A 10-test winning streak has elevated Japan into the top ten of the IRB World Rankings, at the expense of Fiji.
The Brave Blossoms beat Italy for the first time at the weekend to jump two places to 10th, above the Flying Fijians and Argentina.
It continues a record run of wins that helped them to the Asian Five Nations and Pacific Nations Cup Americas Conference title.
Samoa remain in ninth place despite their victory over the Flying Fijians in Suva on Saturday, while Tonga remain in 13th place.
New Zealand continue to top the rankings from South Africa, Australia and England.
