Rugby World Cup Japan Exercise Event Held as 500 Days to Kickoff Approaches

Mitsubishi Estate, an official sponsor of Rugby World Cup 2019 Japan, held the exercise event "Rugby World Cup 2019 Japan 500 Days To Go in MARUNOUCHI" at the Marunouchi Building in Chiyoda Ward on May 8th, exactly 500 days before the tournament's opening. This event aimed to further energize both the tournament and Tokyo's Marunouchi area.

At the event, guests and Marunouchi area workers performed special exercises designed by charismatic trainer AYA, who counts many celebrities among her clients.
The program, named "500-Second Count-Up CrossFit," was timed to mark the 500-day countdown to the tournament.

Joining AYA on stage were guest talent Risa Yoshiki, tournament ambassador and former rugby player Takeomi Ito, and World Cup 2015 Japan representative Keiwa Fujita.
Ito, who also played in the World Cup, promoted the event: "The Rugby World Cup is one of the world's three major sporting events, alongside the Soccer World Cup and the Summer Olympics. The last tournament drew about 600,000 spectators. Since you can watch it live in Japan, I really hope you'll come to the stadium."
Reflecting on Japan's victory over South Africa at the England tournament, Fujita stated, "That win earned the Japanese team praise from people around the world. For this tournament, we aim for even better results."
Yoshiki, who identifies as a rugby enthusiast, shared the sport's appeal: "I got involved with rugby through work and became hooked. Now I'm a regular at Jingu Stadium. The more you learn, the deeper the sport becomes."

When Yoshiki remarked on AYA's impressive abs and Fujita's upper body, smiling, "You look like cyborgs. I'm totally captivated by that solid build," AYA emphasized the importance of proper training and balanced nutrition for building a healthy body.

AYA demonstrated CrossFit movements to about 50 participants working in the Marunouchi area, leading everyone through a warm-up.
CrossFit alternates between strength training and cardio exercises, and this session incorporated movements inspired by rugby players.
AYA encouraged everyone, "Even if it's tough, let's push through with the mindset to keep moving until the end!" and started the 500-second (8 minutes 20 seconds) challenge.