Opoku-Fordjour can cover both loosehead and tighthead, and was a key figure for England U20s' hugely successful season in which they claimed both the U20 Six Nations and the World Rugby U20 Championship trophy.
Five Minutes with Asher Opoku-Fordjour
The game will see the return of Eddie Jones to Allianz Stadium, and much has been made of the former England coach taking on opposite number Steve Borthwick, to whom he gave his first coaching job with Japan. Read more about their shared history here.
In the starting XV, Tom Curry and Sam Underhill will pack down in the back row. Curry returns from a head injury and takes the number six jersey from Chandler Cunningham-South, who started against South Africa last weekend.
George Furbanks replaces Freddie Steward at fullback in the only other change to England's starting XV as they seek to end a run of five losses.
England team to face Japan - live on TNT Sports:
15 George Furbank
14 Tommy Freeman
13 Ollie Lawrence
12 Henry Slade
11 Ollie Sleightholme
10 Marcus Smith
9 Jack van Poortvliet
1 Ellis Genge
2 J George (c)
3 Will Stuart
4 Maro Itoje
5 George Martin
6 Tom Curry
7 Sam Underhill
8 Ben Earl.
Replacements
16 Luke Cowan-Dickie
17 Fin Baxter
18 Asher Opoku-Fordjou
19 Nick Isiekwe
20 Chandler Cunningham-South
21 Harry Randall
22 Fin Smith
23 Tom Roebuck
