Crystal Kay and Che’Nelle have been chosen to sing the national anthem for the “Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2025” rugby match between Japan and Australia on Saturday, October 25th!
Japan Rugby Football Union, Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Press release: October 14, 2025 To Members of the Press October 25th (Sat) – Crystal Kay and Che’Nelle have been chosen to sing the national anthem for the “Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2025” rugby match between Japan and Australia! A magnificent collaboration between top artists representing both countries The national anthem soloists for both countries have been announced for the “Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2025” match between the Japan and Australia national teams, to be held at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Crystal Kay will sing the Japanese national anthem, and Che’Nelle will sing the Australian national anthem. This spectacular collaboration between top artists representing both countries has attracted attention both from within Japan and overseas, making this an important match for the Japan national rugby team’s final domestic match of the season. The singing voices that will reverberate throughout the ceremony will be a “prayer for victory” for both countries, and a scene that is likely to symbolize cultural exchange through the sport of rugby. Crystal Kay, who grew up in Japan, and Che’Nelle, who grew up in Australia, both come from diverse ethnic backgrounds. They are solo artists who embody the diversity and beauty of the sport of rugby itself, where players of all different physiques and personalities come together, interact, and celebrate each other, as well as the national team’s unique mix of ethnicities and nationalities. In addition to their success in the Japanese music scene, these two divas’ outstanding singing talents are sure to add a touch of glamour and memories to the event. [Comment from Crystal Kay] “This will be my first time singing the national anthem at a rugby match, but I want to sing it so that everyone can come together and get the game started on a high note! I’ve known Chenelle for a long time, so I’m really happy to be able to sing it together on this national team match stage. I think we’ll have the same excitement as always, so I’m really looking forward to it! I’ve watched rugby a few times, and it’s thrilling to watch, with a sense of unity and power and fun! You can clearly see their incredible physical abilities and excellent teamwork, so it’s really worth watching and I love it.” [Comment from Che’Nelle] “I’m really looking forward to singing the national anthem at such a wonderful event. This will actually be my first time singing the Australian national anthem. I really love watching rugby, so I’m looking forward to watching the team. Rugby is a very intense sport, but I hope you’ll get all fired up on the field! As someone from Australia who usually sings in Japan, I’m very happy to have this opportunity and think it will be a great experience. It’s also fantastic to be performing with Crystal Kay. She’s a dear friend of mine, and I’m grateful that she chose me. I can’t wait to feel the energy in the venue and see everyone’s excitement. It will surely be an unforgettable experience. See you all there!”
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/156251/6/156251-6-1a1a13a5770acbe92c47586d845c6ed0-347×521.jpg Che’Nelle Profile: Malaysian-Australian artist and songwriter. Living in Perth, Australia. Made her international debut in 2007 with US major label Capitol Records. In Japan, she achieved multi-platinum discs with hits such as “Baby I Love You,” “Believe,” and “Happiness,” earning her the nickname “Princess of Love Songs.” She has sold over 14 million digital copies in Japan, with her albums certified twice platinum and garnering over 400 million streams.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/156251/6/156251-6-285fbb89e5c0ae80dedb956f3d87b824-1298×440.jpg This match is a battle with an eye on the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, and future rankings have the potential to influence pool allocation and international evaluation. Japan ranks 13th in the world (as of October) and Australia 7th, making this match extremely significant for Japan, whose head-to-head record is inferior. The Japanese national team has been honing its aerial contests and defensive precision, and while they are seeking to blend veterans and young players, there is also potential for players with less national team experience to shine. This match is also expected to be a showdown between players who will take flight on the world stage. 【Match Overview】 “Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2025” Japan vs. Australia Date and Time: Saturday, October 25, 2025, Kickoff at 2:50 PM Venue: National Stadium (Tokyo) National Anthem Singers: Crystal Kay, Che’Nelle [Japan Rugby Union (JRFU) Official] Japan National Rugby Team Support Site https://www.rugby-japan.jp/braveblossoms Ticket purchase site (search for “Ticketrug”): https://ticketrugby.jp/ [JRFU Official] Web: https://www.rugby-japan.jp/ Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/japanrugby_jrfu/ X: https://x.com/JRFUMedia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rugby.Japan/ YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/