The 22-year-old started the second Test in Chichibunomiya but was unable to help Wales to a series win as Japan levelled the series with a 23-8 victory.
His international debut followed an impressive season of regional rugby with Navidi also winning a place in Rob Howley’s 2013 Six Nations squad.
The tour of Japan followed though Navidi’s debut was a bittersweet moment. He was forced from the field with a broken nose on his first international start though he looks back on the experience as a real positive.
“Getting my first cap was emotional for me but it was a shame we couldn’t get the win,” he said.
“It was up and down but I want to move on from there now and keep pushing.
“The tour showed me how much more professional you have to be with everything. I need to take that into my own game now and keep progressing as a player.
“The analysis and preparation was just at a different standard. I’d been there for the Six Nations but at the moment, I’m just thinking about the Blues.”
After recovering from his injury, Navidi has started both RaboDirect PRO12 games so far this season with the Blues getting their first win of the season against Connacht last Friday.
That victory followed an opening day defeat to Glasgow but Navidi argues Phil Davies’ squad are on the right path.
“It was a shame we lost up in Glasgow but hopefully we can push on with Zebre and then Leinster next week,” he said.
“The boys are a lot more clued on, everyone knows their role and where they’re going and hopefully that shows on the pitch when we’re playing.”
The Blues have Alex Cuthbert and Leigh Halfpenny back for this Friday’s clash with Zebre while Sam Warburton and Gethin Jenkins are still to return.
Warburton and Navidi teamed up on a number of occasions last season and the latter says he can’t wait to reunite his back row partnership with the Lions skipper.
“It’s good to have Sam back in training, he had a bad injury in the summer with the Lions,” said Navidi.
“Hopefully we can play six and seven together like last year but wherever I’m put on the pitch I’m happy.”
