The Jingu Gaien redevelopment plan in Tokyo has faced significant controversy. The plan would redevelop a historic urban park in central Tokyo that has provided a green space for 100 years. It would remove nearly 1000 trees, demolish two historic stadiums used for baseball and rugby, eliminate various sports facilities and cafes, and replace them with high-rise commercial buildings. Opponents argue the plan prioritizes old models of construction-centric development over environmental concerns or public input, and benefits cozy relationships between business and politicians over preservation of the park and community spaces. While an environmental assessment committee granted conditional approval, recent polls show over 69% of Tokyo residents oppose the redevelopment plan. Activists continue lobbying and raising awareness

1. The Jingu Gaien redevelopment controversy
Presentation at Temple U. ICAS, Yale Club of Japan, University of
Chicago Alumni Club Japan, November 28, 2022

2. A bit about me…. Representative Clients

4. It’s not just about a
bunch of trees.
The Jingu Gaien
controversy is a microcosm
of the issues facing Japan
today:
• Addiction to old
construction-centric
models of development
• Lack of attention to
environmental issues
• Lack of public voice in
urban planning
• Privatization of public
services & spaces
• Cozy relationships
between business and
politicians

5. Designated as Japan’s first Landscape Conservation Area in
1926, Jingu Gaien has provided Tokyoites with a green urban
oasis for nearly 100 years.
The gingko avenue was named #3 tree tunnel in the world

6. Jingu Gaien contains a baseball stadium, a rugby stadium,
various sports facilities for the public, several popular cafes,
and lots of trees.
It’s a unique historical environment, and a place that holds
special memories for many Tokyoites.

7. As a large space in the center of the city Jingu Gaien became
a redevelopment target.
Some say that the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were an excuse to
redevelop Jingu Gaien; building height restrictions were removed.

8. The development plan will completely reshape
the park, taking away:
• Nearly 1000 trees, many of them 100 years old
• Historic baseball and rugby stadiums
• Golf driving range, second baseball stadium, futsal
court, batting center, six softball fields, and four cafes

9. Current Plan
Red dots are trees to
be cut down/moved.
新国立競技場ほども高い
巨大建物と置き換える。
南側には190ｍと185ｍの
ビル、さらに80mのビル
も。
そして、100年の歴史を語
る、膨大な緑の喪失
中央大学 石川幹子教授調査
東京都都市整備局ＨＰ掲載「神宮
外苑地区まちづくり計画 2021」
に加筆
東京都都市整備局ＨＰ掲載「神宮
外苑地区まちづくり計画 2021」
に加筆
出典 ICOMOS Japan （2022）
『樹木の伐採を回避し「近代日
本の名作・神宮外苑」を再生す
る計画』

10. The nearly 1,000 trees that are slated to
be cut down include 100-year-old
trees.
The government says that they will
preserve the trees, including by
transplanting them. However,
successfully transplanting old trees is
practically impossible.

12. Built in 1926, historic Jingu Stadium is one of three remaining stadiums
where Babe Ruth played. It should be named a landmark.
In a recent poll, Japanese fans named it as their 2nd favorite in the country.

13. Japan’s Koshien and America’s Fenway Park and Wrigley Field are similar in age to Jingu
Stadium. They have been renovated successfully. Same could be done with Jingu.

14. Jingu Stadium is architecturally well-preserved. It should be maintained as a
landmark building rather than be torn down and rebuilt.

15. The Chichibunomiya
Rugby stadium is also
historic and is viewed
as “sacred ground” by
Japanese rugby fans.
Fans appreciate being
close to the action and
playing in any weather
condition is considered
to be a tradition in the
sport.
The planned new rugby
stadium prioritizes
events like concerts
over rugby.

16. Jingu Stadium, Chichibunomiya Rugy Stadium, Gingko Avenue and other
surrounding trees, as seen from the 12th floor of the Seinenkan Building. The
two stadiums are a unified entity and provide a clear view of the sky. There is
no need to replace them, they should be preserved and renovated.

17. Sports facilities like the softball fields are beloved by the public, and rare
in central Tokyo. The only sports facility for use by the public that will
remain under the plan is an expensive private tennis club.

18. The cafes next to
the gingko avenue
are a popular spot,
both for casual
meals and events
such as wedding
receptions.

19. Making
room for
high rise
commercial
buildings

20. The
planned
commercial
facilities
look like a
shopping
mall!

21. New baseball stadium will be built right up against
the gingko avenue – likely damaging the trees’ roots

22. Governor Koike approved the plan in early March.
Maybe she thought not many people would find out or care about it?

23. In late June, a survey conducted by the Tokyo
Shimbun showed 69.5% of Tokyo voters polled were
against the Jingu Gaien redevelopment plan.

24. Environmental Assessment Hearing, April 15th, 2022
In Japan, environmental assessment happens after the
project is approved, not before.
The Committee wrapped up its work in August, with the
unusual stipulation that the developers report back at
key junctures going forward. So it’s a green light, but not
completely.

25. Current activities by activists
• Contact to national, Tokyo and ward assembly members
(lobbying).
• Formal administrative petitions (chinjosho, yobosho)
• Work on creating visibility through press outreach, social
media.
• Periodic online study sessions as well as study walks in the
park.
Difficulties
• Pressure from city and developers on mass media has
prevented coverage, especially from TV
• Difficult getting attention amidst other news
• Perception that everything is decided / can’t be changed
• We have been advised that attention from overseas would
be very helpful for our cause

26. Please sign
and share
the petition!