Wing Kotaro Matsushima scored a hat‑trick as hosts Japan got their World Cup campaign underway with a 30‑10 victory against Russia.
Russia took an early lead through wing Kirill Golosnitskiy, but Matsushima replied for the hosts.
He grabbed his second to put Japan ahead just before half‑time and Russia broke away to add another after the break.
Matsushima then ran through to claim a four‑try bonus point for his side.
Japan, in Pool A with Scotland, Ireland and Samoa, are aiming to reach the World Cup quarter‑finals for the first time.
BBC
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