The times gradually went on a war footing. For instance, rugby balls were incorporated into the rationing system in 1939.
“Japan plunged itself into war by declaring war on 8 December 1931. In the name of national unity, the term “rugby” was also considered a term in the hostile language, so that it was forced to change into the Japanese term called “Toukyu” meaning a ball battle.
Many Old Boys from various universities lost their lives in the war. As for rugby scene, in 1933, Keio became the national champion by beating Kyoto for the first time in 13 years. However, this was the last year where the media ran rugby news in newspapers. Afterward, the situation in Japan became more serious than rugby games where the nation could not even buy food. Therefore, only a small number of “Toukyu” games were held. Almost no rugby games were held during 1943 and 1944. Finally, the war ended on 15 August 1945.
“Japan plunged itself into war by declaring war on 8 December 1931. In the name of national unity, the term “rugby” was also considered a term in the hostile language, so that it was forced to change into the Japanese term called “Toukyu” meaning a ball battle.
Many Old Boys from various universities lost their lives in the war. As for rugby scene, in 1933, Keio became the national champion by beating Kyoto for the first time in 13 years. However, this was the last year where the media ran rugby news in newspapers. Afterward, the situation in Japan became more serious than rugby games where the nation could not even buy food. Therefore, only a small number of “Toukyu” games were held. Almost no rugby games were held during 1943 and 1944. Finally, the war ended on 15 August 1945.