Japan's national rugby team has received a warm welcome in France prior to the opening of the World Cup on Friday.

Children sang Japan's national anthem as the squad arrived by bus at a central square in Toulouse on Sunday. The team has a base camp in the city.

Each player was given a commemorative cap in a welcome ceremony attended by about 400 people.

Captain Himeno Kazuki delivered a speech in French, drawing applause from the audience.

Japan will face Chile in their first pool-stage match on September 10.