Harumi

Gazing across the Tokyo skyline, you’ll find Harumi. It’s a district brimming with a unique story, shaped by land reclamation and Olympic dreams. Harumi, meaning “sunny sea,” was born from the seabed, built up with earth and sediment during the Meiji and Showa eras. Originally known as Tsukishima No. 4, this man-made island holds a rich history. It was initially intended to host the 1940 World Exposition, an event meant to coincide with the then-cancelled Summer Olympics. Imagine the grand celebrations that were planned, only to be swept aside by the tides of war. Decades later, Harumi would again be thrust into the global spotlight as the site of the Olympic and Paralympic Village for the 2020 Games, postponed to 2021. During the Games, Harumi housed thousands of athletes from around the world. They slept in cardboard beds designed to support up to 440 pounds, a testament to sustainable innovation. The village plaza, constructed from 40,000 pieces of donated wood, served as a central gathering point, showcasing Japan’s commitment to sustainability. This vibrant hub was designed to be dismantled and the wood returned to municipalities for reuse. The athletes dined on specially crafted menus, including chilled sōmen noodles and zunda de panna cotta, savoring the flavors of Japan. Self-driving buses, like the Toyota e-Palette, navigated the village, offering a glimpse into the future of transportation. After the Games, Harumi transitioned into “Harumi Flag,” Tokyo’s largest public-private housing development. The Olympic Village, once a symbol of international competition, became a new community. The cardboard beds were recycled, and the plaza’s timber found new life. This transformation reflects Harumi’s constant evolution. From reclaimed land to Olympic stage to modern housing, Harumi continues to write its story, a testament to Tokyo’s dynamic spirit.