• 徳増浩司のブログ (Blog by Koji Tokumasu)

Profile (Koji Tokumasu)

Professional Profile

Koji Tokumasu is a distinguished rugby administrator, educator, and advocate for the global development of rugby. He is the Founder and Representative Director of the Shibuya International Rugby Club, which provides a multicultural and inclusive environment for children aged 4-18 to learn and enjoy rugby in both Japanese and English. He also serves as an Envoy for the Welsh Government and has held key leadership roles in international rugby organizations, including the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU), World Rugby, and Asia Rugby.

Current Roles & Activities

  • Founder & Representative Director, Shibuya International Rugby Club
  • Visiting Professor, Kanda University of International Studies
  • Envoy, Welsh Government
  • Coordinator, ENJOY TAG! School Visit Programme (introducing tag rugby to primary schools in English)
  • Regular Contributor, “Koji Tokumasu On Rugby” Facebook Page

Professional History

Born in 1952, Koji Tokumasu developed a passion for rugby while studying at International Christian University (ICU) in Japan. Inspired by a memorable performance from the Welsh national team during their 1975 match against Japan in Osaka, he traveled to Wales to study the game further. Originally intending to stay for only two weeks, he ended up spending two years in Wales, studying at Cardiff College of Education and playing university rugby.

Upon returning to Japan in 1979, he began his career as an English teacher and rugby coach at Meikei Gakuen Junior and Senior High School. Under his leadership, the school’s rugby team won the All Japan High School Rugby Football Tournament in 1989 and reached the semifinals the following year.

In 1994, he joined the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU), where he played a pivotal role in establishing the International and Public Relations Departments. As General Manager of the Japan Rugby World Cup Bid Committee from 2003, he was instrumental in securing Japan’s successful bid to host the 2019 Rugby World Cup. He later served as Senior Director of the Rugby World Cup 2019 Organising Committee, contributing significantly to the tournament’s global success.

He was a Board Member of World Rugby (2011-2015), elected by Asia Rugby, and a Board Member of the Japan Rugby Football Union (2011-2015). From 2015 to 2017, he served as President of Asia Rugby, where he worked to expand the sport across the region. In recognition of his contributions, he received the Distinguished Service Award from Asia Rugby in 2018.

Key Leadership Roles

  • 2011-2015: Board Member, Japan Rugby Football Union
  • 2011-2015: Board Member, World Rugby (elected by Asia Rugby)
  • 2014-2019: Senior Director, Rugby World Cup 2019 Organising Committee
  • 2015-2017: President, Asia Rugby
  • 2020-Present: Envoy, Welsh Government

Publications

  • What Would You Be Dreaming For? – Lessons from the Rugby World Cup 2019 (2020, Baseball Magazine)
  • Rugby – The Coaching Lessons We Would Like to Learn (2018, Baseball Magazine)

Personal Vision & Philosophy

Koji Tokumasu is deeply committed to fostering a global rugby culture that emphasizes inclusivity, enjoyment, and lifelong learning. Through his work with the Shibuya International Rugby Club and the ENJOY TAG! Programme, he aims to help children develop international communication skills, build friendships worldwide, and create an environment where rugby is accessible to all.

Favourite Quote:
“To enjoy something, you have to throw yourself into it with all your heart. I want to tackle everything with the attitude that I can enjoy even failure.”

Internet/ Social Media Links:

 Shibuya International Rugby Club

 “ENJOY TAG!” programme

Koji Tokumasu On Rugby

Facebook Personal Account

X (Twitter)

Instagram