Japan overturned a 12-point halftime deficit to beat Wales 24-19 in Kitakyushu, condemning the tourists to an 18th successive Test defeat—the longest losing run by a major rugby nation in the professional era. Wales appeared on course to end a 21-month drought when first-half tries from Ben Thomas, Tom Rogers and a penalty try opened a 19-7 lead. But Eddie Jones’ youthful Brave Blossoms, featuring eight debutants, dominated the closing 40 minutes in sweltering 34 °C heat, running in unanswered scores through replacements Ichigo Nakakusu and Halatoa Vailea while fly-half Seungsin Lee kicked nine points. Japan’s first win over Wales since 2013 came after sustained set-piece pressure and greater composure as the visitors’ line-out and discipline faltered. “We had moments to win that game and put it to bed,” Wales captain Dewi Lake said, while interim coach Matt Sherratt called the collapse “very disappointing”. The result is expected to drop Wales to a record-low 14th in World Rugby’s rankings and intensifies scrutiny ahead of the second and final Test in Kobe on 12 July, where they will again try to halt a slide that has lasted 637 days without a victory.