After three years of construction, the National Stadium of Japan has been completed. Although the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games have been postponed due to the spread of coronavirus pandemic, the stadium has been well prepared to serve as the venue for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the world’s biggest sporting event.
With the capacity for up to 60,000 spectators, the National Stadium is an eye-catching masterpiece at the heart of major sports-related facilities, including stadiums for baseball, rugby, and gymnastics, along with the Japan Olympic Museum.
Symbol of Japan
The National Stadium project was done by a joint venture bringing together top companies in Japanese design, architecture, and construction. One of the most famous groups involved was the team of the architect Kengo Kuma. They have cooperated to create a genuine symbol of Japan.
The stadium’s striking features include wooden eaves made with timber from each of the country’s 47 prefectures. The tiers of seats inside the arena are reminiscent of a dappled forest glade with natural colors lightening in the higher hue as they rise in the stands.
Care has been taken in each detail to protect spectators at the same time enabling them to enjoy light, shade, and natural harmony. The stadium also harnesses the power of nature in order to offer a refreshing air flow through the stands.
Although the stadium can seat more than 60,000 fans, it is not an overbearing presence because the overall height of the structure is less than 50 meters.
Access and Comfort
With universal design serving as one of the project’s guiding principles, the National Stadium was carefully made so that it can be easy to use for anyone. People with different requirements were involved in the planning of seating, elevators, escalators, and signage. Its accessible toilets alone can deserve a gold medal.