Japan coach John Kirwan has lauded his team's never-say-die approach for pulling off a 12-12 draw against Canada in their final World Cup Pool B match.

Japan looked to be heading home from the premier tournament with four consecutive defeats after squandering a first half lead to trail 12-5 in injury time before replacement Koji Taira scored out wide and Shotaro Onishi slotted the sideline conversion with the last play of the match.

"It was like getting out of jail," Kirwan said.

"I thought we showed a lot of courage but I do not think we played that well and we could have played better.

"I suppose you could describe it as a bitter-sweet moment."

Japan's delight was evident after the final whistle when the players erupted in celebration - ending their 16-year losing streak at the Rugby World Cup, dating back to their only win against Zimbabwe in 1991.

Kirwan singled out Japan’s outstanding defence and Onishi's composure to convert the last second try to as key components of the draw.

"Canada threw the kitchen sink at us and we still kept them out," Kirwan said.

"What we did with the ball in the last two minutes was how we wanted to play all game and Shotaro Onishi is great under pressure and if anyone could have kicked it, he could.