Japan is ready to connect, create and go forward in order to deliver the best-ever Rugby World Cup as the Japan Rugby 2019 organising committee launched its tournament vision today.

With the world’s top teams and more than 400,000 international visitors set to travel to Japan for Asia’s first Rugby World Cup, the vision and mission, announced by CEO Akira Shimazu, promises to deliver a ground-breaking and inclusive celebration of rugby and friendship that puts teams, fans and the Japanese people at the centre.

The inspirational vision will underpin the delivery of the biggest sporting event in Japan this decade, a nationwide and global festival that will deliver an unprecedented estimated 420 billion yen economic impact across the 12 host cities as Japan welcomes the world.

The vision, and its four central mission pillars, will also guide the operational delivery and promotion of the biggest single sport event ever to be hosted in Japan. 

Vision: Connecting people throughout Japan and around the world to create a ground-breaking and inclusive celebration of rugby, friendship and community. We will go forward as one to build a better future for all.

Underpinning the delivery of the vision are four mission statements that set out an exciting and ambitious pledge to the people of Japan and the global rugby family.

1. Connecting the whole of Japan through rugby, its values and friendship.

Japan 2019 is for all of Japan and with 75 per cent of the population living within an hour of a Rugby World Cup match venue, it will be an accessible event for the entire country. A nationwide festival of rugby activities will further the reach and popularity of a sport that has seen an 11 million person increase in its fan-base since Rugby World Cup 2015. Rugby World Cup 2019 will deliver significant economic, social and sporting benefits for the whole of the nation in the year of rugby.

2. Creating an exceptional experience for teams and fans with a strong NIPPON.

Japan is famed for its hospitality, efficiency and innovation and these values will be at the heart of converting the mission into a truly special and unforgettable global celebration of rugby and friendship. The venues will be the global centre of the event, the venues and team camps will be the heartbeat, delivering an exceptional experience for teams through world-class facilities and unforgettable moments for 400,000 international fans through city activities, fan-zones and festivals.

3. Celebrating the world’s best in Japan and the best of Japan to the world.

Each of the host cities will have its own role to play in a truly nationwide celebration. The cities and prefectures are excited about their opportunity to showcase the very best of the nation through an unprecedented six-week global media shop window.

4. Going forward to convert a new generation of rugby participants in Asia.

Finally, with Asia at the heart of global growth success story of 300 million fans and 8.5 million participants, the ambitious IMPACT Beyond 2019 legacy programme will be launched later this year with the mission of making rugby accessible and inclusive to all across Asia. A strong and sustainable rugby platform will be in place to welcome a whole wave of participation and fan interest after Rugby World Cup.

The tournament also aims to convert a new generation of rugby fans in Japan through engaging social and digital content, innovative sports presentation and an exceptional match-day experience in stadia, in fan-zones and engaging through broadcast or online platforms.

Shimazu said: “Japan is preparing to welcome the world. We are committed to Rugby World Cup and we’re aiming to deliver the best yet. It will be a celebration of rugby and of Japanese culture as we will show off the best of our country and our hospitality on a global stage.”

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont added: “Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan will be a nationwide celebration of friendship, sport and rugby’s character-building values and this is very much reflected in the organising committee’s vision launched today.

“With 75 per cent of the population within an hour of a match venue or host city, everyone is welcome to be a part of what promises to be the biggest-ever festival of rugby in Asia and it is great to see so much interest from cities and prefectures as preparation accelerates within this big year for Rugby World Cup 2019.”

Preparations ramp-up with the pool draw taking place in Kyoto on 10 May and the match schedule and ticketing programme announcements at the end of a year when fans will truly be able to plan their Rugby World Cup experience.

Fans interested in receiving all the latest Rugby World Cup 2019 information are encouraged to join the Front Row (Supporters’ Club in Japan) by clicking HERE and via @rugbyworldcup on social platforms.