Wales and Japan have become familiar opponents and will face off once again on Saturday in the Nations Championship at the Principality Stadium.
Having not previously crossed paths since 2016, Wales and Japan have met three times since July last year.
A 24-19 win for Japan was followed by a 31-22 victory for Wales a week later in those July Test matches.
Wales managed to scrape a 24-23 win in Cardiff 12 months ago and now these sides are set for another tight tussle in the capital this weekend.
Wales v Japan Tips Summary
Best Bet - Japan +15.5 handicap @ 4/5
Alternative Bet - Dewi Lake anytime tryscorer @ 5/6
Bet Builder - Over 46.5 total points, Kippei Ishida & Max Llewellyn anytime tryscorers @ 15/2
Wales v Japan Prediction
Best Bet: Japan +15.5 handicap @ 4/5
Given just one point separated these sides the last time they met, going for Japan with a generous +15.5 handicap certainly appeals.
The Brave Blossoms go into this Test match on the back of a 34-28 defeat to Fiji but before that loss to the Pacific Islanders, Japan managed three wins on the spin against Canada, USA and another game against the Fijians.
Under experienced head coach Eddie Jones, Japan always have the ability to spring a surprise.
If Wales drop their levels by just a fraction, the Brave Blossoms can come storming into this contest and the visitors with that +15.5 handicap are worth backing.
Alternative Bet: Dewi Lake anytime tryscorer @ 5/6
Seemingly enjoying his new surroundings at club side Gloucester, Wales hooker Dewi Lake has made a positive start across the border in the Gallagher Prem.
The former Osprey has already got off the mark in the tryscoring department with the Cherry & Whites, bagging two tries on his Prem debut against rivals Exeter Chiefs.
Wales will look to take the fight to Japan up front and Lake is good value to go over, perhaps from a rolling maul when the hosts get deep into opposition territory.
Wales v Japan Bet Builder Tip
Over 46.5 total points
Kippei Ishida anytime tryscorer
Max Llewellyn anytime tryscorer
Pays 15/2
Over 46.5 total points have been scored the last two times these sides have met and that trend is backed to continue in this three-fold Bet Builder.
Meanwhile, Kippei Ishida and Max Llewellyn are both fancied in the anytime tryscorer market.
Ishida crossed for Japan in their last Nations Championship game against France, while the winger also scored the Brave Blossoms’ first try of the match when they last took on Wales.
The 26-year-old is tipped to score again on Saturday, as is Llewellyn.
Another Welsh star in the Gloucester lineup, Llewellyn has scored tries in all of his last three appearances for the Cherry & Whites and he is backed to continue his tryscoring form on Saturday.
Learn more about how Bet Builders work in our Bet Builder guide.
Key Match Stats
Wales have won three of their last 11 games
Wales go into this match following back-to-back defeats to Argentina and South Africa
Japan have won three of their last four games
Wales have won their last two encounters with Japan, including a 24-23 victory in their last meeting
Japan’s most recent win over Wales was a 24-19 victory in July 2025
Read more rugby union betting tips and predictions on site.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
