The tourists play two Tests in the Far East, plus a game against Japanese champions Suntory and matches against Japan Select and the Pacific Barbarians.

‘‘It will not be an easy trip,’’ said Howells.

‘‘Japan have changed their selection policy and moved away from picking just Japanese-born players.

‘‘People like Graeme Bachop and Jamie Joseph, overseas guys who qualify, have become available again and they are good players.

‘‘The select sides we will come up against will probably not have that many Japanese in them. And we expect those to be difficult matches.

‘‘All in all, the opposition out there should be much tougher than the development squad faced in Canada last year.

‘‘That was always going to be the case once it was decided there would be capped games.’’

Wales are taking a 38-strong squad which includes players at opposite ends of the spectrum.

Allan Bateman is the senior statesman at 36, while Robin Sowden-Taylor is included at the age of 18.

The 32-times capped Bateman, a Lion in 1997, will be a huge asset according to Howells.

‘‘Allan’s experience will rub off. not only on the young players in the party but on the more experienced ones as well.

‘‘And he is really looking forward to the trip. I have spoken to him and he is up for it. It is great that he is involved.’’

The squad will be led by Swansea lock Andy Moore, who only just missed out on selection for British Lions on their tour to Australia.

He will have the honour of leading Wales in their 500th cap match when they face Japan in the first Test in Osaka on June 10.

‘‘It was disappointing to miss out with the Lions, but this is a great honour,’’ said Moore.

‘‘The squad has a nice mix of experience and youth and I am looking forward to leading them.’’