Press Releases
Parliamentary Vice-Ministers ERI and ONISHI’s attendance at the Japan-South Africa Rugby Exchange Luncheon
March 25, 2026
On March 25, Ms. ERI Arfiya, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Mr. ONISHI Yohei, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended the Japan-South Africa Rugby Exchange Luncheon held at the South African Ambassador’s Residence and delivered remarks on behalf of the Government of Japan. The overview is as follows:
- In her remarks, Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI conveyed her respect for the South African national team, the Springboks, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading rugby teams, and noted that the Brave Blossoms, Japan’s national team, had advanced steadily through many challenges, with South Africa playing a significant role in that development.
- Parliamentary Vice-Minister ERI also expressed appreciation for the significant contributions made by nearly 60 South African players and coaches active in Japan to Japanese rugby and the development of next generation talents, and her expectation that, in addition to political and economic ties, continued people-to-people exchanges through sports would lead to the further development of bilateral relations.
- Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI introduced his rugby experience during his student years. Parliamentary Vice-Minister ONISHI also noted that his hometown, Edogawa City, is the site of the host stadiums of the Kubota Spears, a team in Japan Rugby League One, and expressed his expectation that rugby would further promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries.