Webb Ellis Cup arrives at Japan

Akira Shimazu, left, a senior officer on the event's organizing committee, shakes hands in front of the Webb Ellis Cup at Narita Airport in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, on Monday. (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

NARITA, Chiba -- The Webb Ellis Cup, the trophy awarded to the winner of the Rugby World Cup, arrived at Narita Airport in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, on Monday.

Japan is the first Asian nation to organize the event in Asia. The trophy has traveled to 19 countries and regions such as Malaysia and India since 2017. It will be taken to 12 sites across Japan, including the peak of Mt. Fuji, from Wednesday through September 19, the day before the 2019 Rugby World Cup begins. Akira Shimazu, a senior officer on the event's organizing committee, said "By bringing the Webb Ellis Cup close to people, the World Cup will be felt all across Japan."

Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/