There were tears and tributes as Japan exited the Rugby World Cup ©Getty Images

"Photo_Gallery"

The hosts came up against two-time World Cup winners South Africa at Tokyo Stadium ©Getty Images
The hosts came up against two-time World Cup winners South Africa at Tokyo Stadium ©Getty Images
South Africa proved to be too strong for Japan, triumphing 26-3 ©Getty Images
South Africa proved to be too strong for Japan, triumphing 26-3 ©Getty Images
The Japanese side were visibly upset as the full-time whistle went and they were knocked out of the tournament at the quarter-final stage ©Getty Images
The Japanese side were visibly upset as the full-time whistle went and they were knocked out of the tournament at the quarter-final stage ©Getty Images
They paid tribute to the fans in the sold-out stadium ©Getty Images
They paid tribute to the fans in the sold-out stadium ©Getty Images
In the day's other quarter-final, Wales took on France at Oita Stadium ©Getty Images
In the day's other quarter-final, Wales took on France at Oita Stadium ©Getty Images
France were the better team in the second half, leading 19-10 ©Getty Images
France were the better team in the second half, leading 19-10 ©Getty Images
Sebastien Vahaamahina of France was sent off in the second half, having elbowed Aaron Wainwright ©Getty Images
Sebastien Vahaamahina of France was sent off in the second half, having elbowed Aaron Wainwright ©Getty Images
The sending-off changed the momentum of the game, with Ross Moriarty completing the Welsh comeback with a try in the dying minutes of the match ©Getty Images
The sending-off changed the momentum of the game, with Ross Moriarty completing the Welsh comeback with a try in the dying minutes of the match ©Getty Images
With Wales narrowly winning 20-19, the victors applauded the French team off the pitch ©Getty Images
With Wales narrowly winning 20-19, the victors applauded the French team off the pitch ©Getty Images