THERE is a strong appreciation of detail and proportion in Japanese culture, as well as a deep sense of tradition, and thankfully they were reflected in the 2019 World Cup opening ceremony in the Tokyo Stadium on Friday.
Instead of the overblown marketing hype from acolytes of World Rugby about the millions of new converts to the game anticipated following the ground-breaking decision to hold Rugby Union‘s global showpiece in Asia for the first time – including predictions of over 110 million new fans and almost two million new players – we had a Japanese signature at the start of the event which hit most of the right notes.
The ceremony was about an hour from start to finish – unlike the interminable pageant at the start of the Olympics – and the fanfare was spectacular and well-planned.
Instead of pretending that the sport was about to be beamed into every yurt on the Mongolian steppes overnight, it kept its focus on Japan‘s role in spreading the Rugby Union message.
That message in Japan’s case still has some way to go, given that baseball and sumo wrestling are comfortably the biggest sports in the country, and that as many as one in five of Japan’s 126 million population – only 100,000 of whom play the game – do not know that they are hosting Rugby Union’s global showpiece.
The bid to win hearts and minds at major sports events starts with the symbolic welcome which is intrinsic to opening ceremonies. This began with the large stage platform on the pitch lit up by a brilliant laser light display as we were taken through an assortment of Japanese tableaus to the accompaniment of Taiko drums, flutes, and traditional Kabuki dance and music.
The last of these featured an illuminated Mount Fuji with an electronic display which showed the spread of the Union code from its inception on the playing fields of Rugby in England‘s East Midlands around the globe until it reached Japan. There was also a photographic backdrop of all the tournament host cities, including Kitakayushu, where a mind-boggling 15,000 townsfolk attended a Wales training session last week. This was followed by bands of local schoolchildren taking the stage with banners representing each of the 20 participating nations, before joining in unison to sing the World Cup anthem The World in Union.
Then the dignitaries arrived, with Richie McCaw – or Sir Richie, as New Zealand‘s double World Cup-winning captain is now following his knighthood – walking out with the William Webb Ellis trophy his team won in 2011 and 2015.
This was a clear symbol that the battle is on to see if anyone can take it off the holders – and King Richie, sorry, Sir Richie – will know that there are plenty of cut-throat pretenders hell-bent on claiming that crown.
Bill Beaumont, World Rugby‘s chairman, then said he expected a sporting experience of unforgettable moments, “as excitement sweeps this great nation”.
The former England captain also included a pre-match pep talk to the participating teams: “This is your moment to shine on the greatest stage. I know you will inspire a new generation by promoting Rugby Union’s values of integrity, solidarity, respect, discipline and passion.”
However, it was left to real royalty, Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino, to declare the games open. He finished his speech with this simple wish, dignified and without spin: “We sincerely hope this tournament will create momentum to develop the game.”
That’s what you call a sense of proportion.
