JRFU From 20 to 22 February, the “JENESYS Japan-ASEAN Sports (Rugby) x SDGs Exchange“, an exchange program by the Japanese government to promote understanding between Japan and ASEAN took place.
On the third day of the tag rugby exchange activities, the participants played the tag rugby tournament, then went sightseeing in Fukuoka, followed by performances by each country in the evening.
During the tag rugby tournament, the participants played a league, utilizing what they had learned over the three days.
Many of the participants had never played tag rugby before, but by the final day, each team was able to make tactics and play.
Team “ICHIRIKI” was chosen as the best team based on the results of the tournament, teamwork, and past efforts!
In the reflection meeting, participants were asked what made this tag rugby game enjoyable and what was the key to successful teamwork.
Participants mentioned “respect for each other” and “smiles”. It was the wonderful tournament that truly expressed “respect,” “passion,” and “unity,” rugby’s value!
In the afternoon, the group toured Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and Fukuoka.
In the evening, as the cultural exchange, each country performed traditional dance/performing arts and enjoyed the last time in Fukuoka.
■Participants’ Voice
Baptista（Timor Leste）
I teach at a university. This is the first time for me to play rugby.
“Leaning from the JENESYS Japan-ASEAN Sports (Rugby) x SDGs Exchange Program”
It was my first time playing rugby, but it was a lot of fun and surprising how fun it is.
Rugby is not popular in Timor-Leste, but I would like to promote Tag Rugby after I return home, especially at my university. I am having a great time in this exchange program, everyone is friendly and I have made a lot of friends.
Farah （Brunei）
I have been playing touch rugby since high school and have played tag rugby before.
“Leaning from the JENESYS Japan-ASEAN Sports (Rugby) x SDGs Exchange Program”
During this exchange, I enjoyed the experience of coloring Hakata dolls. I like painting, so I was glad to be able to experience it as a part of Japanese culture.
Playing tag rugby with people from various Asian countries was difficult in terms of communication cause of the language barrier. However, I was able to enjoy it by communicating in simple English. I had played tag rugby before, but many games and drills I learned this time were new, so I would like to bring them back to Brunei to spread tag rugby and touch rugby.