VOICED: Japan: will hosting the World Cup help rugby take off?

The video discusses the unique status of Sofia University's rugby team and the challenges rugby faces in Japan, where it lags behind baseball in popularity. The media's role in promoting rugby to children is highlighted, along with the current struggles and future potential of Japan's rugby team. Despite a decline in interest since the 2002 Football World Cup, efforts are underway to revive rugby's popularity in Japan before it hosts the Rugby World Cup.

What is the main reason rugby enthusiasts in Japan are hopeful about the sport's future?

• Increased funding from the government

• The popularity of baseball declining

• The introduction of new training techniques

• Japan hosting the Rugby World Cup

What is a common misconception about Japanese rugby players?

• They are typically very small

• They are not interested in international competitions

• They lack proper training facilities

• They prefer playing football

What significant event in 2002 affected the popularity of rugby in Japan?

• The Football World Cup hosted by Japan and South Korea

• The retirement of a famous Japanese rugby player

• The introduction of a new rugby league

• A major rugby scandal

What is the target number of new rugby players Japan aims to recruit before the next World Cup?

• 120,000

• 100,000

• 80,000

• 50,000

What was the status of rugby in Japan before 2002 compared to football?

• Rugby was less popular than football

• Rugby was more popular than football

• Rugby and football had equal popularity

• Rugby was not played in Japan