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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Jon Doel

The moment huge crowds of Japanese people surge onto the Tokyo streets as rugby heroes heal nation's grief

This was the deeply emotional moment huge crowds of Japanese fans took to the streets of Tokyo after their team's stunning Rugby World Cup achievement.

Sunday's remarkable win over Scotland put the hosts into the quarter-finals for the first time in history, coming just hours after Typhoon Hagibis had caused death and destruction.

At least 31 people are now confirmed dead as a result of the ferocious storm, and a minute's silence was held at an emotionally-charged Yokohama Stadium prior to the match.

A digger lies across an embankment after being blown over by a tornado shortly before the arrival of Typhoon Hagibis (Getty Images)
Japan players and management celebrate after defeating Scotland 28-21 in their Rugby World Cup Pool A game (AP)

By the end of the 28-21 win, which was watched by an estimated 60 million people in the country, the nation's grief was followed by scenes of pure joy across the country.

Those who there to witness it described the atmosphere as one of the greatest a sporting event has ever seen, while in the capital, Tokyo, fans went wild.

American Dan Castellano captured this footage in the moments after the game in the commercial Shibuya district.

Japan fans tale to the streets to celebrate the Rugby World Cup win over Japan (Dan Castellano)

They were scenes that were replicated around the country, and indeed the globe, as the world hailed an epic sporting achievement.

It is the first time an Asian nation has ever reached the knockout stages, with Japan now facing South Africa in the quarter-finals next weekend.

You can see the full list of quarter-finalists here.

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