Wednesday marks 100 days in the countdown to the Rugby World Cup that opens on September 8 in France. Japan's national team is aiming to bolster its strength with a new ambition.

The Brave Blossoms, 10th in the current world ranking, have set a target of advancing to the final four in the event.

The team made the final eight for the first time in the previous World Cup, which was held in Japan four years ago.

Just a week ago, 36 members of the national team and 10 candidates were announced.

They will undergo a training camp in the city of Urayasu near Tokyo in June and another one in the southwestern city of Miyazaki in July.

Japan's head coach Jamie Joseph and the team's other staff plan to train the squad through international friendlies and test matches ahead of the tournament.

The names of 33 members for the World Cup team are expected to be announced in August.

The national team's director, Fujii Yuichiro, revealed a plan to invite a coach on tackling skills to the camp in Urayasu to bolster the squad's defense that remains a challenge.

A total of 20 teams will take part in the World Cup this year. In the first round of matches, they will compete in four groups, from Pool A to Pool D.

Japan will compete in Pool D against England that was the runner-up in the previous tournament, Argentina, Samoa and Chile.

The top two teams from each Pool will advance to the knockout stage. The final match will take place on October 28.