The mayor of Fukuoka on Tuesday submitted a petition signed by about 100,000 people calling for the city to host games during the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Acting in his capacity as the vice chairman of Fukuoka's bid committee, Mayor Soichiro Takashima presented his city's petition to World Cup organizers.
"Fukuoka has its strong suits, even when compared with other municipalities," said Takashima, who also met with members of the organizing committee. "I have delivered the citizens' passion."
Organizing committee chairman Akira Shimazu praised Fukuoka's bid.
"The stadium (in Fukuoka) is a splendid facility," Shimazu said. "The (2020) Olympics will be in Tokyo, but as far as the World Cup goes, we want to energize all of Japan."
The tournament venues are slated to be announced in March.