The highly successful Rugby World Cup England 2015 finished with a flourish as New Zealand emerged victorious once again. Now the ball has been passed to Japan ahead of the next Rugby World Cup 2019 - “Pass the passion on!”

Although the Brave Blossoms did not manage to make it out of the group stage, it was the most successful Rugby World Cup campaign in the history of the national team. Japan's final try and victory over South Africa was voted the "Best Match Moment" in the world cup tournament's history. Japan's great, historic performances are unforgettable.

Many esteemed visitors came from Japan to lend their support to their national team, including Former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori who was present at Japan's memorable game against the Springboks.

Avid sports fan Ambassador Hayashi also lent his support, tweeting from the stadium in Brighton "Veni, vidi, vici! Not a dream. Japan has beaten South Africa/34-32 in its 1st match in #RugbyWorldCup2015. History made!" and again during the passionate game on 3 October when Japan beat Samoa 26-5 in Milton Keynes.

The final game in Gloucester was yet another memorable occasion with the Brave Blossoms winning against USA 28-18. Ambassador Hayashi commented "Japan ready for 2019".

Former Prime Minister Mori gave a speech at London's Japan Matsuri
before watching Japan take on South Africa in Brighton

Japan Pavilion opened at the Queen Elizabeth Conference Hall from 9 to 31 October to promote the RWC 2019 in Japan. Open to the public, visitors could learn more about how RWC 2019 will be conducted, focusing on the venues and local areas hosting games throughout the tournament.

A series of talks entitled "Presenting Japan" were also held from 24 to 30 October at Japan Pavilion, where creative artists, crafts people, chefs, sporting figures and other people representing the best of Japan gathered in London to convey the values of the nation to a worldwide audience.

There were also many visitors from Japan to observe and learn from England's experience of hosting the RWC in preparation of RWC 2019 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Governor Yoichi Masuzoe of Tokyo had meetings with Lord Holmes, Former Director of Paralympic Integration at the London Olympics and Sir Philip Craven, International Paralympic Committee President to discuss Tokyo 2020, and the Minister in charge of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, Toshiaki Endo, called on the Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, John Whittingdale, to strengthen Japan-UK cooperation for RWC 2019 and Tokyo 2020.

Minister Toshiaki Endo

JICC