Photo/Illutration An illustration of the planned redevelopment project for the site of the old Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo's Chuo Ward

A domed stadium is to be built on the site of the old Tsukiji fish market site near Ginza that closed six years ago under a redevelopment plan approved by the Tokyo metropolitan government.

Officials announced April 19 that a group of companies led by Mitsui Fudosan Co. had been chosen to lead the project that eventually will include a hotel as well as a landing port for “flying cars.”

A basic agreement between the consortium and the Tokyo metropolitan government is expected to be signed by the end of the current fiscal year.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025 and the entire complex is expected to be in full operation by fiscal 2038.

The site cover about 19 hectares and is owned by the Tokyo metropolitan government. Eleven companies are part of the redevelopment group. They include Toyota Fudosan Co. and The Yomiuri Shimbun Group. The Asahi Shimbun will also be a cooperating company as the development site is located next to its Tokyo head office.

The projected cost of the redevelopment project is 900 billion yen ($5.8 billion).

Under the plan presented by the group, the domed stadium will seat up to 50,000 spectators. Other facilities planned for the nine areas of the complex include a life science research and development base, a large forum capable of hosting international conferences, a luxury hotel and a base to transmit information about Japan’s food culture.

In addition to the flying car port, a subway station will be constructed so the complex on Tokyo Bay also becomes a major transport hub.

Controversy has surrounded the Tsukiji site for years.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike in 2016 delayed the move from Tsukiji to the current Toyosu fish market after toxic chemicals were detected in the groundwater at the new site, formerly occupied by Tokyo Gas Co.

After the move was finally completed in 2018, various proposals were made for the Tsukiji site, including the building of a food theme park and an international conference complex.

The site will be leased to the consortium for about 70 years and the Tokyo metropolitan government is expected to receive annual rent of 10.1 billion yen.

(This article was written by Soichi Tsuchidate and Azusa Ito.)

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