"He was initially in our plans but has been plagued by injury and hasn't had enough opportunities to warrant selection. But he remains a big part of the Sunwolves and if injuries occur don't be surprised if he gets a call-up."
Hooker Shota Horie and flyhalf Harumichi Tatekawa have been named as co-captains for the squad that features four uncapped players: hooker Yusuke Niwai, fullback Shota Emi, centre Derek Carpenter and back William Tupou.
Players from Japan's Super Rugby side Sunwolves make up a bulk of the squad, which also includes the return of Queensland Reds back rower Hendrik Tui and Waikato Chiefs loose forward Michael Leitch from self-imposed international exile.
Only nine of the 33 players are from teams outside the Super Rugby tournament.
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The Brave Blossoms play Romania in Kumamoto on June 10 before taking on Ireland on June 17 and 24 in Shizuoka and Tokyo, respectively.
(Reporting by Aditi Prakash in Bengaluru; Editing by John O'Brien)
