Note: This website was automatically translated, so some terms or nuances may not be completely accurate.
The Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2019 Organizing Committee held the "Rugby World Cup 2019 2 YEARS TO GO FESTIVAL Opening Ceremony" at the SHIBUYA109 event space in Tokyo on September 20, exactly two years before the Japan tournament.
Held in the heart of Shibuya, one of Tokyo's symbolic locations where the tournament's opening match will take place, the event aimed to build momentum for the tournament.
Organizing Committee Secretary General Akira Shimazu stated, "Many will recall the outstanding performance of the Japanese national team at the England tournament two years ago. We are working tirelessly to prepare for this historic first Asian hosting. We want to form a scrum with everyone to fill every stadium and make this tournament a success."
RWC Chief Executive Alan Gilbin expressed his anticipation, saying, "Rugby fans from around the world will gather in Japan. We want to leave a lasting legacy through this tournament. We look forward to the Tokyo tournament being an innovative one." Daichi Suzuki, Commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency, added, "The success of the RWC will lead to 2020. We want to showcase Japan's hospitality to the world. Our agency will also make every effort."
Joining the stage as guests were three celebrities: actor Takeshi Takei, freelance announcer Aya Takashima, and model Lauren Sai, along with former Japan national team players Shota Horie and Kenki Fukuoka from the England tournament. Cheers erupted from the guests and audience when the Webb Ellis Cup, the tournament's championship trophy, appeared from the center stands.
The trophy's name originates from an episode in 1823 at a British public school, where William Webb Ellis, a young student, is said to have picked up the ball and run with it, disregarding the primitive football rules of the time, thereby becoming the founder of rugby.
The organizing committee launched the "Trophy Roadshow," publicly displaying the cup nationwide starting in Shibuya. It will conclude at the final venue, Yokohama International Stadium, during the test match between Japan and Australia on November 4th.
The guests praised the Japan team's performance in the last tournament, saying, "Every time I rewatch the matches, the excitement comes flooding back," and "Overnight, many Japanese people became rugby fans." Between the guests and players, there was a Q&A session with questions like "Can you teach us training that women can do?" and "What's your favorite rugby position?" along with passing drills using the ball, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
When Ms. Takei volunteered to join the Japan team's training, both players responded with an OK. "If my abilities are recognized there, please make me a member of the national team," she said, thrilling the audience.
Both players shared messages: "Your support fuels the players' power. Please come to the matches!" and "We see the Tokyo Games as the culmination of our efforts. We'll give our all to build momentum for 2020."
Even after the ceremony ended, the five seemed reluctant to leave, happily taking selfies with the championship cup.
The Organizing Committee opened the "Japan Tournament Official Ticket Site" (tikets.rugbyworldcup.com) the same day, beginning registration for ticket IDs. For this tournament, the first to be held in Asia, approximately 1.8 million tickets for all 48 matches are planned, with sales set to begin sequentially in early 2018.
The match schedule will be announced on November 2, along with detailed sales information including ticket prices.
Official Website: https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/
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