Sumo isn't the only show in town this September, as the world's third-largest sporting event comes to Asia for the first time ever.

The 2019 Rugby World Cup kicks off just as the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament is coming to a close, meaning thousands of rugby fans, officials and players in Japan for the global meet will get their first exposure to this country's national sport.

Media personnel following the massive showcase will be filing stories and taping reports on the host nation and its culture almost daily.