A group of architects and experts on November 7 submitted a letter of request to Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Hakubun Shimomura and Tokyo’s Governor Naoki Inose on reconstruction plan of the New National Stadium, a main venue of 2020 Olympic Games. The letter points out that its too-large size could ruin the scenery and safety of the area and that the cost of maintenance would be too expensive. The group raised three requests; to make a plan with proper size and figure that go with the environment; to establish a plan suitable for mature society; to be accountable to public.

At the press conference, Mr. Fumihiko Maki, a leader of the group said the Ministry and Tokyo government are responsible for public disclosure because the project attracts great public interest. He expressed his concern on how this gigantic stadium with capacity of 80,000 people would be made full use of in the future. The next generation would have to pay for its debt in every way, he added. (2013/11/8)