Japan's rugby team secured a historic 24-19 comeback victory over Wales in Kitakyushu on July 5, 2025, marking their first win against Wales since 2013 and only their second ever. Trailing 7-19 at halftime, Japan scored 17 unanswered points in the second half to overturn a 12-point deficit. The defeat extended Wales' record losing streak in test matches to 18 consecutive games, the longest losing run by a major test rugby nation in the professional era. Wales failed to score in the second half despite an early lead, with the loss dropping them to their lowest ever world ranking of 14th. The match featured eight debutants for Japan under coach Eddie Jones. However, Wales ended their losing streak in the second test held in Kobe on July 12, 2025, with a 31-22 victory over Japan, leveling the series 1-1. The Welsh win ended a drought of over 600 days without a test match victory. Japan's overall record against Wales now stands at two wins and 14 losses.