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Rugby World Cup Commemorative Event Held One Year Before Kickoff
The Rugby World Cup 2019 Organizing Committee held the "1 YEAR TO GO KICK-OFF EVENT" at Meiji Memorial Hall in Minato Ward, Tokyo, on September 20th to commemorate one year until the tournament's opening.
This marks the first time the tournament will be held in Asia, drawing a large press contingent.
At the outset, Chairman Fujio Mitarai of the Organizing Committee reported, "As we reach this important one-year mark before the tournament, ticket sales are going strong." He noted that interest is particularly high in rugby powerhouse nations, anticipating a large influx of visitors to Japan. This is expected to bring economic benefits to host cities and training camps.
He also stated that, with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in mind, efforts would continue to ensure the tournament's success, including promoting tourism.
Japan Rugby Football Union Chairman Masashi Okamura explained the tournament's mission is to spread the spirit of rugby across Asia and elevate the competitive level of participating nations, stating, "We will strive with all our might to ensure rugby develops worldwide."
World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont remarked, "The opening match between Japan and Russia will mark the beginning of a new chapter in Rugby World Cup history. We chose Japan as the host because we believe in Japan." He expressed confidence that the goal of growing Asia's rugby population to one million will be achieved.
On stage, a kick-off activity was performed by talent Sho Sakurai, Japan national team head coach Jamie Joseph, tournament ambassador Daisuke Ohata, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, and Sports Agency Commissioner Daichi Suzuki.
All participants passed a rugby ball among themselves, and finally, World Rugby Vice Chairman Agustín Pichot (former captain of the Argentine national team) kicked the ball toward the venue, celebrating the one-year countdown.
At the start of the event's second part, Akio Shimazu, Secretary General of the Organizing Committee, stated, "We hope Japan advances beyond the quarterfinals and will strive even harder to ensure every match is sold out." He then introduced actor Hiroshi Tachi as the tournament's PR Captain.
Tachi, who played rugby for three years in high school, said, "As a fan, I'm overjoyed that the tournament is being held in Japan. My rugby experience had a huge impact on my life. I want to share this wonderful sport with as many people as possible." He revealed he would try Twitter ( @Tachi_RWC2019 ) for the first time, adding, "I'm a bit nervous, but I'll do my best to tweet and convey its appeal!"
The advance lottery ticket sales, which began in January 2018, received over 2.5 million applications, drawing significant attention. The general lottery sales start on September 19. This marks the first opportunity for fans who are not members of the previous priority sales groups to apply via the official website ( https://tickets.rugbyworldcup.com ).
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