Japanese coach Eddie Jones named a 41-man squad this week from which he will pick his World Cup squad.
Included in the squad are four players who have all worn the blue and gold jersey of Otago.
Halfback Fumiaki Tanaka, who is also a member of the Highlanders, played two impressive seasons for Otago in 2012-13, racking up 25 games, when the side made the post-season in both years.
With 44 caps for his country, he is a certainty to wear the Japanese jersey at the World Cup, barring injury.
Hooker Shota Horie has also been named in the squad.
He played the 2012 season for Otago with Tanaka, and made 11 appearances that year, though most of those were off the bench.
He left the following year to link with the Melbourne Rebels and has been with the Australian outfit ever since.
Former University and Taieri lock Justin Ives has been named in the squad.
Ives left for Japan about a decade ago and spent about five years there before returning to play for Otago in the 2012 season.
He played six times for Otago; his season ended early because of a broken cheekbone. He returned to Japan and is playing for the Canon Eagles.
Also in the squad is former Alhambra-Union winger Karne Hesketh. Hesketh made his debut for Japan late last year after playing for the Sanix Blues since 2010.
He made a big impact when at Otago, playing 35 times for the province, scoring 14 tries.
The squad will be trimmed down over the coming months, with Jones set to select his squad a month out from the World Cup.
Japan, which has only recorded one win at past World Cups, will play in the same pool as Scotland, South Africa, United States and Samoa at this year's World Cup.
Realistically, Ben Smith is going to be the only Otago player in the All Black World Cup squad.
Smith last played for Otago in 2012, and has played 43 games for the province.
