Japan

At least 16 people have been injured in the mass attack and at least two people are reportedly dead. Police have confirmed one girl has died.

The suspect reportedly stabbed himself in the neck and was later detained. He has now died from his injuries.

The motive for the attack is unknown.

Police responding to the violent incident recovered two knives, said NHK.

There are genuine fears that bars and restaurants in host cities could run dry, according to Jiji Press.

Concerns were raised at briefings in Sapporo, Hokkaido and Oita which could host the bulk of the expected 400,000 fans to the tournament that runs from September to November.

Running out of beer would mean the loss of "lucrative business opportunities" and could also trigger bad publicity on social media, according to the local report.

In his first act as emperor, he will inherit Japan's Imperial Treasures in a deeply symbolic ceremony.

The emperor in Japan holds no political power but serves as a national symbol.

Emperor Akihito, 85, who chose to abdicate due to his age and failing health, stepped down on Tuesday.

"I hereby pray for the well-being and happiness of our country and people of the world," he said in his final address.

The new imperial era "Reiwa", whose name signifies order and harmony, began at midnight local time, and will last as long as Naruhito's reign.

The Crusaders centurion and 44-Test All Black has announced he will leave New Zealand rugby at the end of the year, and link up with Japanese club Kubota Spears.

Crotty confirmed the move last night.

"The All Blacks, Crusaders and Canterbury rugby have been such an important part of my life and I'm grateful for every opportunity I've had to represent my country, my province and my family over the years," Crotty said.

He'll have the weight of the host nation's expectations on his shoulders and it's a challenge he's not shying away from.

But who is the man of Ngati Maniapoto and Ngati Rarua descent?

Joseph has sport in his blood.

"Very sporting family, both parents played sport and coached sport. Summer's were full of softball, Mum played hockey in the winter. Dad played rugby and softball."

The whole whanau were talented athletes.

Joseph's grandad and great grandfather played for New Zealand Maori, other relatives played for the All Blacks.

If signed off, the competition will involve 12 teams made up of the four Rugby Championship teams, along with Japan and the United States, and the Six Nations teams in a round-robin competition, but it wouldn't include any Pacific nations.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) boss Steve Tew said the latest proposal isn't acceptable to NZR and the plan has been heavily criticised by the International Rugby Players Council, including All Blacks skipper Kieran Read.

Joseph said they simply don't have the structures in place or the resources to be involved at this point.

Finance for the project has been made available by the government of Japan.

The school is the first recipient of this year to receive a grant funding under the Government of Japan’s ongoing Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects.

Prime Minister and President of the School committee, Tuilaepa Fatialofa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi secured the funding grant to uplift the services of the school.

The project was largely funded through Japan’s ongoing scheme of Grant Assistance for Grass- Roots Human Security Projects (GGP), with a grant worth up to US $119,975 equivalent to SAT $295,286.73 provided over to the Sagone Primary School committee.

On behalf of the Embassy of Japan in Samoa on the handing over ceremony of Japan’s assistance was Chargé d'Affaires ad interim, Isao Kishi.

Associate Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Alai’asa Moefa’auouo Sepulona Moananu attended the ceremony along with parents, teachers and students of Sagone Primary School.

A signing ceremony to facilitate the funding took place at the Embassy of Japan in Apia this week. 

The two selected schools are Taelefaga Primary School and Lona Primary School. 

Ambassador Maugaoleatuolo Shinya Aoki signed over the grants to the representatives of the two primary schools.

The match will also see the return of 56-test veteran hooker Dane Coles, who has spent almost a year out after injuring his knee ligaments last November.

Many of the first-choice players are heading to London tonight to prepare for their blockbuster test against England at Twickenham, while the rest of the squad remains in Japan.

Coach Steve Hansen has named newcomers loose forward Dalton Papalii and mid-fielder Matt Proctor to start the game, with six players set to debut off the bench.