The passing of Yamagen

It is with sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Akira Yamamoto, of the Tokyo Gaijin Rugby Football Club, in Tokyo on Friday evening, the 3rd of July. Known to all in the rugby community as Yamagen, he was a player, a leader, and an organiser. His passion for, and his dedication to, the game of rugby was unparalleled in the Club Rugby scene in Tokyo and beyond. We all feel a great loss. He will be remembered for many things, but most of all for his commitment to the betterment of Club Rugby. He showed this through his position as Secretary-General of the Shuto League, a position he held for many years. He was tireless in working to promote Club Rugby by being the force behind the organisation of a variety of events throughout the year, including the Shuto Tens Tournament, various Oldies games, and of course the annual New Zealand Ambassador’s Cup between the Shuto League and the Santama League. A tough, but fair ‘boss’, his boundless energy on the pitch, in the committee room, and in the bar, will be missed by all who worked or played with him. I, who played rugby and worked with Yamagen for several years on the Shuto League committee, and all of us in the Tokyo Crusaders Rugby Football Club, salute a rival, a colleague, and a friend. We would like to offer our deepest sympathies to Yamagen’s partner and family, and our collective heart goes out to you at this time of grief. Unfortunately, due to the COVID 19 situation, a funeral will not be held, but family will be present at the crematorium. It is my fervent wish that a memorial service be held at a safe time in the future, so that the Tokyo rugby community may honour Yamagen’s life and achievements. I sign off with a heavy heart. Tooley Former Club President of the 東京 Crusaders RFC