Reds Rugby Rules heads to Tokyo

Chatting to Paul Carozza at the Captains run

At the start of the season I heard the Reds were playing the Sunwolves in Tokyo, Japan this year. So I started making plans to go and watch the game and see some of Tokyo at the same time.

I’m very glad I did… even with the result not going our way.

Chichibunomiya Stadium and Japanese Rugby

After arriving on Thursday night, our first stop was seeing the Reds at the stadium for the captains run on Friday morning. Thanks to the Reds and Sunwolves management for giving me access!

There was plenty of Japanese media there, which was our first clue that there are more than a few die-hard rugby fans in this country.

(This is good thing, considering that Tokyo is hosting the Rugby World Cup next year!)

Love these guys

Bobby didn't play on the day, still good to see him in Tokyo

The Reds were popular with Japanese rugby fans

While travelling around Tokyo and talking to some of the locals, I was surprised how many locals didn't know much at all about Rugby... we were happy to fill them in and tell them about the World Cup coming up. But with such a huge population, there's definitely enough fans to keep the game going! For sure, it seemed that way at the stadium on game day!

At the Captains run on Friday

Game day on Saturday

Can you imagine this sign at Suncorp Stadium?

Good seats. The Japanese know how to put on sporting events.

It was great to meet Yuhei. He told me he used to live in Brisbane and
play rugby for Norths!

It was great meeting Rich Freeman, Japanese Super Rugby commentator (he speaks fluent Japanese and introduced me to a few locals)

The Japanese fans treated us Reds fans very well. This wasn't like Origin.

Of course, there were quite a few Reds fans here. Go the Reds!!

Sightseeing in Tokyo

Overall, I enjoyed looking around the city of Tokyo. The food was great (I've always been a sushi fan) and we met some great locals that prepared our food. Especially in the area we stayed - "Nishi-Shinjuku".

The Irish Pub in our hotel was nice too :-)

The train system in Tokyo is great, but can be confusing. I won't say we never got lost!

Met some great musicians at a jam night in a bar on Friday night!

Checked out the Tower Records shop (and a bunch of other shops) in Shibuya Junction.

Rugby World Cup is in Japan next year. Have you thought about it????