Japan's unique rugby fanzones - B2


The Rugby World Cup - 7th October 2019

Japan is hosting the Rugby World Cup and welcoming rugby fans from across the globe.

Expecting heavy rain due to the typhoon season, organizers have created 16 Fanzones across Japan to ensure that visitors can watch all the matches in comfort. The Fanzones are also proving popular with Japanese fans owing to their team's surprise success.

In Tokyo the Fanzone is sited in a 3 storey building, although to enjoy the matches, a number of rules must be adhered to.

Signs outside the building inform those queuing what to expect, and the signs continue inside too. Smoking is prohibited, while alcohol can only be consumed on the first floor. Families and children enjoy the matches alcohol free on the second floor.

Woman: "In Japan everyone's a lot more orderly. It's not so chaotic, like Melbourne."

Man: "Everyone's good sports here, in Australia, everyone would be standing up - jumping up and down the whole time. Here everyone's very polite, the Japanese people are still clapping for Ireland scores. They're very nice and respectful people, we're really enjoying ourselves. So, yeah."

There's a big push to recycle at the Fanzone. Visitors are requested to ensure all items are put in the correct bin and lots of volunteers help you get it right.