James is taking on three or four extra security men and introducing a membership system, and says the bar will emphasize the international flavor of the event rather than attracting just England fans, who have earned a reputation for violence.
Although Tokyo is not hosting any games, accommodation shortages and the lack of a decent nightlife at venues means fans are likely to flood back into the capital, and Roppongi, after matches like England-Sweden on June 2 in nearby Saitama.
Illuminated by the glow of his five newly installed plasma screens, Paul Wagstaff of the cavernous Tokyo Sports Bar said he expected little if any trouble.
"There'll be nobody to fight," he said. "Usually at World Cups you get fighting against the locals, but the Japanese don't want to fight."
"You might get handbags at ten paces but that's about it," he added, using the British slang for a half-hearted punch-up.
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