During the Rugby World Cup 2019, we asked everyone to share their Japan experiences, and they delivered! More than 1000 contestants shared pictures of their journeys in Japan. Our rugby legends—Justin Harrison (Australia), Émile Ntamack (France), and Andy Gomarsall MBE (England)—picked 80 of the very best. The guys had just finished their own tour of Japan—appreciating the sights, food, and culture from Hokkaido to Kyushu—so we thought, “Who better to judge the entries but them?”
Photo categories were best food, favorite tourist spots, most memorable experiences, and best plays from rugby games.
There were various prizes such as original Japanese souvenirs and rugby memorabilia, including lacquered hashi (chopsticks) made exclusively for this campaign by a famous store in Tokyo’s Ginza neighborhood. Other prizes were food replicas specially selected by Émile during his trip, original ukiyo-e art celebrating rugby, and official rugby apparel signed by Justin, Émile, or Andy.
Be sure to head over to the results page to see the best of the best, and also to read a little bit of what fans thought of their trips around Japan. Sharing their favorite moments was a great way for sports fans from all around the world to take part in the excitement of RWC, and if you’re planning a trip to Japan, you can use the photos to help decide where to go and what to do.
Although this campaign is over, Japan Sports Journey doesn’t stop here. We’ll keep sharing the best pictures, and even more sporting events will soon be under way in Japan, so check back often for more details!
