakyushu five years ago, when hundreds of schoolchildren cheered the squad’s arrival for their World Cup pre-camp. At that time, locals lined the streets and the city landmark, Kokura Castle, glowed in red, green, and white in tribute to the Welsh nation. This latest display underscores the enduring cultural exchange fostered through shared sporting ties.
The upcoming two-match Test series represents a significant occasion for both nations. Wales, under the interim stewardship of head coach Matt Sherratt, are seeking to halt a 17-match losing run that dates back to October 2023. They will play Japan at Mikuni World Stadium in Kitakyushu on 5 July, before travelling to Kobe’s Noevir Stadium for the second clash a week later.
Sherratt, who also coaches Cardiff Rugby, has been proactive in revitalising the Welsh set-up. His new backroom team comprises seasoned mentors such as T Rhys Thomas, Adam Jones, Danny Wilson, and Gethin Jenkins. A particularly notable addition is Leigh Halfpenny—still an active international full-back—who makes his coaching bow by guiding the squad’s kickers. Halfpenny is expected to continue his playing career in France with Beziers next season, but for now, his focus is on imparting expertise in the Far East.
In the opposite dugout will be Eddie Jones, a familiar face in world rugby, who returned to coach Japan recently after leaving the England job. Jones has injected youthful energy into the Brave Blossoms’ squad by calling up 16 uncapped players, most in their early twenties. Only one—Michael Leitch, the veteran forward—brings more than 50 international caps, lending valuable experience to a youthful outfit.
The upcoming matches mark the first face-off between Wales and Japan in almost a decade. Their last meeting, in the 2016 autumn internationals, saw Wales edge out a narrow 33-30 victory thanks to a last-minute drop-goal by Sam Davies, now playing for Grenoble in France. The nine-year gap has only added to anticipation and hopes are high for another closely fought encounter.
As the city of Kitakyushu prepares to welcome the Welsh squad, the continued enthusiasm of local young people, exemplified in their anthem performance, symbolises the deep connections rugby has forged across continents. With both sides entering a period of transition—Wales seeking redemption, Japan integrating a new generation—the stage is set for an intriguing sporting and cultural exchange.
The Test series offers not just sporting drama, but a chance to renew friendships and foster mutual respect between Japanese and Welsh communities. While Wales will be striving to end their winless streak, both nations undoubtedly stand to gain from the spirit of unity and the shared love of rugby, beautifully expressed by the students’ rendition in Kokura Station.
As anticipation builds, supporters from both sides will be watching closely—not only to celebrate rugby’s competitive edge, but also to cherish the cultural moments that make such tours truly memorable.