Japan's stunning victory over two-time rugby world champions South Africa proves the country is a worthy host of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, a top organiser said Tuesday.
Koji Tokumasu, Asia's repesentative on World Rugby's governing council, also said Asia could get a second country in the World Cup if Japan finish in the top 12 this year.
"This win will convince the world that the Japan Rugby Union is ready to host the next World Cup and that we are capable of doing that," said Tokumasu, general manager of the 2019 World Cup Organising Committee.
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Japan has had a troubled preparation with South Africa reportedly one of the countries interested in being a replacement host.
"We want to talk to World Rugby to make sure that, if Japan can come in the top 12 during this World Cup, Asia will be given another place at the next World Cup," he added.
"However, some say that can't happen because Asian rugby is 'weak'. This is my hope for Asia. It will be the first time the Rugby World Cup is held in Asia and it is meant to globalise the sport.
"It is, therefore, very important that we can open a door for another Asian participant. This would be the best legacy Japan can leave for rugby in Asia."
Tokomasu also said he is holding high level talks with World Rugby over reorganising the 2019 World Cup tournament after Japan's government scrapped the design of the stadium to be used for the final.
The new national stadium is being built for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics but was also to be used for the 2019 rugby final. The organisation was stunned however when Prime Minister Shinzo Abe scrapped the design because of the $2.1 billion (Dhs7.7bn) cost.
The new stadium will now not be ready for 2019 and the organisers have until the end of the month to come up with a new match schedule.
Tokumasu fell in love with the sport in the 1970's after watching Wales play in Japan. It prompted him to make a trip to Wales.
He said the manner in which the Japanese had got the better of their physically more imposing Springbok opponents had perhaps seen the sport turn a corner.
"When we talk about football, it's not a very physical game like rugby," said Tokumasu.
"Most play in Europe but the Asian people are a small race and it is very difficult for the smaller players to play the bigger teams.
"Our beautiful Rugby World Cup has become very predictable but this upset (against South Africa) will be very good for the interest of the Rugby World Cup itself.
"We've shown that, with good preparation and tactics, you can beat the bigger people and it will encourage the smaller nations too."
Tokumasu, who said the response since Japan's famous victory had been astonishing, added that it was crucial that the 'Brave Blossoms' maintain their level of performance against the Scots in Gloucester on Wednesday.
"It shows that, if you make the effort, your dream can come true. Everybody is still overwhelmed by our victory and this is a very good promotion for the Rugby World Cup in 2019."
