Brace yourselves to discover the arena where legends are made. Right here stands the Japan National Stadium. It is more than just concrete and steel. The National Stadium is a symbol of dreams. It embodies a nation’s aspirations.
The Japan National Stadium. Officially named National Stadium. It’s also known as Olympic Stadium during the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. It stands in Kasumigaoka Shinjuku Tokyo. This multipurpose stadium primarily hosts association football matches.
Imagine the roar of the crowd. Feel the electric atmosphere. This is where athletes battled for glory at the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. The National Stadium served as the main stage. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies and track and field events.
But the story of the National Stadium goes beyond the Olympics. The old National Stadium was demolished in May 2015. Construction of the new stadium began on December 11 2016.
There was some controversy along the way. Initial designs were scrapped in July 2015 by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. This was due to public outcry over rising costs. Architect Kengo Kuma created a new design. Construction was completed on November 30 2019.
The National Stadium has a rich history. There was talk of renovating the old National Olympic Stadium after Tokyo bid for the 2020 Summer Olympics. It was confirmed in February 2012. The stadium would be demolished and reconstructed. It would receive a one billion pound upgrade.
The Japanese government announced changes to the design in May 2015. Budget constraints were cited. Plans for a retractable roof were canceled. Some permanent seating became temporary.
Prominent Japanese architects criticized the design. Toyo Ito compared it to a turtle. Fumihiko Maki called it a white elephant.
The roof posed engineering problems. It required two steel arches measuring 370 meters long. The stadium was estimated to cost over 300 billion yen. That’s more than three times the cost of the London Olympic Stadium. It is also more than five times the cost of Beijing’s Olympic Stadium.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced that the plans would be scrapped on July 17 2015. There was public discontent over building costs. A replacement venue was selected for the Rugby World Cup. The new stadium wouldn’t be ready until the 2020 Olympics.
New standards were released on August 28 2015. The fixed capacity would be 68000. It could expand to 80000 with temporary seats. The government also abandoned the retractable roof. A permanent roof would cover spectator seating only.
A sports museum and skywalk were eliminated. VIP lounges and underground parking were reduced. Air conditioning was also abandoned to reduce costs.
Kuma and the Taisei Corporation were selected to design and construct the stadium on December 21 2015. Construction began in December 2016. It concluded on November 30 2019.
The inauguration took place on December 21 2019. The stadium’s first sporting event was the 2019 Emperor’s Cup final. It took place on January 1 2020.
The government decided to keep the athletics track in October 2021. They scrapped plans to remove it for increased capacity. The stadium bid to host the 2025 World Athletics Championships.
Timber is a major component of the structure. It is sourced from all 47 prefectures of Japan. This reduces environmental impact. The eaves design was inspired by Horyu-ji. It incorporates air spaces for ventilation. Solar panels provide power. Rainwater irrigates the turf.
Accessibility was a major concern. There are more than 450 places for wheelchair users. There are also accessible toilets.
The National Stadium hosted its first major spectator event. It was the 2025 Athletics Championship. The stadium announced two J League games in May 2023.
As you leave the National Stadium. Remember the energy and passion contained within its walls. It’s a testament to architectural brilliance. It is also a stage for unforgettable moments.