JRFU Announces Sakura Fifteen’s New Head Coach
The Japan Rugby Football Union is delighted to announce the appointment of Toshizumi Kitagawa as Head Coach of the Japan National Women’s Team, the Sakura Fifteen. Affective 25 August 2026, the appointment follows Kitagawa having filled the role as Acting Head Coach since the beginning of the 2026 season.
Commenting on the announcement, Sakura Fifteen Head Coach Toshizumi Kitagawa said:
“I am both humbled and incredibly proud to be appointed Head Coach of the Sakura Fifteen. While I feel a great sense of responsibility in leading the Japan Women’s National Team, I am also excited by the prospect of creating a new chapter in the proud history of this team.
“Guided by our team motto of ‘Sakura First’, I will give my all to take the Sakura Fifteen forward, while honouring the legacy of all the players, staff and fans who have made immense contributions throughout the team’s history.
“‘Sakura First’ embodies the values of pride, trust and challenge. We will take pride in the historic Sakura emblem, further enhancing the value of the team and passing its legacy on to the next generation. Trust means players and staff uniting in our work, while also building an even deeper relationship of trust with our fans. Our challenge is to preserve the best aspects of our past, while striving every day to create the next great chapter in our history.”
Profile
Toshizumi Kitagawa
Born: Kyoto
Date of birth: 07 February 1981
Graduate: Kanto Gakuin University
Playing Position: Lock
Japan National Team Caps: 43
Playing Career
Hino Red Dolphins 2019 – 2021
Toyota Verblitz 2004 – 2019
Kanto Gakuin University Rugby Club 2000 – 2004
Fushimi Technical High School 1996-1999
Coaching Career
2026–: Acting Head Coach, Japan Women’s National Team
2025: FW Coach, Japan Women’s National Team, Asia Rugby Emirates Championship
2023–2026: Assistant Head Coach (FW), YOKOHAMA TKM
2023–2025: FW Coach, Japan High School National Team
2021–2023: Assistant Coach, Hino Red Dolphins
Sakura Fifteen Upcoming Match Schedule
Friday 4 September
Japan vs Fiji
Japan Rugby Challenge Match 2026
JAPAN BASE Fukuoka
Saturday 19 September
Japan vs Fiji
WXV Global Series
Pordenone, Italy
Sunday 27 September
Ireland vs Japan
WXV Global Series
Galway, Ireland
Saturday 3 October
Ireland vs Japan
WXV Global Series
Cork, Ireland
Saturday 24 October
Japan vs Wales
Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2026 / WXV Global Series
Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo
Saturday 31 October
Japan vs Wales
WXV Global Series
Kumagaya Sports and Culture Park Rugby Stadium, Saitama