Japan coach Jamie Joseph paid glowing tribute to Luke Thompson after the veteran lock delivered an outstanding performance in Saturday's 35-13 defeat to Ireland in the second match of their two test series.

Certain sections of the media had questioned Joseph's decision to issue an injury crisis SOS call to the 36-year-old Thompson, who retired from international rugby after the 2015 Rugby World Cup having won 63 caps for Japan.

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"I know during the week there was a negative sentiment around Thommo being part of our team and that he was too old to play at this level," Joseph told the post-match press conference.

"But I think his performance showed all of us that he is an international standard lock and I thought he had a marvelous game."

Japan captain Michael Leitch, who himself has only recently returned to the fold with the Brave Blossoms, echoed his coach's sentiments.

"The thing with Luke is you can put your house on him. He is going to give you everything he has got," said Leitch. "He is the sort of player that has built a culture within the team and he puts everything into the jersey."

"He wasn't born in Japan, but when he puts on that jersey he gives you everything and that is the sort of culture that he leaves behind."

Leitch added, "To have him come back in and put in a performance like that it's great to see and has made Jamie's job even harder to not to bring him back in for the next series."

Thompson, who played the full 80 minutes and made an incredible 24 tackles, insisted, though, that this really was his international swansong.

"I'm back into retirement and I'm finished. I am 36 and I have three young kids so that is me done. I have said it before but right now I am feeling I am done," he said.

"There are plenty of good locks coming through for Japan and I was happy to help out. I'm just doing my job. I'm there to make tackles and hit rucks and that is what I enjoy doing but I probably won't enjoy it tomorrow."

"Any day you get to wear the Japan jersey is a special day. I was very honored and it was emotional."

Despite the disappointment of the defeat, Thompson, who played in three World Cups in sides led by John Kirwan and Eddie Jones, said he was encouraged by the team's performance.

"I'm pretty tired but I'm disappointed that we didn't win. Not winning is disappointing but I thought the boys showed that they are able to compete at that level."

"I know Ireland were missing a lot of players but Japan were missing a lot of players too. It's good learning for the boys and if they keep buying into the system and keep improving then the (2019) World Cup could hold exciting things for them."