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Rugby World Cup Documentary Film "BY THE RUGBY" Released
Mitsubishi Estate, an official sponsor of the Rugby World Cup 2019 Japan, is launching the "Marunouchi 15th Street PROJECT" (September 13-20) one year before the tournament kicks off to build momentum.
Related Article:Mitsubishi Estate Launches "Marunouchi 15-chome Project" One Year Before Rugby World Cup[2018.9.14]
On the 16th, a preview screening of the documentary film "BY THE RUGBY," themed around legendary Rugby World Cup matches, was held at Marunouchi Building Hall in Chiyoda Ward.
The segment screened that day was "JAPAN WAY" (approx. 15 min), focusing on Japan's historic victory over powerhouse South Africa at the 2015 England tournament. It depicts the behind-the-scenes story of the dramatic comeback by these indomitable men, featuring the players' own words.
A total of seven episodes are scheduled for sequential release. The "JAPAN WAY" episode is available on the project's official website ( https://marunouchi15.com/ ) and will also be screened periodically at a special venue in Maru Cube, Marunouchi Building.
Attending the venue were Shigesato Itoi (founder of the "Hobonichi Itoi Newspaper") and Ayumu Goromaru, who also played a major role in the England tournament.
Itoi, who admits to being a "newbie" rugby fan, appeared wearing a T-shirt printed with "Sorry, I'm a newbie," making attendees laugh.
Itoi revealed he happened to catch the Japan vs. South Africa match depicted in the film on TV and became hooked on the sport's appeal. He confessed he has continued to engage with rugby as a "newbie" ever since. When Itoi shared his unique insights as a newbie, such as key points for watching matches at the stadium, Goromaru commented, "It's very important to attract new fans beyond long-time rugby supporters."
Goromaru, whose words "This isn't a miracle, it's inevitable. There are no miracles in rugby" were featured in the same episode, exclaimed, "That's great! I could watch that forever!" before stirring the crowd with, "How many players bled in that match?"
Regarding the final moments of the South Africa match, Goro-maru revealed that while the head coach's instruction was "aim for a tie," the players defied it to secure the comeback victory. He stated, "In rugby, the courage to collide with opponents bigger than yourself is vital, but it's also an intellectual sport demanding instant, precise judgment."
On the same day, 13 players who competed in the 2015 World Cup visited a special venue at Marukyu Cube. They held a talk session sharing their thoughts on the upcoming Japan tournament just one year away. They also viewed an art installation on display at the venue, which depicted the final four minutes of the South Africa match.
At the venue, Tokyo University of the Arts students and alumni also performed a classical concert themed on the appeal of rugby and a live painting performance.
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