Japan’s rise in the world of rugby has been nothing short of remarkable. Traditionally, rugby was considered a niche sport in Japan, but the country’s successful hosting of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, along with the national team’s impressive performance, has catapulted the sport into the mainstream.
The Japanese national rugby team, known as the Brave Blossoms, captured the hearts of fans around the world with their historic victories over top-tier teams like Ireland and Scotland during the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Their run to the quarterfinals marked the first time an Asian team had reached that stage in the tournament’s history, cementing Japan’s place as a rising power in world rugby.
One of the driving forces behind Japan’s rugby success is the country’s investment in developing local talent. The Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) has established partnerships with top-tier rugby nations like New Zealand and Australia, allowing Japanese players to gain experience at the highest levels. Additionally, the Top League, Japan’s premier rugby competition, has attracted international stars, raising the overall standard of play in the country.
As Japan continues to build on its rugby success, the sport’s popularity is growing rapidly. With the 2024 Olympics including rugby sevens, Japan is looking to make its mark once again, this time on the global stage.