Sam Costelow looks to chip the ball in behind but has his kick blocked, so we will go back to the penalty.

Wales opt to kick to the corner, a sign of intent early on.

This is a positive start for Wales, who are into the Japan 22 and have an advantage.

Rhys Patchell
Wales fly-half on BBC One Wales

Japan are a team that comes out of the blocks very quickly, and this could've possibly taken the wind out of their sails.

This is a great opportunity for James Ratti, he has the opportunity to get right into the game from the start.

The first scrum of the game, deep in Japan territory, is a good one for Wales.

Japan manage to keep ahold of the ball, but the clearing kick does not get much distance.

Early opportunity to attack for Wales.

Ben Carter is carried off the field on a stretcher to a round of applause from the whole stadium.

James Ratti is on to replace the injured Carter.

Hopefully a swift recovery for the Dragons lock.

The stretcher is out for Ben Carter, whose game looks set to end after fewer than 30 seconds.

Not the start Wales needed.

We are just 27 seconds into the game and the medical staff are already on for Wales' Ben Carter.

The Wales second-row has been left on the floor after the first tackle of the game.

It appears Carter took a hit to the side of the head during the tackle, and the medical teams are straight on.

We are under way in the boiling heat in Japan.

It is Sam Costelow who will take the kick-off.

A huge game for Wales.

James Hook
Former Wales fly-half on BBC Radio Wales

I think we can nick this, I've got Wales winning by three or four points.

It's time for the anthems, starting with Wales' 'Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau', followed by Japan's 'Kimigayo'.

Image source, Getty Images

One man who hasn't had to endure Wales' 17-match losing run [on the pitch] is Johnny Williams.

The Scarlets centre has not featured since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

But he is back today pulling on the national shirt and says he can't wait.

Gareth Griffiths
BBC Sport Wales at Mikuni World Stadium, Kitakyushu

It is not so much a nation expects. It is more something the Welsh rugby nation is desperate for.

An international win. Any win will do. Wales will hope it finally comes this morning.

It could help lift some doom and gloom. Welsh rugby is in the doldrums with the men's side enduring a record international 17-match losing run and currently having no permanent head coach.

Only two players were selected for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia with flanker Jac Morgan since left flying the flag alone for Wales, following an injury to scrum-half Tomos Williams.

The long-term future of the domestic game is uncertain with fears the number professional sides could be cut. Mostly radio silence from the Wales Rugby Union (WRU) and regions in recent weeks has not helped allay the anxiety of players and fans.

Welsh rugby needs something to grasp on to. Halting the losing streak might help start that healing process.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Matt Sherratt has revealed he sent a questionnaire to the squad to assess their mood going ahead of the trip to Japan.

"It wasn't anything wordy, just three questions," he said.

"What motivates you to play, what do you want to get out of the trip and what are you going to bring?

"Literally every one was 'I play for my family, I want to enjoy the trip and I want to win for Wales'. So we've built everything around that."

Dafydd Jones
BBC Radio Wales commentator

It's stilflingly hot here pitch side, even in the shade.

The players are going through their final preparations in the baking hot sun.

There's an intense 80 minutes to come.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Like I mentioned earlier, the match is going to be played in testing conditions.

With the kick-off being 14:00 local time, temperatures are expected to reach 33C, while there will also be a high level of humidity.

With this in mind, there will be a three-minute break midway through each half, while half-time will be extended to 20 minutes from the original 15 minutes.

Expect the water boys to be busy as well.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Wales interim head coach Matt Sherratt said: “We’ve had a very good build-up in terms of three weeks before we had to select the team, so the team is based on that really.

"We tried to give everyone a fair chance of selection. People have performed over the three weeks, obviously trying to get some combinations together.

“One of the key messages was it’s going to be a 23-man job. So we’ve tried to spread the experience out in terms of getting some experience coming off the bench.

“Having the likes of Gareth Thomas coming off the bench, Aaron Wainwright, Rhodri Williams, Tommy Reffell is going to be massively important for us."

Image source, Getty Images

Japan head coach Eddie Jones said: "We have made sure we have used every day of the 20 days we have had together to maximise our ability to take the opportunity against Wales and we are looking forward to that.

"It is an unusual situation where you have two teams in almost the same state of development playing against each other.

"We look forward to playing against a Wales side who are in a similar situation to us in having a young team rebuilding."

"We know Kitakyushu is going to be difficult conditions for both teams and the team that handles the conditions the best will win the game."

James Hook
Former Wales fly-half on BBC Radio Wales

It's going to be a tough test out there, there's a fit bit of experience in this Welsh team.

You look at the likes of Dewi Lake, Faletau, Kieran Hardy, Wales will be looking to these players to drive them home today.

Image source, Getty Images

Wales have a rugby love affair with Japan, with a history of matches stretching back to 1973.

Wales have won 13 out of 14 of those meetings, their only loss coming in 2013 in Tokyo.

Wales were led by Robin McBryde that day, with head coach Warren Gatland and 15 Wales players on the Lions tour and other senior players rested.

But guess who masterminded Japan's victory that day... Eddie Jones of course!

Could history be about to repeat?

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Wales flankers Josh Macleod and Alex Mann both get the nod in Wales' starting XV.

Matt Sherratt has also brought back half-backs Kieran Hardy and Sam Costelow, Dragons lock Ben Carter and Scarlets centre Johnny Williams.

They are among the 11 changes to the starting side that lost 68-14 to England in the Six Nations with Ben Thomas, Nicky Smith, Blair Murray and Taulupe Faletau the only survivors.

Cardiff hooker Liam Belcher could make his debut if he comes on for Dewi Lake, who captains the side.

Belcher is one of six forwards named on the bench alongside Aaron Wainwright and Tommy Reffell.

Wales: Blair Murray; Tom Rogers, Johnny Williams, Ben Thomas, Josh Adams; Sam Costelow, Kieran Hardy; Nicky Smith, Dewi Lake (capt), Keiron Assiratti, Ben Carter, Teddy Williams, Alex Mann, Josh Macleod, Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: Liam Belcher, Gareth Thomas, Archie Griffin, James Ratti, Aaron Wainwright, Tommy Reffell, Rhodri Williams, Joe Roberts.