Twelve thousand residents. That’s the projected population of Harumi Flag. Can you imagine a community this size thriving in a space once home to Olympic athletes? Harumi Flag isn’t just a residential development. It’s the largest public-private housing project in Tokyo. Built on the site of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Village it stands as a testament to Tokyo’s ambition and resilience.
Before the Games Harumi was known as Harumi Futo. It was a reclaimed island a pier supporting Harumi Terminal Park. This park has stunning views of Odaiba and the Rainbow Bridge. The area was once slated for an international exposition in 1940 an event cancelled due to World War II. The planned 1940 Olympics were also canceled.
The Olympic Village itself was impressive. Twenty-one residential buildings housed athletes. There were three apartment sizes accommodating four seven and eight people. Cardboard beds held up to 200 kilograms. They were designed to be recycled. The village even boasted a food hall. Athletes enjoyed special Japanese dishes like cold somen noodles and zunda panna cotta. Self-driving buses transported people around the complex.
Sadly a self-driving bus injured a Paralympian. This resulted in the athlete’s withdrawal from competition. The Games’ postponement also created legal issues. Apartment owners sued for compensation due to delays in moving in.
The transformation into Harumi Flag is remarkable. The village has evolved into a vibrant residential area. New schools and a fire station are part of the infrastructure. Condominiums offer city views. However challenges remain. Developers faced lawsuits for delays. There are concerns about the number of units purchased for investment purposes rather than residency. Despite these hurdles Harumi Flag stands as a symbol of Tokyo’s ever-evolving landscape. It’s a modern metropolis where history and innovation intertwine. A place where the legacy of the Olympics continues to shape a new community. A community we’re privileged to glimpse today.