The Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU), the governing body for rugby in Japan, is steeped in history, tracing its origins back to the early days of the sport’s introduction to the country. Established on , the JRFU was formed through the merger of the Kanto Rugby Football Union, founded in , and the Seibu Rugby Football Union, established in . These two unions previously managed the game in eastern and western Japan, respectively.
The formation of a national body was a crucial step in organizing and developing rugby within Japan. Prior to the merger, the sport was largely confined to regional pockets, primarily centered around universities and expat communities. The JRFU’s creation signaled a commitment to unifying the game and fostering its growth nationwide.
In , Yoshihiro Takagi was appointed as the first President of the JRFU, marking a significant moment in the organization’s leadership. The same year also saw the inaugural East-West rugby match played at Koshien Stadium, a contest between representative teams from eastern and western Japan. The winning team was presented with the prestigious Prince Chichibu Trophy, a tradition that continues to this day.
The early years of the JRFU were characterized by efforts to establish Japan’s presence on the international stage. In , the Japan national rugby team embarked on its first international tour, traveling to Canada where they achieved an impressive record of six wins and one draw. This tour demonstrated the growing competitiveness of Japanese rugby and laid the foundation for future international endeavors.
The Second World War significantly impacted the JRFU’s operations. In , the union was integrated into the Rugby Football Division of the Dai-Nippon Sports Association, now known as the Japan Sports Association, as part of broader wartime mobilization efforts. This period saw a disruption in regular rugby activities, but the sport persevered.
Following the war, in , His Imperial Highness Yasuhito, Prince Chichibu, became the JRFU’s Honorary Patron, a role that underscored the royal family’s support for the sport. The same year witnessed the completion of Tokyo Rugby Stadium, which was later renamed Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Stadium in honor of his patronage. This stadium became a central venue for rugby in Japan and hosted numerous important matches.
The post-war era also saw the development of domestic competitions. In , the inaugural Japan Company Rugby Championship took place, with Fukuoka Haitan Kodan RFC emerging as the first champions after defeating Kintetsu RFC. This championship provided a platform for corporate teams to compete and further expanded the reach of rugby within Japan.
Leadership transitions continued to shape the JRFU’s direction. Kumazo Tanabe was appointed as the union’s second President in , the same year that Prince Chichibu passed away. The Tokyo Rugby Stadium was subsequently renamed in his memory, and Her Imperial Highness Setsuko, Princess Chichibu, assumed the role of JRFU Honorary Patron. Shigeru Kayama succeeded Tanabe as the union’s third President in .
The JRFU continued to evolve, introducing new competitions and initiatives. In , the first NHK Cup match was played, serving as a precursor to the All-Japan Rugby Football Championship. This tournament became a cornerstone of the domestic rugby calendar, providing a high-level competition for clubs and universities.
Currently, the JRFU is led by President Masato Tsuchida. The organization is headquartered at 5F Shin-Aoyama Building East, 1-1-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 107-0062, and can be reached by phone at 03-3401-3321 or fax at 03-3401-6610. Business hours are from 9:30 a.m. To 6 p.m.
Recent organizational charts indicate a team of 75 employees, with key leadership positions held by Tokuya Ikeguchi (Co-Chief Executive Officer), 田中輝夫 (Head of Legal Affairs), and Jun Sudo (Head of Analysis). The JRFU also includes a board of directors, with Mark Egan serving as a current member.
The JRFU’s history reflects a long-standing commitment to developing and promoting rugby in Japan. From its humble beginnings as a merger of regional unions to its current status as a national governing body, the JRFU has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Japanese rugby. The organization’s continued efforts to foster the sport, both domestically and internationally, will be crucial as Japan looks to build on its growing success in the world of rugby.
