Japan have already beaten Group E rivals Denmark in the local support stakes in the sun-kissed South African resort of George, even before the World Cup kicks off on Friday.

More than 300 people gave the Blue Samurai a rousing welcome at the airport, complete with the deafening noise of vuvuzela horns, when they flew in from their Swiss Alps training camp in Saas-Fee on Sunday to be based in George.

But the Danes reportedly attracted just 30 locals to the airport when they arrived a day earlier to set up their World Cup base in another popular resort, Knysna, an hour's drive down the scenic 'Garden Route' coastline.

Amid the uplifting music of a boy scouts' brass band and a municipal a-capella choir, George police media liaison officer Malcolm Pojie hailed Japan as a home team for George "for the purpose of the World Cup".

"But we're still supporting Bafana Bafana (the Boys), of course," he smiled, referring to his own national team.

Underdogs Japan won't clash with Denmark until June 24 in faraway Rustenburg in their last Group E game, but both teams have to use the George airport for their earlier group matches against the Netherlands and Cameroon.

"Denmark will have to travel back and forth through the streets on 'away territory' where 'hinomaru' (red sun) flags flutter," the Japanese sports magazine Number said in a pre-World Cup edition.

"This kind of support from George must affect the rivals like a body blow."

Mercia Draghoender, the mayor of George, which is better known for hosting golf and rugby events, sounded opportunist.

"We are a tourism destination and George is the 'city to be' and the 'city for all reasons'. I think definitely a financial and economical boost will be there," she said of the Japanese presence in her city of 200,000.

But George has been considered a 'lucky town' among Japanese since 2005, when Ai Miyazato teamed with Rui Kitada to lift the inaugural women's golf World Cup for Japan at Fancourt, South Africa's premier hotel and golf resort.

"We will need luck as the football World Cup will be a tough campaign," Japan Football Association president Motoaki Inukai said when he inspected the five-star estate last November before selecting it for his World Cup squad.

Takeshi Okada's team are now occupying 50 of the 150 rooms there, accompanied by chefs from home.

Surrounded by an electric fence, the 613-hectare estate also has three golf courses designed by Gary Player, a conference centre, a spa, and a variety of restaurants including a sushi shop.

The rate of a room in four-room cottages, where the Samurai are lodged, is estimated at some 670 dollars a night.

"The room is fine and facing a gold course," said former Celtic star midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura. "Besides, I don't see people around."

Key centre-back Yuji Nakazawa also noted the peaceful atmosphere inside the estate. "There are many spots to stroll around. I want to visit them all while I am here for one month," the 32-year-old said, indicating he hopes to stick around for the final.

But coach Okada has warned his charges about South Africa's famously high crime rate, even though the southern region is known to be relatively safe.

"I told them not to go out in a carefree manner," he said.

"If they want to go shopping, they should consult the hotel manager and stick with other people."

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