Japan’s sensational 28-21 victory over Scotland in the Rugby World Cup on Sunday has become the most-watched live event in the country this year as the ongoing tournament continues to set records in its host nation.
Commercial terrestrial network Nippon TV attracted an average share of 39.2 per cent in the Kanto greater Tokyo area, and a record peak of 53.7 per cent. Japan advanced to the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time after winning Sunday’s match in Yokohama.
The previous high was set by Japan’s 38-19 win over Samoa on October 5, which claimed a peak audience share of 46.1 per cent and more than 30 million viewers on Nippon TV.
Sunday’s game netted an average share in the Kansai region of western Japan of 37.2 per cent and a peak of 52.2 per cent, according to figures from Reuters, citing data from ratings tracker Video Research.
Nippon TV, public broadcaster NHK and pay-TV broadcaster J Sports share the 2019 Rugby World Cup broadcast rights in Japan.