A large electronic scoreboard was added to the grounds as a step toward modernization before the fifth Rugby World Cup in 2003.

On April 19, 2007, it was announced that the stadium was to be equipped with lights for night games by the end of July, to assist with the RWC 2015 bid.

Since then it has been used for the first Top League game of the 2007–8 season between Suntory Sungoliath and Toshiba Brave Lupus, also played under lights and won 10–3 by the former on October 26, 2008.

On February 3, 2008, snow prevented two Top League games being played in the 13th and final round of the fifth season.

Under the plans, Meiji Jingu Stadium will be demolished and rebuilt on the site of the rugby ground.