#Japan #Toyota #International Exchange #Toyota City #Rugby Event

First International Exchange Festival 2025

The inaugural International Exchange Festival 2025 is set to take place on October 19th, 2025, in Toyota City, organized by key organizations in rugby, including the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU), Japan Rugby League One (JRLO), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This event aims to foster multicultural coexistence and create opportunities for interaction between local residents and foreign communities through the sport of rugby.

Purpose of the Event

The festival will embody the core values of rugby: dignity, passion, unity, discipline, and respect. By offering various programs centered around rugby, the event is designed to deepen connections within the community across different generations and nationalities. With Toyota Vertbleitz and Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi, both part of the League One, the event will showcase participation from local teams like Toyota Tsusho Blue Wing and the Chubu Electric Power Rugby Club, highlighting the diversity and inclusiveness that rugby represents.

Core Highlights

The International Exchange Festival will present the following:
1. Pre-event Learning Program: Attendees will learn about rugby and the participating teams through a quiz format. This will provide valuable insights before engaging in the games.
2. Practical Game Experience: Participants will utilize the knowledge gained to divide into teams and implement what they’ve learned in an actual game setting.

Expert Instructors

The program will feature renowned speakers, including Shinichi Furukawa, a member of the coaching division at JRFU's Promotion and Development Committee, and assistant coach of the Yokohama Canon Eagles. Furukawa has experience as a JICA Overseas Volunteer in Sri Lanka and serves as a technical expert on rugby for the JICA Youth Overseas Cooperation program. Also, athletes from the collaborating teams will be involved as mentors.

Event Details

• - Date: October 19, 2025 (Sunday)
• - Time: 13:00 - 16:00
• - Venue: Toyota Stadium, North Lawn Area (In case of rain, it will be held at Terabe Elementary School, at 1-173 Ueno-cho, Toyota City, Aichi)
• - Organizer: JICA, JRLO, JRFU
• - Supported by: Toyota City
• - Collaborating Teams Includes: Toyota Vertbleitz, Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi, Toyota Tsusho Blue Wing, Chubu Electric Power Rugby Club
• - Participation Fee: Free (Pre-registration required)
• - Participating Audience: Open to everyone (Capacity: 100 people)
• - Application Form: Click here to register

Media Coverage

For those interested in covering the event, please submit your application via the Media Inquiry Form before October 16th, 23:59. Further details regarding the coverage will be communicated upon receipt of the application.

• - Media Inquiry Form: Apply Here

This festival isn’t just a rugby event; it’s an opportunity to appreciate the power of sports in bringing people together, breaking barriers, and promoting understanding among diverse cultures. We look forward to seeing you at the International Exchange Festival 2025 in Toyota City!