Japan's come back down to earth with a thud after being beaten 45-10 by Scotland in their Rugby World Cup game at Gloucester.
Scotland's Tommy Seymour and Matt Scott complete a lap of honour following their win over Japan at the Rugby World Cup. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Just four days after their historic win over South Africa, Japan appeared to run out of gas as they let in five second half tries to the Scots.
Follow how the game unfolded here
Two tries by Bennett, and one each from flanker John Hardie, Tommy Seymour and Finn Russell on his 23rd birthday, crushed the spirited Japanese.
Scottish skipper Laidlaw gave a clinical display of kicking on his Gloucester home ground, which was packed with 14,354 people for the occasion.
The Scots did not make the same error as Springboks skipper Jean de Villiers, as Laidlaw opted to go for goal with their first penalty, rather than kick for touch.
It was game over just after the hour mark, as Seymour this time made no mistake, intercepting a Japanese pass inside the Scots 22. He just had the legs to evade a couple of Japanese defenders to touch down - Laidlaw converted for 31-10.
Somewhat undeservedly from a Japanese point of view the game turned into a rout as their weary bodies failed to stop Bennett going over for his second try, with Laidlaw adding the conversion.
However, Japan coach Eddie Jones refused to admit the Springbok game and the short turn around took too much out of them today.
"Well I said that we weren't going to use the excuse and we're not, Scotland were too good for us, they played too well in the second half.
"They scored 33 points in the second half to our zero, we had to be better today to win that game and we weren't," Jone said.
Scotland's Sean Lamont hot on attack against Japan. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
While it was a bad day at the office for Japan, Scotland's New Zealand coach Vern Cotter expressed some relief to have started well.
"I'm not sure it was convincing, we managed to score points in the second half but we're very happy to get the win and happy to get started.
"Watching everyone else play has been a little nerve-racking for the players, expecially when you see Japan's performance last week against South Africa, there were a few nerves before the start of the game I'm sure," Cotter said.
Scotland top Pool B with five points, Samoa and Japan both have four points, with South Africa on two.
South Africa play Samoa on Sunday.
