History of Hanazono Rugby Stadium
1928
In October of that year, when the Emperor’s second son, HIH. Prince Chichibu, was travelling on a train operated by Osaka Electric Orbit Company (now, Kintetsu Railway), he noticed and commented on how much empty space there was along the railway line. “Rugby is becoming popular these days” he noted, “so why don’t you build a stadium around here? You could increase both passengers and revenues."
On December 10, Osaka Electric Orbit Company decided to build a rugby stadium. The following day, newspapers widely reported on the "Construction of Asia's first dedicated rugby stadium."
Prewar Hanazono Rugby Stadium
1929
The stadium was modeled after Twickenham Stadium in England and boasted an area of 29,800㎡ with capacity for 12,000 spectators, the largest in Asia at the time. The turf was entirely covered by Japanese lawn, the stands topped with a steel roof.
The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of the HIH Prince and Princes Chichibu, followed by a memorial match between a team of veterans and a student team.
1932
The Canadian team visited Japan
The first-ever international match was held between Canada and Doshisha University in Hanazono Stadium.
Hanazono Training Field during WWII
1944
The stadium name was changed to "Hanazono Training Field" and its use diverted to the war effort becoming the primary training facility for pilots. As the war intensified, the metal roof was given up as part of the Metal Recovery Act and towards the end of war, the stadium ground was used as farm land for food production.
Postwar Hanazono Rugby Stadium
Postwar Hanazono Rugby Stadium
1945
The stadium was taken over by the General Headquarters of the Allied Powers on October 4.
1947
In December the occupation forces took over the stadium and used it for American Football. The stand interiors were used for warehousing.
1949
After being derequisitioned on June 3, the facility was upgraded year after year especially in the replacement and growing of the turf.
1952
In October, a 50 year-long dream for Japanese rugby was realized - a match between Oxford University and All Japan. One Oxford player was noted for stating that "After Twickenham, this must be the second-best stadium in the world."
1953
‘Hanazono Golf Ground’ was opened in response to a huge boom for golf at that time. The 2nd and 3rd Grounds were converted into a golf course and the 1st Ground used as a golf practice range.
1963
Since the 42nd tournament held that year until present, the stadium hosts the annual National High School Rugby Tournament.
1979
As a 50 years commemorative project the stands were renovated and score board was newly installed with a total cost of 300 million yen back then.
1981
The rock group "Kai band" performed live for the first time at the stadium.
1982~ as Kintetsu Hanazono Rugby Stadium
1983
The 2nd and 3rd grounds were renovated through to 1984
1992
Renovations were completed in October. A commemorative match between Oxford and Japan was held under the rebuilt steel roof.
The first Rugby Historical Collections Gallery in Japan was opened under the 1st ground’s stands.
1997
The rugby matches of the 52nd National Sports Festival were held in Hanazono Stadium and graced by the presence of Princess Nobuko, wife of Prince Tomohito.
April 2015~ Higashiosaka City Hanazono Rugby Stadium
2015
On March 2, the stadium was selected to be a venue for the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan
2018
Large-scale renovations were implemented for the Rugby World Cup 2019 Japan
2019
Venue for the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.
