We Are Tomodachi Summer 2017

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21Sapporo DomeSapporo CityKamaishi RecoveryMemorial StadiumIwate Prefecture,Kamaishi City*Kumagaya Rugby Stadium Saitama Prefecture,Kumagaya City*Tokyo Stadium TokyoInternational Stadium Yokohama Kanagawa Prefecture,Yokohama City*Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa Shizuoka PrefectureCity of ToyotaStadium Aichi Prefecture,Toyota City**Jointly hostedHanazonoRugby Stadium Osaka Prefecture,Higashi-Osaka City*KobeMisaki Stadium Kobe CityFukuokaHakatanomoriStadiumFukuoka Prefecture,Fukuoka City*KumamotoStadiumKumamoto Prefecture,Kumamoto City* Oita Stadium Oita PrefecturePreparations for RWC 2019 Japan are already well underway. On May 10, 2017, the pool draw for the tournament took place at the Kyoto State Guest House, and the candidate sites for the official training camps for the teams will be decided starting this summer. Sales of tickets for RWC 2019 matches are scheduled to begin in 2018.RWC 2019 Japan will consist of 48 matches which will be held at 12 venues located throughout the country. Shimazu explains that “All of the venues are located in cities with unique local attractions and plenty for tourists to see and do. This means that our foreign visitors will have memorable experiences of their stays in Japan along with enjoying the tournament.” In addition, two of the venues are located in Kamaishi and Kumamoto, which are both rebounding from major earthquakes that occurred in recent years. Shimazu states the significance of holding the matches in these disaster-stricken areas: “The excitement of watching the world’s best players compete is sure to boost the spirits of the people of these cities as they continue to revitalize. Along with expressing our appreciation for the warm support of people overseas, RWC 2019 Japan is also a chance to demonstrate how far we’ve come in our recovery.”RWC 2019 Japan is very important to the growth of rugby. In Shimazu’s words, “RWC 2019 Japan is the first RWC to be held in Asia. We would like as many Asian spectators as possible to experience the excitement and attraction of rugby. The success of this tournament will be an ideal opportunity for spreading rugby throughout Asia.”The Official Supporters Club is now taking members! This is just one of the many activities underway to ensure that RWC 2019 Japan will be a success. The goal is to completely fill the stadiums for all 48 matches.Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the RWC 2019 pool draw which took place in Kyoto. This was the first time the pool draw was held in a location other than England or Ireland.RWC 2019 will be held at stadiums in 12 cities throughout Japan. Akira ShimazuCEO of the Rugby World Cup 2019 Organising CommitteeBorn in 1943. Entered the Ministry of Home Affairs (now the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications) in 1967. Successively served in said ministry as Chief of Local Bond Division of Public Finance Bureau, Deputy Director-General of Minister’s Secretariat of Home Affairs, and Vice-Minister for Policy Coordination of Minister’s Secretariat of Home Affairs. Appointed in 2001 as the first Vice-Minister of Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Present post since March 2014.Rugby World Cup 2019 Host Cities