The importance of preserving the historical Jingu Gaien Park in the heart of Tokyo

Abstract

In this commentary, we wish to briefly draw the international architectural community’s attention to an ongoing urban development struggle taking place in a highly historical and popular green zone in the heart of Tokyo, the Meiji Shrine Outer Garden, or Jingu Gaien Park. A proposed 13-year development project by Mitsui Fudosan Group, and with tacit support by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, may threaten the socio-cultural stability and perpetuity of Jingu Gaien Park. In the absence of a sound environmental impact assessment, and enough public participation, not only will an imbalance in the historical and cultural heritage occur, amplified by gentrification, so too might there be a negative impact on natural and environmental aspects of this historic site.