JRFU Announces ‘No Side Spirit’ as RWC2035 Bid Message

Having announced its intention to bid for Rugby World Cup 2035 to return to Japan, the Japan Rugby Football Union has today announced ‘No Side Spirit’ as the message and concept behind the bid. The ‘No Side Spirit’ concept and its accompanying logo will form an integral part of the JRFU’s messaging for all future bid activities. Moving forward, messaging around ‘No Side Spirit’ will be disseminated widely as a rallying cry to promote the bid and to build momentum and support across Japan and around the world.

While being uniquely Japanese, the story behind the concept ‘No Side Spirit’ is drawn from rugby’s early history and is something that will resonate with both fans and players around the world. The concept of No-Side developed over the years in Japanese rugby to encapsulate the mutual respect, camaraderie and friendship between all players and fans.

Commenting on today’s announcement, JRFU President Masato Tsuchida said:

“Our ambition and motivation to bring Rugby World Cup back to Japan in 2035 is about so much more than just being a springboard for the ongoing development and promotion of rugby here in Japan and around the world. We believe that as a host nation candidate, Japan has a unique and powerful message to share with the world. This year, as we mark our 100th Anniversary of the union, we will build our RWC2035 bid around Japan rugby’s ‘No Side Spirit’.

“The ‘No Side Spirit’ means that once the match is over, both sides show honour and respect to one another. In these modern times, marked by increasing division and disparity around the world, the spirit of No-Side is needed more than ever in our society. Originating in Japan, this rallying cry is precisely what we wish to share with the world through our bid to host RWC2035.”

Video：https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRpLgQMVp2Y

Editor’s Note:
The direct translation of the Japanese text in the ‘No Side Spirit’ logo reads:

People draw lines.
Race, nation, generation, values. We categorise to understand.
Yet these lines become boundaries that separate us, creating divisions from which there is no turning back.
We no longer need lines that divide people.
What we need now are lines that connect us.
NO SIDE SPIRIT
Lines forged through respect for one another.
Where lines of competition become bonds of celebration. The spirit rooted in Japanese rugby.
Now, let us connect these lines.
Strike out powerfully towards the person before you. Now is the time to carry this rallying cry to the world.
For surely, only people can break down the walls of division.