kykNET Is Joining The Bok Squad In Japan

The Rugby World Cup is (literally) kicking off on 20 September.

The Rugby World Cup is (literally) kicking off on 20 September and the Bok squad is leaving soon for Japan to compete against some of the best rugby teams in the world for the title of rugby world champions. There is so much more excitement than just the Rugby World Cup that awaits viewers – kykNET is sending a team to Japan to show viewers the excitement in the country during the Rugby World Cup.

In the show, In Japan, Ja!, the two presenters, Vanes-Mari du Toit and Hamilton Wessels, follow the Bok squad to Japan in their search for a third World Cup title. For 10 weeks, these two will travel around Japan, visit some of the country’s most popular tourist attractions and experience the spirit of the Rugby World Cup 2019.

Vanes-Mari, a former Protea netball player, is known as one of Kwêla’s field presenters and will also be seen early in 2020 as the presenter of kykNET’s reality show, Hoor my, Sien my, Soen my. “In Japan, Ja! is a combination of comedy, lifestyle and travel. I look forward to showing viewers what happens in Japan during the World Cup from a fan and supporter’s view,” she says.

Hamilton Wessels, or, as his friends call him, Hammie, is singer Robbie Wessels’ brother. He is one of the Virseker Beker presenters and has played a role in movies, such as Poena is Koning, 100m Leeuloop and Durban Poison. “To watch a Bok game is special. To watch it live at a stadium is next level. To tour with the Bok squad in Japan is an experience I can’t describe in words. I’m beyond excited and will make sure that the Bok squad brings the Cup home, even if it means I must go onto the field and play myself. Japan, I hope you are ready for the guy with the moustache.”

Fun and games await these two – Hamilton is excited to taste Japanese wasabi and meet a real ninja. They have undertaken to try new dishes – who of the two will be brave enough? And Hamilton, who loves to play pranks, might have a few surprises up his sleeve…

Sumo wrestling, the Tsukiji Fish Market, Harajuku girls, real ninjas, the Bok fan zones and the excitement of the Rugby World Cup – viewers can forward to this, and so much more, in In Japan, Ja!

In Japan, Ja! consists of 10 episodes and will be broadcast Saturdays 18:30 from 14 September on kykNET (DStv 144). Proudly sponsored by Nedbank Travel Card.


Die Rugby Wêreldbeker skop af op 20 September en die Springbok-span, wat pas aangekondig is, vertrek binnekort Japan toe om teen die beste rugbyspanne vir die gesogte titel van wêreldkampioenne mee te ding. Daar wag egter veel meer opwinding as net die Rugby Wêreldbeker op kykers – kykNET stuur ‘n span saam Japan toe om vir kykers ‘n blik van die opwinding in dié land tydens die Wêreldbeker te gee.

In die program, In Japan, Ja! gaan die twee aanbieders, Vanes-Mari du Toit en Hamilton Wessels, die Bokke volg op hul soektog na ‘n derde Wêreldbekertitel. Vir tien weke gaan dié twee saam in Japan kuier, van die land se gewildste toeristebestemmings besoek en die gees van die Rugbywêreldbeker 2019 beleef.

Vanes-Mari, ‘n voormalige Protea-netbalspeler, is veral bekend as een van Kwêla se veldaanbieders en sal vroeg in 2020 gesien word as aanbieder van die kykNET realiteitsprogram, Hoor my, Sien my, Soen my. “In Japan, Ja! is ‘n lekker kombinasie van komedie, leefstyl en reis. Boonop kry kykers die geleentheid om saam met ons die Bokke beter te leer ken op hul missie om die Wêreldbeker te wen. Ek sien ook vreeslik uit daarna om vir kykers ‘n blik te gee van wat in Japan tydens die Wêreldbeker gebeur, vanuit ‘n fan en ondersteuner se oogpunt,” meen sy.

Hamilton Wessels, of soos vriende hom noem, Hammie, is die sanger Robbie Wessels se broer. Hy is een van Virseker Beker se aanbieders en het ook al sy lyf akteur gehou in flieks soos Poena is Koning, 100m Leeuloop en Durban Poison. “Om ‘n Bok-wedstryd te kyk, is spesiaal. Om dit op ‘n stadion te kyk is next level. Om saam die Bokke vir die Wêreld Beker in Japan te toer is ‘n ervaring wat ek nie in woorde kan beskryf nie. Ek is uit my vel van opgewondenheid en gaan seker maak die Bokke bring daardie Beker huis toe, al moet ek tokse aantrek en self op draf. Japan, ek hoop julle is gereed vir die ou met die snor.”

Groot pret wag op dié twee – Hamilton is opgewonde om Japannese wasabi te proe en ‘n regte ninja te ontmoet! Hulle het ook onderneem om nuwe disse te probeer – watter een van die twee gaan braaf genoeg wees? En grapjas Hamilton het dalk ook ‘n paar verrassings wat hy beplan…

Sumo-stoeigevegte, die Tsukiji-vismark, Harajuku-meisies, regte ninja’s, die Bokke fan zones en natuurlik die opwinding van die Rugby Wêreldbeker – dit alles, en nog baie meer, kan kykers van In Japan, Ja! verwag.

In Japan, Ja! bestaan uit 10 episodes en word Saterdae om 18:30 vanaf 14 September op kykNET DStv kanaal 144 uitgesaai. Met trots geborg deur Nedbank Travel Card.

By Andrew Germishuys

Founder of SAMDB | Actor | Armourer | Tech Enthusiast With over two decades in the film industry, I'm a seasoned actor and skilled armourer. I hold numerous certifications in acting and filmmaking, complemented by degrees and diplomas in IT and technology, giving me a unique blend of creative and technical expertise. When I'm not on set or in the workshop, you'll find me immersed in the world of gaming and VR, fuelling my passion for cutting-edge technology. Connect with me: X / Twitter Facebook Instagram Mastodon Threads Explore my work on SAMDB IMDb