【Project Activities】

Following an open call across Asia and the Oceania region, four teams from three countries—Thailand, Bangladesh, and Australia—along with four teams from Japan participated. Junior high school students engaged in international exchange through 7-man rugby exhibition matches. Additionally, overseas teams participated in traditional Japanese culture experience programs.

【Project Background】

The “Asia Rugby Exchange Fest” was launched in 2018 as a legacy project of the Rugby World Cup 2019 hosted in Japan. From 2022, it was expanded into the “Asia-Oceania Rugby Exchange Fest,” incorporating participants from the Oceania region.

【Project Objective】

To promote rugby and international exchange within the Asia-Oceania region.

【Project Area】

Promotion of rugby and international exchange through rugby

【Methods】

Rugby exchange tournaments and exchange events

【Outcomes】

Through international exchange during their junior high school years via rugby, the project fostered a change in participants’ mindsets (recognizing differences with other countries and cultivating a spirit of mutual acceptance based on that recognition) and deepened their interest and awareness regarding international exchange.

【Voices from Participants and Partners】

“We were able to have international exchanges without going abroad.”
“The children connected through sports, which transcends language.”
“It was so much fun to interact with everyone.”
“Children who are usually shy were participating actively.”
“There was a visible positive change in the children before and after the event.”

【Challenges and Lessons Learned】

The cost of hosting the festival is a challenge. Also, while we gained new insights into cognitive differences between nations, we also experienced the difficulty of effective communication and mutual understanding.

【URL】

Japan Rugby Football Union Official Website: https://www.rugby-japan.jp/news/51712
Fukuoka Sports Promotion Foundation Official Website: https://fukuokasports.org/events/detail/asiaoceania-rugby2022