Japan have booked their place in the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 final after a dominant 63-14 victory over the United States in Osaka, setting up a highly anticipated title showdown against defending champions Fiji in Tokyo.

The Brave Blossoms dazzled a passionate home crowd with a nine-try performance, overwhelming the Eagles from the outset and carrying a commanding 35-14 lead into halftime before shutting out the visitors completely in the second spell.

Japan hooker Mamoru Harada, who was named Player of the Match, said the team had executed their plan well despite expecting a tough contest.

“We knew it was going to be a tough match from the beginning, but we executed well. Our target now is to beat Fiji and win the championship,“ Harada said.

Japan made an explosive start, crossing for three tries inside the opening nine minutes. Centre Yuya Hirose opened the scoring in just the second minute with a powerful solo effort before lock Michael Stolberg and centre Dylan Riley added further tries as the hosts seized early control.

Harada then joined the scoresheet with Japan’s fourth try, although USA hooker Shilo Klein responded shortly after to give the Eagles hope. The visitors struck again through centre Tavite Lopeti, who showed immense strength to crash through several defenders.

However, prop Sojiro Otsuka restored Japan’s momentum with a crucial try on the stroke of halftime, giving the home side a comfortable 21-point cushion at the break.

Any hopes of a USA comeback disappeared in a one-sided second half as Riley completed a double while Jack Cornelsen, Esei Haangana, and Sam Greene all crossed the line. Japan’s relentless attack continued to punish the Eagles, who also saw captain Jason Damm and Cornelsen sent to the sin bin during the match.

The victory sends Japan into the Pacific Nations Cup final, where they will face Fiji at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo in a mouthwatering clash between the tournament hosts and reigning champions.

USA captain Jason Damm admitted Japan exposed the gap between the two sides.

“We knew Japan are a great side and we’re trying to catch them up, but we saw the gap today, so we know we’ve got a lot of work to do,” Damm said.