Masato Tsuchida

Masato Tsuchida

Masato Tsuchida, as the President of the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU), is a pivotal figure in Japanese rugby. Elected in 2022, he succeeded Shigetaka Mori and became the 15th president in the history of the organization. Tsuchida brings extensive experience, having served as the Director General of Suntory Holdings and as a former rugby player for Suntory, even earning a cap for Japan in 1985 during a test match against France. His presidency has been marked by a strong vision to enhance Japanese rugby’s global presence.

Under his leadership, the JRFU has outlined ambitious objectives, including strengthening Japan’s national teams to rank among the world’s top rugby nations and securing a medal in rugby sevens at the Olympics. Another key goal is to expand rugby’s grassroots participation within Japan, reflecting his dedication to the sport’s development at all levels. Tsuchida also spearheads efforts to bring another Rugby World Cup to Japan, building on the nation’s success as a host in 2019. This work aligns with the JRFU’s recognition as a high-performance union, elevating Japan to the same level as traditional rugby powerhouses.

Tsuchida’s leadership is seen as transformative, combining a strategic approach with a passion for rugby. His tenure emphasizes innovation and a global outlook, ensuring Japan’s significant contribution to international rugby. These efforts not only aim to boost Japan’s competitive edge but also strengthen rugby’s popularity and cultural impact in Asia and beyond. His presidency symbolises a new era for Japanese rugby, underpinned by determination and strategic ambition.

Brave Blossoms

he Japan Rugby Football Union’s men’s team, known as the Brave Blossoms, has a rich history in the sport, symbolizing both tradition and modern progress. Established in 1926 alongside the founding of the JRFU, the team has grown into a global rugby force, particularly over the past decade. They have participated in every Rugby World Cup since the tournament’s inception in 1987 and have steadily climbed in international rankings.

The Brave Blossoms are recognized for their disciplined and high-tempo playstyle, which often contrasts with the physical dominance of traditional rugby powerhouses. Their most iconic moment came in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, where they defeated South Africa in what is widely regarded as one of the biggest upsets in rugby history. This victory, often referred to as the “Brighton Miracle,” showcased their strategic brilliance and fighting spirit. Building on this success, the team reached the quarterfinals for the first time in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, hosted by Japan. This achievement not only elevated Japan’s status in global rugby but also helped popularize the sport in Asia.

The Brave Blossoms are also known for their diverse squad, often featuring players of various nationalities who qualify under residency rules. This inclusivity reflects Japan’s welcoming rugby culture and its commitment to excellence. Current development initiatives under the Japan Rugby Football Union aim to ensure consistent performances at the highest levels, including competing against Tier 1 nations and fostering domestic talent through leagues such as Japan Rugby League One.

Japan RFU

The Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) is the governing body for rugby union in Japan, responsible for overseeing the development, promotion, and administration of the sport across the nation. Established in 1926, it is one of the oldest rugby organizations in Asia and has been instrumental in fostering the growth of rugby at both grassroots and professional levels. The JRFU is a member of World Rugby and the Asia Rugby regional association.

The JRFU has achieved notable success on the international stage, particularly with the Japanese national team, known as the Brave Blossoms. Japan made history during the 2019 Rugby World Cup, hosted by the country, by reaching the quarterfinals for the first time and showcasing an exhilarating style of play that gained global admiration. The JRFU also manages Japan’s women’s national team and rugby sevens teams, emphasizing gender equality and broad representation in the sport.

Under the leadership of key figures such as Masato Tsuchida (President) and Kensuke Iwabuchi (Chairman), the JRFU is focused on making Japan a top-tier rugby nation. This includes initiatives like enhancing domestic leagues, fostering youth rugby, and pursuing another Rugby World Cup hosting opportunity. Japan’s elevation to a “high-performance union” by World Rugby underscores its growing status in the sport. Through these efforts, the JRFU aims to solidify Japan’s reputation as a rugby powerhouse in Asia and the world.