During this period, Japanese rugby moved into a decline in its popularity. In Kanto, complicated university schedules caused rugby seasons to be sluggish. Inviting popular teams, such as the all-Australian student team, the All Blacks Colts, and the Oxford and Cambridge combined team, international matches were held and enjoyed by many fans. However, the JRFU's delay in improving Japanese rugby, failing to enhance the level of domestic rugby games, resulted in loss of momentum. Additionally, a downturn in traditional teams such as Waseda, Keio, and Meiji spurred the downfall of rugby popularity. “You can know how it was like at that time by seeing the number of spectators (1,235) that attended the Waseda-Meiji match in 1960.
To stem the tide of the downward trends of Japanese rugby, the JRFU shifted the rugby match schedule, which had been based on tournaments, to the championship system. At the 1st NHK Cup held in 1960, Yahata Steel Works beat Nihon University and became the champion. Doshisha University defeated Kintetsu in the 2nd Cup, and then Yahata Steel Works defeated Meiji University in the 3rd. In 1964, on the other hand, universities held the 1st University Championship. The JRFU developmentally dissolved the NHK Cup in 1963. While implementing the Japan Rugby Championship where the champions of university teams and company teams met, the JRFU significantly contributed to restoring rugby popularity.
To reverse the declining popularity and to enhance their skills, each of Waseda, Keio, and Meiji all held Waseda-Keio-Meiji night games earlier in the season. Graduates and active ruggers worked together so hard to indirectly support the JRFU activities by trying to sell tickets including other tasks. By doing so, they led to their activities surrounding rugby to a fever pitch around 1965.
To stem the tide of the downward trends of Japanese rugby, the JRFU shifted the rugby match schedule, which had been based on tournaments, to the championship system. At the 1st NHK Cup held in 1960, Yahata Steel Works beat Nihon University and became the champion. Doshisha University defeated Kintetsu in the 2nd Cup, and then Yahata Steel Works defeated Meiji University in the 3rd. In 1964, on the other hand, universities held the 1st University Championship. The JRFU developmentally dissolved the NHK Cup in 1963. While implementing the Japan Rugby Championship where the champions of university teams and company teams met, the JRFU significantly contributed to restoring rugby popularity.
To reverse the declining popularity and to enhance their skills, each of Waseda, Keio, and Meiji all held Waseda-Keio-Meiji night games earlier in the season. Graduates and active ruggers worked together so hard to indirectly support the JRFU activities by trying to sell tickets including other tasks. By doing so, they led to their activities surrounding rugby to a fever pitch around 1965.