After the establishment of Keio University's team in 1899, no new teams were formed until 1918 when a rugby club was founded at Waseda University. Soon after, the 1st Sokeisen (Waseda vs Keio match) was held, which activated the university rugby scene. Following Waseda, new university rubgy clubs were founded one after another at the University of Tokyo and at Meiji, Rikkyo, and Hosei Universities in the Kanto region.
The Classic Waseda University VS Keio University
Within the Kansai region, from 1911, Doshisha University was rugby's dominant presence. However, other Kansai region schools and universities - including Kyoto, Kansai, Ritsumeikan and Kangaku Universities, and Kobe Higher Commercial School (the present Kobe University) - also maintained long-established rugby clubs. Exchange matches between east and west Japan were held.
A University League A match between Tenri and Doshisha Universities was held in Kansai in 1979. A new score board was in place.
Hosei University's ruggers and staff who won the 4th All Japan Championships
In 1961, the NHK Cup Tournament was held between university and corporate teams with a view to developing and enhancing rugby football in Japan. The 1st All Japan Championships were held in 1964 and the National University Tournament was held the same year so that the resulting top student team could be pitted against the top corporate team. This would decide Japan's real champions.