Japan National Stadium

Welcome to the Japan National Stadium, a monumental achievement in contemporary architecture that serves as the spiritual and physical heart of Japanese sport. Designed by the renowned architect Kengo Kuma for the Tokyo 2020…

We begin our walk on the 'Great Forest' walkway that circles the stadium's exterior. Look up at the eaves, or 'hisashi,' which are composed of thousands of individual cedar and larch slats. …

Standing on the stadium's western side, we can appreciate its relationship with the Meiji Jingu Gaien, one of Tokyo's most important green lungs. The stadium was designed with a strictly limited height of 47 meters to ensure it…

One of the most innovative and scholarly aspects of the Japan National Stadium is its reliance on natural cooling, a feature known as 'Kaze-no-ouchi' or the 'Wind House.' Rather than using massive, energy-intensive air…

As we walk toward the north entrance, we find several commemorative markers that pay homage to the previous National Stadium, which served as the main venue for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. That event was a watershed moment for…

While our tour primarily focuses on the exterior, it is essential to discuss the revolutionary design of the interior seating bowl. If you are able to catch a glimpse inside, or if you take the stadium tour, notice the colors of…

Our final section brings us to the conceptual 'Sora-no-Mori' or 'Forest in the Sky.' This is the upper walkway that offers breathtaking views of the Tokyo skyline, including the Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, and on a clear day,…

As we conclude our journey around the Japan National Stadium, we are left with more than just an impression of a sporting venue. We have explored a philosophical statement about the future of human habitation. …