Hosting a viewing party at home is a brilliant way to blend sport with culture. Japan is famous for its culinary precision, so why not serve a simple “nomiku” (drinking food) spread? Think gyoza dumplings, crispy katsu chicken sliders, and a bowl of edamame—all easy to eat while clutching your pint. For dessert, mochi ice cream is a winner and doesn’t require any plating skills.
Watch England Vs Japan
Don’t forget the drinks: Asahi Super Dry is the classic Japanese lager, but a good English bitter like London Pride pays homage to both sides. Fun fact: The England v Japan rivalry is relatively new, but their first meeting in 1987 saw England win 60–7—today, Japan is a much tougher opponent, having famously beaten South Africa in 2015. That’s progress you can toast.
Tech Talk: Don’t Miss a Second
If you’re watching from home, ITVX is your best friend for live coverage, but beware the delay—streaming can be 30 to 60 seconds behind the pub. That means your neighbour might celebrate a try before you even see it happen. To avoid spoilers, mute your phone notifications or put it face-down until halftime.
A good pair of speakers or headphones makes a huge difference, especially for hearing the referee’s calls and the crowd’s energy. Practical tip: if you’re using a smart TV, update the app beforehand—nothing kills the vibe like a spinning wheel mid-match. And if you’re in a different time zone, check the kick-off local time; Japan is usually eight hours ahead, so night games in the UK mean early morning kick-offs in Tokyo.
England vs Japan: LIVE streaming, TV channel, kick-off time & where to
