On an autumn evening in Kobe, people will gather to talk once more about Seiji Hirao, the man known as “Mr. Rugby.” Following the October 8 release of “Hyoden Hirao Seiji” (a critical biography of Seiji Hirao) by rugby journalist Koichi Murakami, a commemorative event, “An Evening Talking About Seiji Hirao – Rugby, Kobe and Into the Future,” will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026. The venue is Maison de l’Ermitage, a new community space opening next to Higashi Yuenchi Park in Kobe’s Former Foreign Settlement. In one evening you get a talk by the author, live string music and British-themed food. The organizer is Hayakoma Unyu, the company that operates the Kobe Sea Bus and other boats. Capacity is 60, by reservation on a first-come, first-served basis.
The author and an old friend on the real Seiji Hirao
The centerpiece is a talk session with two speakers: Koichi Murakami, the rugby journalist who wrote the book, and Shinji Watanabe, president of Hayakoma Unyu, who was a close friend of Hirao for many years. They plan to share stories about the side of him seen off the pitch, his passion for rugby and his bonds with people.
The conversation will not stop at Kobe. Around 40 years ago Hirao studied in the UK, where he experienced how local rugby clubs work. Tracing that experience, the talk will explore how the ideas handed down through rugby can connect with generations to come. With the writer and a longtime friend side by side, you may hear stories that did not fit into the book. It should appeal to fans who remember his playing days, and also offer a way in for younger people who know the name but not much more.
A string duo and British-themed food
Alongside the talk, members of Super Strings Kobe, a string orchestra based in Kobe, will perform as a duo: 櫃本樹音 on violin and 泉弦, who has played rugby himself, on cello. The program, chosen for this evening, traces memories of Hirao.
The food is supervised by chef Chiharu Saiki, who worked as a pastry chef at a restaurant of chef Kiyomi Mikuni and has also worked as a cooking expert’s assistant, in recipe development and in food styling. For this event she is preparing a one-night-only menu themed on the UK, where the young Hirao learned about rugby. The ¥11,000 (tax included) ticket covers the talk, the performance and the event-only food. The book is sold separately.
A new venue that aims to be a “harbor for people”
Maison de l’Ermitage is a new space being opened by Hayakoma Unyu. It aims to be a hub where different fields such as sports and music meet to create new culture, and calls itself a “harbor for people” connecting Kobe with the world. It is on the ground floor of Urban Life Kobe Sannomiya The Tower, and the entrance is on the northwest side.
©2026 HAYAKOMA UNYU Co.,Ltd.
Event details
- Event: “Hyoden Hirao Seiji” launch event, “An Evening Talking About Seiji Hirao – Rugby, Kobe and Into the Future”
- Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026, starts 17:00, scheduled to end 20:00
- Venue: Maison de l’Ermitage (1F Urban Life Kobe Sannomiya The Tower, 6-3-1 Kanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe; enter via the northwest entrance)
- Speakers: Koichi Murakami (rugby journalist, author of “Hyoden Hirao Seiji”), Shinji Watanabe (President, Hayakoma Unyu)
- Special performance: Super Strings Kobe (violin: 櫃本樹音; cello: 泉弦)
- Food supervised by: chef Chiharu Saiki
- Price: ¥11,000 (tax included), covering the talk, the special performance and the event-only food. The book is sold separately
- Capacity: 60 (first-come, first-served; reservation required)
- Inquiries: Kobe Sea Bus, 0120-370-764 (9:00–18:00)
- Kobe Sea Bus website (Japanese): https://www.kobe-seabus.com/
