Out with the old (and costly): Japan unveils 2020 Olympic stadium plans – again

Japan has replaced a futuristic design for its 2020 Tokyo Olympic stadium with a cheaper and more understated one. Gone is the massive oblong dome designed by architect Zaha Hadid, dismissed by the government last July as public opposition rose to its high cost and visual impact on the surrounding neighborhood. The government chose instead Tuesday a more conventional-looking oval design with some unusual flourishes, conceived by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. The new design will cost 153 billion yen ($1.23 billion) to build, compared with 252 billion yen ($2.08 billion) for the old.

The ministerial meeting has checked the selection was made in an appropriate manner. This is an excellent plan that satisfies the principle philosophy, construction, deadline and cost of the Olympic plan.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

Meanwhile, Toyota’s president has stepped down from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics organising committee, amid reports that costs for the event have ballooned to about six times original estimates. Akio Toyoda said late Monday that he would quit as vice president of the main organising group, opting instead to support the games as head of the Keidanren’s Olympic lobbying group. The Keidanren is Japan’s biggest business federation.

Tokyo Olympics Sports