Imagine a real-life story that reads like a Studio Ghibli movie or a Joni Mitchell song. Big corporations and government officials colluding to destroy a cherished park, commercialize a communal space, and uproot thousands of trees – all in the pursuit of profits and against the wishes of locals and a national treasure. This is the controversial narrative surrounding the redevelopment of Jingu Gaien, a green sanctuary in the heart of Tokyo.
Despite claims of mass tree destruction, the truth behind the park’s century-old history tells a different story. Built alongside Meiji Shrine by Eiichi Shibusawa, known as the “father of Japanese capitalism,” the park holds a significant cultural and historical value.
The redevelopment project has sparked intense debate, with opposition groups, including a Unesco-affiliated body, contesting the construction of new stadiums in the park. The issue even became a focal point in the latest Tokyo governor election, with promises of a referendum to determine the project’s fate.
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