Tokyo to Host 12th Japan National Women’s Rugby Championship Final

Tokyo’s iconic Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium will play host to the 12th Japan National Women’s Rugby Championship Final on Sunday, February 1, as Yokohama TKM face off against Yokogawa Musashino Artemi-Stars. With both sides packed with Sakura Fifteens and Sakura Sevens representatives, the Final promises a high-quality showcase of the very best of Japanese women’s rugby.

For the Artemi-Stars, the occasion presents an opportunity to claim their third national title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2020 and 2022. For Yokohama TKM, it marks an historic milestone as their first-ever appearance in the Championship Final.

Led by Captain and versatile forward Waka Yamamoto, the Artemi-Stars will once again look to the experience and leadership of their 33-cap prop, Sachiko Kato. The Sakura Fifteens stalwart was instrumental in their 36–17 Semi-Final victory over the Pearls, and another dominant display up front will be key if Artemi-Stars are to overcome an in-form TKM side.

Yokohama TKM will arrive in Tokyo brimming with confidence after a commanding 64–19 Semi-Final win over Nihon Keizai University Women’s Rugby Club AMATERUS. Captain Moe Nagaoka will be counting on a complete team performance, anchored by her Japan national team representatives and bolstered by a strong international contingent from New Zealand, Fiji and France.

Kick-off is scheduled for 13:00 JST, with tickets available for purchase at the stadium on match day. Details on advance ticket sales can be found via the Japan Rugby Football Union website . For fans unable to catch the action live at the stadium, the match will be broadcast live from 12:45 JST and available for catch-up on the JRFU’s YouTube channel – Japan Rugby TV.