The Japan Rugby Football Union's hopes for hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2011 were boosted on Friday with news that the Japanese government was officially backing the bid.
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology had, on behalf of the government, asked for Cabinet approval in its support for the JRFU's bid and this was duly granted following a Cabinet meeting in Tokyo.
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, speaking on a promotional video for the JRFU, said: "We would be most delighted to be granted the honor of hosting the 2011 Rugby World Cup in Japan. It is our belief and determination that this would be a great step forward for rugby in Asia, and a glorious addition to the history of rugby and the Rugby World Cup."
The tournament is now regarded as the third-biggest sporting event in the world.
The RWC 2003 in Australia saw 1.8 million people pass through the turnstiles, of which 90,000 were from overseas. In addition the games were shown on TV to 3.5 billion people in 150 countries, with 300 million watching the final.
Two weeks ago in Hong Kong, Mohan Balasuriya, president of the Asian Rugby Football Union -- which represents the 24 national unions in the region -- gave the ARFU's unconditional support to Japan's bid to a high-ranking delegation from the JRFU's bid committee, headed by former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori.
On Friday, Mori spoke of his determination in winning the right to host the tournament.
"I wholeheartedly appreciate the support shown by the Japanese government," he said.
"I am determined to win the bid and today I have a new resolution to make the Rugby World Cup 2011, one in which all Japanese citizens and visitors to our countries, can share in the enjoyment."
Noburo Mashimo, chairman of the JRFU, thanked the government for its support and understanding.
"The government's support is a significant addition to our campaign and with it, our world class facilities and major sporting event experience, the JRFU are confident we will present a strong case to the IRB," he said.
Japan is hoping to be the first nontraditional rugby powerhouse to host the International Rugby Board's "flagship" competition but faces stiff opposition from South Africa and New Zealand, both of which have indicated that they would like to host the event for a second time.
All three countries must submit their tender documents to the IRB by May 13. Inspection teams will then tour each country in June and July, before a final decision as to who will host RWC 2011 is made in November.