Japan has held a celebration to mark three years to go until the 2019 Rugby World Cup ©Getty Images

Japan has held a celebration to mark three years to go until the 2019 Rugby World Cup kicks off in the country, with the event also remembering the one-year anniversary of one of the nation's biggest-ever sporting achievements.

On September 19, 2015, Japan recorded the biggest upset in rugby union history by defeating South Africa 34-32 in Brighton at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.

That match was the catalyst for record broadcast and social media coverage, and World Cup organisers Japan Rugby 2019 and the Japan Rugby Football Union were keen to mark the occasion in Tokyo.

Members of the national team were present to reflect on the game's biggest upset and to look forward to what organisers hope will be a "game-changing tournament" for rugby participation in Japan and Asia in three years time.

The occasion was also used for a "nationwide push for rugby", with fans urged to sign-up to the official newsletter and the supporters' club to be the first to receive updates and information.

Japan's win over South Africa is considered as the biggest upset in rugby union history ©Getty Images
Japan's win over South Africa is considered as the biggest upset in rugby union history ©Getty Images

The cumulative rugby broadcast audience across Japan has increased by 59 million from 2011, according to World Rugby.

Research also indicates that nearly 50 per cent of Japanese fans believe that the tournament has "improved the standard of rugby in the country", the governing body says, while 11 million more Japanese say they became interested in the tournament as it took place.

"Rugby World Cup 2019 will be a global tournament, but it will also be a tournament for all of Japan, hosted by 12 cities the length and breadth of the nation," said Japan Rugby 2019 chief executive Akira Shimazu.

"We will welcome hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world to Japan, but we are also welcoming all of Japan to be part of this great celebration of rugby and friendship."

Planning and preparation continues apace with three years to go.

Tournament dates have been set, venue and host city preparation continues to accelerate and the pool stage draw will take place in May 2017.

World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont added: "Rugby World Cup continues to grow in its ability to reach and excite new audiences and Japan 2019 will be a truly nationwide event that will bring communities and cities together.

"It will be the biggest event in Japan for a generation and I would encourage everyone in Japan to sign up to the supporters' club, embrace the hosting opportunity and get involved.”