Japan's sevens team has added to the feel good factor permeating through the country's rugby scene by winning the second round of the Asia Rugby Sevens series at the weekend.
The Japanese defeated Korea 45-7 in the Cup final at the Thailand Sevens to put one hand on the series trophy.
The Asian powerhouse survived a scare in the semi-final against defending Asian champions Hong Kong, coming from behind to win a tense encounter 24-19, before proving far too strong for the Koreans in a one-sided final.
Winger Shunya Goto was the hero for Japan in the semi-final, scoring the winning try in sudden death extra time.
Japan's victory follows their triumph last month at the China Sevens and leaves them with a maximum 24 points. They now need only to advance from the pool stages at the third and final round in Sri Lanka next month to reclaim the regional title.
Hong Kong defeated Sri Lanka 33-7 in the third place play-off and are tied in fourth place overall with the Sri Lankans on 18 points, behind the Japanese, Korea and China. The Series concludes in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 10-11 October.