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Rugby World Cup 2019 Caravan events held in Tokyo ahead of the tournament
On January 19th, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Rugby World Cup 2019 Organizing Committee launched the "Tokyo Rugby Caravan," a New Year event featuring the official mascot Rengie and tournament ambassadors visiting six locations in Tokyo with strong ties to the tournament, aiming to build excitement for the competition opening in September.
The caravan's departure ceremony was held in front of the Japan Youth Hall in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, with officials in attendance. The Japan Youth Hall is located near the Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, a sacred site for rugby in the Kanto region, and houses the Organizing Committee.
Governor Yuriko Koike stated, "With 244 days remaining until the tournament and the start of general advance ticket sales for the second half of the tournament today, we decided to hold this caravan in collaboration with the organizing committee. The metropolitan government will work with host cities nationwide to ensure the tournament's success. We ask for your support."
Organizing Committee Secretary General Akira Shimazu revealed, "Of the total 1.8 million tournament tickets, 1.2 million have already been sold." He added, "We want to welcome all national teams with full stands at every match. We aim for visitors to Japan to experience a wonderful Japan and build momentum towards the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games."
Attending the ceremony were the three participants in the caravan: Games Ambassadors Tsutomu Matsuda and Takashi Kikuchi (both former Japanese national rugby team members) and Games Dream Supporter Yoko Söderlund (women's volleyball medalist). They shared their thoughts on the Games and the caravan.
On stage, Governor Koike presented Matsuda with a rugby ball symbolizing hopes for the Games' success. The three ambassadors and Renge then boarded the specially wrapped bus designed for the caravan and set off.
The caravan then toured Machida, Fuchu, Mitaka, Musashino, and Chofu (home to Tokyo Stadium, where the opening match will be held), all towns connected to the tournament, including locations serving as camps for overseas national teams. They held mini-talks at each stop to promote the tournament.
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