Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium

Beneath the towering presence of Tokyo’s skyscrapers, Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium stands as a testament to a sporting legacy. This isn’t just any stadium. This is where Japanese rugby found its heart, where the echoes of roaring crowds and clashing titans reverberate through time. Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, also known as Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, rests in the Aoyama district, a green haven amidst the urban sprawl. Opened in 1947 as Tokyo Rugby Stadium, it was renamed in 1953 to honor Prince Chichibu, a passionate rugby enthusiast. While not a player himself, the prince’s love for the sport cemented his place in rugby history. A statue of him, clad in a rugby uniform, stands proudly on the grounds. Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium has witnessed countless historic moments. It hosted football matches during the 1964 Summer Olympics. The stadium has been the stage for numerous All-Japan Rugby Football Championship finals, the first taking place in 1963. International test matches, the Japan Sevens from 2012-2015, and even the home games of the Sunwolves Super Rugby team (along with Singapore National Stadium) have all graced this hallowed turf. In 2007, lights were installed, illuminating the field for night games, a step towards modernization. The first match under these lights was a thrilling encounter between Japan and the Asian Barbarians in August 2007. Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium is more than steel and grass. It embodies the spirit of Japanese rugby, a sport that took root in the late 19th century, thanks to educators like Edward Bramwell Clarke. He introduced rugby to his Keio University students as a way to fill their idle afternoons. The stadium has been a constant through the sport’s rise in popularity, a silent witness to triumphs and heartbreaks. Even a snowstorm in 2008 couldn’t stop the rugby spirit, merely postponing two Top League games. Now, Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium faces a new chapter. Redevelopment plans are underway, with the stadium set to be demolished and rebuilt on the current site of Meiji Jingu Stadium Number 2 field. A new domed stadium will rise, offering a covered field and stands. While the future holds change, the legacy of Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium will endure, woven into the fabric of Japanese rugby history.