Officials will share their experiences in terms of preparing for and managing major sporting events, including security measures, transport infrastructure, venue management, volunteer programmes and anti-doping programmes.

A signing ceremony to mark the inauguration of the agreement was held today, attended by Tokyo 2020 chief executive Toshirō Mutō and Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup chief executive Akira Shimazu.

John Coates, vice-president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and chairman of the IOC Coordination Commission for Tokyo 2020, believes the agreement offers a lot of plus points.

"The attention of the sporting world is already focused on Tokyo and Japan as they prepare to host the 2019 Rugby World Cup and Olympic Games in 2020," he said.

"Just as there are many significant opportunities and benefits that will accrue to the host country from these events, there will be synergies and benefits, such as in the training of volunteers, from the two Organising Committees working closely together in the preparation years."

World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said the international governing body welcomes the agreement, which he claims "will further boost preparations for two very special major sporting and cultural events".

"There are many synergies between the hosting of these two events, from technology to venues, and from security arrangements to volunteer training," he added.

"We look forward to working with all parties to deliver on this opportunity.

"Rugby is a sport where a strong common vision, shared values and teamwork underpin success and I am sure that this agreement will be great for the Rugby World Cup, great for the Olympic Games and great for the people of Japan."

The 2019 edition of the Rugby World Cup will be the first to be held in Asia.

World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper admitted in October he fears the build-up to the event could be overshadowed by Tokyo 2020. 

The Australian claims Japan 2019 will generate a $2.5 billion (£2 billion/€2.3 billion) boost to the entire country during the tournament, scheduled to take place from September 20 to November 2.

The event is due to get underway with the opening fixture at the Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo, with the final set to be held at the world-famous Yokohama Stadium,  venue for the 2002 FIFA World Cup final.

Rugby has enjoyed rapid development in Japan, particularly following the team's exploits at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.

Japan recorded one of the biggest upsets in Rugby World Cup history when they earned a famous 34-32 victory over South Africa in Brighton.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics are due to take place from July 24 to August 9, while the Paralympics are scheduled for August 25 to September 6.