Beaumont, who became head of the global governing body in May as the replacement for Bernard Lapasset, made the call during a keynote speech at the World Forum on Sport and Culture here today.

The Englishman also believes Japan hosting the competition will "ignite" the nation's passion for the sport.

Rugby has enjoyed rapid development in Japan, particularly following the team’s exploits at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England - which included arguably the biggest shock in the event's history when they beat South Africa 34-32 in Brighton.

Beaumont was speaking here following a "productive" day of meetings with organisers and representatives of the 12 cities due to host matches at the tournament yesterday.

The Webb Ellis trophy also made an appearance at the Forum.

"It is vital there is a strong sustainable legacy and I would encourage you to get involved with the legacy programmes today," the Englishman said in his address to an audience which included International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and International Paralympic Committee counterpart Sir Philip Craven.

"We are excited by the opportunity and working in full partnership with our friends and colleagues at the Japan Rugby World Cup 2019 Organising Committee, we want to create an event that all of Japan can be a part of and all of Japan can be proud of.

"With 12 host cities the length and breadth of this great nation, we fully expect Rugby World Cup 2019 to ignite Japan’s passion for rugby. 

"We look forward to the whole nation connecting, uniting and embracing a wonderful opportunity to drive significant social and economic benefits across the nation."

Beaumont's appearance at the event, also attended by Tokyo 2020 President Yoshirō Mori, came after World Rugby conducted an inspection visit here, which came to a close last Friday (October 14).

During the trip to Japan - which will become the first-ever Asian host of the World Cup in three years' time - World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper admitted his fear that the tournament would be overshadowed by the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics in the Japanese capital.

"Japan will be at the heart of the sporting agenda for the next four years and we are looking forward to playing our part by organising a very special Rugby World Cup in 2019 that will be great for all of Japan, great for Asia and great for global rugby," added Beaumont.

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, the venue for the 2002 FIFA World Cup final.

Preparations will ramp up a notch next year with the pool stage draw, before the unveiling of the full match schedule and ticketing process follows shortly after.