Japan Press Weekly

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2023 February 22 - 28 [SOCIAL ISSUES]

Kasai calls for protection of ginkgo trees in Tokyo's urban oasis

Japanese Communist Party representative Kasai Akira at a Lower House Budget Committee subcommittee meeting on February 21 called for the protection of ginkgo trees lining the Meiji Jingu Gaien (outer garden of the Meiji Shrine).

Kasai said that many Tokyoites and strollers in the popular ginkgo-tree avenue "do not support" a redevelopment works project which will cut down a considerable number of trees, including over 100-year-old precious ginkgo trees, standing in line in the wonderful greenery.

The project in which the largest developer and a major trading company are involved will construct skyscraper buildings in addition to the rebuilding of a rugby field and a baseball stadium in the Jingu Gaien. The Tokyo metropolitan government has given approval to the project.

Kasai pointed out that the metropolitan government is pushing for the redevelopment works project by designating this urban park as "an area for redevelopment promotion", demanding that the metropolitan government retract its authorization of the project.

Kasai noted that the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Japan is requesting the suspension of the commencement of work; cross-party Dietmembers are demanding a fundamental review of the project; and a signature-collection campaign against the redevelopment project launched by a famous ex-rugby player of Japan's national team is spreading around Tokyo.

Environment Minister Nishimura Akihiro said in response, "I hope that every possible consideration will be given to preserve the natural environment of Jingu Gaien."

Past related article:
> Japan’s ‘sports mecca’ to undergo redevelopment associated with the Olympic Games [March 28, 2020]