Obituary

7 April 2025

Mr. Noboru “Nobby” Mashimo, former Chairman of the Japan Rugby Football Union, passed away on April 3rd 2025, at the age of 86.
The JRFU would like to express its heartfelt condolences and respectfully inform you of this sad news.
Masato Tsuchida, President, Japan Rugby Football Union:
On behalf of the Japan Rugby Football Union, I offer my heartfelt condolences to Nobby’s family. The loss of such a remarkable senior rugby leader and personality fills me with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss. Nobby, who is remembered fondly by Japanese rugby fans as a top referee, held the position of Chairman of our Union from 2002 to 2011, and in 2003, became the inaugural Chairman of the Japan Rugby Top League, playing an instrumental role in leading the development of rugby in Japan. The successful bid to host the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, was the result of his outstanding vision, leadership, passionate love for the game and the remarkable charm of his character, which captivated many people. As we look to the future, we are committed to carrying forward his legacy and the spirit of his vision. We express our utmost respect and gratitude for his many years of tireless contribution to the development rugby in Japan and Asia. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nobby’s family at this time of great sadness. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Noboru Mashimo – Brief Biography
Date of Birth: 6 December 1938 (Age: 86)
Education: Graduated from the Faculty of Physical Education, Tokyo
University of Education (now known as University of Tsukuba) on
31 March 1961
Professional Experience: 1 May 1961: Joined Dotwell and Company Limited (until
31 January 1992)
1 February 1992: Joined Kubota Corporation (until 1 December
2003)

Career with Japan Rugby Football Union:
1 June 1980: Director of Japan East Rugby Football Union (until 31 March 1994)
1 June 1992: Board Director of Japan Rugby Football Union
1 June 2002: Chairman of Japan Rugby Football Union (until 31 May 2005)
1 June 2005: Vice President and Chairman of Japan Rugby Football Union (until 31 May
2011)
1 June 2011: Vice President of Japan Rugby Football Union (until 31 March 2013)
1 June 2013: Advisor to Japan Rugby Football Union (currently)

Career with Other Related Organisations:
2003-2011 Council Member of Asia Rugby Football Union (ARFU) (Note: ARFU
now known as Asia Rugby)
2007-2011: Council Member of International Rugby Board (IRB) (Note: IRB now
known as World Rugby)
26 March 2009: Chairman of Japan Rugby World Cup 2015 and 2019 Bid Committee
(until 31 March 2011)
16 June 2016: Board Director of Japan Rugby World Cup 2019 Organising Committee
(JR2019) (until 31 March 2018)
1 April 2018: Board Director and Executive Advisor of JR2019 (until 8 November
2019)
9 November 2019: Director of JR2019 (until 30 June 2020)
1 April 2003: Council Member of Japan Sport Association (currently)
1 April 2003: Council Member of Japan Olympic Committee (currently)
1 April 2005: Vice Executive Director of Japan Top League Alliance (currently)

Awards:
2012: ‘Carlson Lin’ Match Officiating Award by Asia Rugby Football Union
2022: The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, awarded by the Japanese
government in the Autumn of 2022