By NAOKI NAKAYAMA/ Staff Writer
October 28, 2024 at 18:09 JST
Workers relocate trees on Oct. 28 in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward as part of a controversial redevelopment project in the capital’s Jingu Gaien area. (Naoki Nakayama)
After being delayed for more than a year due to environmental concerns, developers began felling and replanting tall trees in Tokyo’s leafy Jingu Gaien area on Oct. 28.
The area’s redevelopment plan involves relocating and replacing the aging Meiji Jingu Stadium and Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, as well as constructing two new skyscrapers.
The demolition process for the smaller Second Meiji Jingu Stadium, located next to the main Meiji Jingu Stadium, involves removing and relocating trees taller than three meters.
Originally set to begin in September 2022, the felling of trees was postponed after the Tokyo metropolitan government requested that developers present conservation measures prior to any tree removal.
More than 210,000 people have signed an online petition opposing the redevelopment project, arguing that it will harm the environment and the cherished landscape of the area.
In response, the developers have spent a year revising their plans.
The updated strategy reduced the number of trees to be removed from 743 to 619. Meanwhile, the number of new trees to be replanted in the area increased from 837 to 1,098.
The project, helmed by Mitsui Fudosan Co. and Meiji Shrine, is estimated to cost 349 billion yen ($2.27 billion) in total and is scheduled for completion in 2036.
Preservationists to survey Jingu Gaien’s ginkgo trees again
November 22, 2023
First trees set to fall in August for redevelopment in central Tokyo
June 29, 2023
Tokyo gives the OK to redevelop leafy Meiji Jingu Gaien
February 10, 2022
Murakami joins campaign to halt revamp of Meiji Jingu Gaien
June 27, 2023
More protests to protect Jingu Gaien park’s precious trees
August 27, 2023
U.N.-backed panel urges halt to redevelopment project in Tokyo
June 16, 2023
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