Bureau of Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games Preparation

Governor Masuzoe’s statement about Tokyo’s selection as a host city for the Rugby World Cup 2019

On Monday, March 2, 2015, Tokyo was named as one of the host cities for the Rugby World Cup 2019. The following is a statement by Governor Masuzoe about Tokyo’s selection as host of the event.

It is a great honor and pleasure for Tokyo to be selected as a host city for the Rugby World Cup 2019.

The Rugby World Cup is a major international sporting event on a par with the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the FIFA World Cup. I am proud that Tokyo has been awarded the honor of becoming the world’s first city to host these two global events consecutively: the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020.

I believe that by having the opportunity to view the high level of skill and aggressive style of play of the top rugby players up close, many residents of Tokyo and Japan, both children and adults, will be able to share the excitement and passion of the sport.

Starting with hosting this event, from 2019 to 2020, we will see the birth of an unprecedented major sports movement in Tokyo. This will be a great opportunity for us to strongly promote “Sports City Tokyo” to the world.

The Rugby World Cup 2019 is expected to generate many benefits, including positive economic effects and raising the level of enthusiasm held by the citizens of Tokyo toward sports. It will also enable us to acquire experience in operating a major event, which will help us successfully deliver the Olympic and Paralympic Games the following year.

We are committed to steadily advancing preparations for these two sporting events, with an ultimate goal of making Tokyo the world’s best city. Your continued support will be most highly appreciated.

Yoichi Masuzoe
Governor of Tokyo