The Bushido Code lives on through Japanese Rugby

A story on the intersection of sport and culture - first published in the Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/23/ayumu-goromaru-fever-endures-right-to-end-of-queensland-reds-adventure

When the Super Rugby family expanded to include the Tokyo Sunwolves and the Buenos Aires Jaguares, it now spanned vast distances across Asia, Africa, South America and Oceania. Like trade winds blowing communities together, Japan and Australia united on a glorious Saturday afternoon in Brisbane to bear witness to the Sunwolves’ Australian debut and ultimately the final chapter of a Japanese hero’s Australian adventure.

Love was in the air outside Suncorp Stadium, the fan precinct alive with the energy of human exchange as the giddy Japanese locals merged with thousands of travelling fans to celebrate the Sunwolves and their cult hero, Queensland Reds fullback Ayumu Goromaru. ‘Gorosan’ has lived the dream since he scored 24 points to lead the Japanese Brave Blossoms to a mind boggling victory over South Africa in the 2015 World Cup – for many the greatest upset in Rugby history.

For his efforts, Goromaru had a giraffe named after him and was made a Certified Master of Ninjas by the Japan Ninja Council, joining the order of ancient spies. Through endorsements in Japan he is reportedly the world’s highest paid rugby player and today he presented Japanese fans with a unique dilemma – to support their new-to-Super-Rugby team the Sunwolves, or Goromaru’s team the Reds.

Despite his stature Goromaru had not started many games with the Reds, with Karmichael Hunt occupying the fullback position. This lack of game time had not deterred the Japanese fans interest and when Hunt withdrew due to a groin injury, Goromaru was a late and celebrated selection at fullback. With J Sports beaming the game live into Japan, their great hero had the perfect stage.

Misuza from Yokohama and Ruri from Tokyo were both new Rugby fans, converts after the World Cup miracle and proudly wearing Queensland Reds shirts. They loved ‘Goro’ because he was: “handsome and intense with good personality”. Misuza added with a smile: “He is 95% serious, 5% fun.”

Our discussion was interrupted by the roaring arrival of the ‘Ginga Ninjas’ – 80 friends and family paying tribute to the Sunwolves’ fiery red headed forward Ben ‘Ginga Ninja’ Quirk who grew up in Brisbane. Lending a Monty Pythonesque air to proceedings, the ‘Ginga Ninjas’ teamed up with a team of serious looking youths banging Taiko drums and combining ancient Ninja chants with 80’s pop melodies, they delighted and confused their Japanese fans, all culminating in a cacophony of wild wolf howls. The scene was set.

The Japanese contingent cheered as both the Sunwolves and the Reds took the field. The cheers grew louder as Goromaru converted the first penalty of the game and up in the media box loyalties were divided. Conventional wisdom and the bookmakers had prophesized a lop-sided encounter but the Sunwolves had other ideas. They had suffered some heavy defeats during the season but had improved dramatically – plans fail but missions survive.

Japanese journalist Taka Uematsu credits Australia and in particular former Japan Coach Eddie Jones with the resurgence of Japanese Rugby. Uematsu said Jones reduced the number of foreigners and developed a unique Japanese style. His strategy bore fruit in the 2015 World Cup with their speed and movement delivering three wins.

Jones’ Japanese heritage and language skills gave him cultural nuance and he was able to link Japan’s ancient traditions with his mission of ‘Modern Bushido’ a nod to the ancient Japanese Bushido philosophy of honour, loyalty, respect and bravery. Japan never lost touch with its ancient values and traditions and the ethos lives on today. Uematsu agrees: “Rugby is one for all and all for one.” He screams with joy as the Sunwolves score a brilliant try and at half time the Sunwolves are 4 points behind the Reds who lead 17-13.

The Reds scored a try after the break and the Sunwolves animal spirits broke loose with two brilliant tries thrilling the crowd to level the score at 25 all. In the second try, Goromaru was the last line of defence facing Sunwolves rampaging 114 kilogram flanker Liaki Moli and with the scent of combat in his nostrils Goromaru attempted an ambitious shoulder charge. The huge contact smashed his shoulder ending Goromaru’s night and sadly his AC joint separated ending his season at the Reds. Uematsu called it: “Kamikaze brave”. Later in the press conference Goromaru explained his strategy: “I am the last line of defence, I don't want to lose, I don’t want to give up”.

Luck is a frail commodity and the Sunwolves woes were compounded. Uematsu’s screams of ‘hashire (run)’ filled the media box but failed to prevent another Reds try and they ran out winners 35-25 over the gallant Sunwolves.

After the game Japanese fans poured onto the field to get their hero’s autograph and the female fan screams pierced the night. Reds Media Manager Philip Pope said that the 19,073 crowd was their biggest of the year covered by 25 Japanese media and 12 camera crews: “It’s been a pleasure to deal with Ayumu – he’s an exceptionally respectful man”.

With three games left in the season Goromaru knew his time at the Reds was over and deadpanned his questions at the press conference, staring into the distance like a man beyond the white noise. His poker face lasted until the final question before he burst into laughter with the Japanese journalists. Like a Ronin, the masterless Samurai who wandered the land with the ancient skill of bow and sword, Goro is rumoured to be moving to French super club Toulon. His quest continues.

Sunwolves coach and former All Black Mark Hammett had the final word. He said his team will turn up to training, ready to learn more with no negativity. Regardless of results he said the Sunwolves attitude “is always right.”

The Sunwolves and Goro have shown the beauty of an ancient culture embracing a modern ritual and Super Rugby is richer for their involvement. They have tasted success but as the bearers of Bushido, an important cultural asset that goes beyond sport – they understand that failure can be the best teacher.