Kamaishi Unosumai Memorial Stadium

Kamaishi Unosumai Memorial Stadium stands as a poignant symbol of resilience in Kamaishi City, located in Iwate Prefecture along Japan's northeastern Pacific coast. Built on the site of the former Unosumai neighborhood, which was devastated by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, the stadium was completed in August 2018 specifically to host matches during the 2019 Rugby World Cup. The stadium's construction represented both a memorial to those lost in the disaster and a statement of the community's determination to rebuild.

The facility holds significant cultural importance as Japan's first stadium built specifically for a Rugby World Cup, with a capacity of approximately 16,000 spectators. During the 2019 tournament, it hosted two pool matches, including a memorable game between Fiji and Uruguay. The stadium's design incorporates elevated tsunami evacuation platforms and was intentionally positioned to serve as a symbol of hope and recovery. The surrounding area includes the Iwate Tsunami Memorial Museum and memorial parks that commemorate the earthquake and tsunami, providing context for visitors seeking to understand the region's recent history.

Visitors to the stadium can explore the facility and learn about both rugby culture and the region's recovery story. The adjacent Unosumai area offers walking paths and memorial sites where the scale of the 2011 disaster becomes evident through preserved remnants and informational displays. The Sanriku Railway Rias Line provides scenic coastal views and connects various tsunami memorial sites throughout the region. Rugby matches and community events are occasionally held at the stadium, allowing visitors to experience its primary purpose.

The stadium is located approximately 5 kilometers northeast of central Kamaishi. From JR Kamaishi Station, visitors can take a local bus toward Unosumai, with the journey taking roughly 15 to 20 minutes. Alternatively, taxis are available from the station. For those arriving from major cities, Kamaishi is accessible via the Sanriku Railway from Morioka (approximately 3 hours) or by highway bus services.