As always, hosting the Olympics calls for new sports facilities to be built. But much more is happening in Tokyo in the lead-up to the 2020 Games.

Out of a total of 20 venues, with many either being newly constructed or renovated, the main Olympic Stadium and Athletes’ Village have received the most attention. Zaha Hadid’s initial grand plans were passed over in favour of a smaller venue designed by Kengo Kuma as the New National Stadium, on a much slimmer budget. This new stadium is currently being constructed in Shinjuku, in the vicinity of several other sports venues, and is slated for completion in November, 2019. The Olympic Village is also taking shape on its waterfront site facing Tokyo Bay. Located on Harumi Island, removed from the city center, athletes will have ample space on the reclaimed land. As they will need to travel all over Tokyo for their respective competitions, this brings us straight to the first big redevelopment that has changed the face of Tokyo forever.

1. The world’s largest fish market has relocated

Tsukiji, once the world’s largest fish market and an iconic landmark in Tokyo with decades of history, has been moved to make way for an Olympic transportation hub. The move was completed in late 2018, and the area freed up will be used as a transportation terminal during the Olympic Games to shuttle athletes to and from venues. The move of the fish market had been planned for several years as, for one thing, it was running out of space, and for another, there was concern that the aging facilities were starting to pose both health and safety risks. Tourists can visit the new facilities for the fish market, about twice the size of the old Tsukiji, in Toyosu. Grand, shiny and modern, but also a bit sterile, the famous tuna auction experience has definitely changed but is still worth a visit.

2. New trains for the Games

A new Shinkansen series, the N700S or Shinkansen Supreme, will start running just in time for the Olympics. These trains are quieter and more economical than earlier bullet trains and feature an even sleeker design. In addition, Tokyo will introduce the world to its fastest train yet during the Games. The Maglev, an innovative technology that has the train hovering above the tracks, will make its debut at the Tokyo Olympics. The frictionless technology allows for top speeds of up to 603 km/h, covering the distance between Tokyo and Nagoya in just 40 minutes. While commercial operation will only start in 2027, the train will be revealed during the Games. 

Finally, the Yamanote Line, one of Tokyo’s main train lines, is getting a new station. Takanawa Gateway Station will be located between Shinagawa and Tamachi stations. The four-storey building, besides providing better access to Haneda Airport and connecting Tokyo with neighbouring cities, will include commercial facilities and also host a large screen for viewing the Games.

3. Shibuya is transforming into a new city

In time for the Olympics, Shibuya, one of the busiest parts of town and a tourist magnet, will undergo a total facelift. Until recently, low and mid-rise buildings dominated the cityscape around the station, which was also operating beyond its capacity. In a joint effort between real estate developer Tokyu Land Corporation and its affiliate and line operator Tokyu Corporation, which owns some of the train lines running through Shibuya, a complete redevelopment plan is being realised. Besides new high-rise residential, office, and commercial buildings, re-landscaping of the city, including the moving of major train lines to make space for the new construction, is well underway.

It all kicked off with the opening of the new Hikarie high-rise building. In 2018, the long-awaited Shibuya Stream glass and steel tower was opened, reviving the sluggish southeast side of the station, and in late 2019, Shibuya Scramble Square, located on the famous crossing, will be unveiled.

4. Rugby and baseball stadiums will also be renovated

While they won't be ready in time for the Olympics, the Tokyo government has taken the opportunity to renew other sports facilities as well. Located next to the New National Stadium that will be completed later this year, Jingu Stadium is an institution for sports fans wanting to watch Japan’s unofficial favourite sport, baseball. But the stadium is rather dated.

In February, 2019, plans for its renovation were announced together with that of the neighbouring Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground. Meiji Jingu Gaien, the Japan Sports Council, Mitsui Fudosan, and Itochu Corporation agreed on redevelopment plans that will completely demolish both venues after the Olympic games and see them rebuilt by 2027. The parties announced that the redevelopment plan will minimise the time land is left vacant after the Games, and that they aim to raise money for the project by selling portions of the land for commercial development, possibly including a hotel.

5. Bold statements for a sustainable future

Besides construction and redevelopment, the city is also preparing for the 2020 Games in other ways. Plastic, pollution, and sustainability were major societal topics in 2018. And while Japan is behind other nations when it comes to reducing plastic consumption, the Olympic Committee is making a bold statement to help change attitudes: the Games will be powered by renewable energy, and Asics, the company providing the athelete uniforms and staff clothing, is taking a sustainable approach to this one-time event. The uniforms worn by staff and athletes during the medal award and opening and closing ceremonies will be fashioned from recycled clothes.

Equally impressive, all medals will be made from recycled precious metals that have been collected through public donations. While other Games have had similar environmental ambitions, Tokyo is the first host city to achieve the goal of providing 100% of the medals from previously-used metals.

by Mareike Dornhege

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