Japan National Stadium Facts for Kids

This page is about the newly rebuilt stadium. For the now demolished stadium, see National Stadium (Tokyo).

Quick facts for kids
Japan National Stadium
Construction
国立競技場

Full name	Japan National Stadium
Location	10-2, Kasumigaoka-machi, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
Coordinates	35°40′41.5″N 139°42′52.5″E / 35.678194°N 139.714583°E / 35.678194; 139.714583
Public transit	E25 Kokuritsu-Kyōgijō JB12 Sendagaya
Owner	Japan Sport Council
Capacity	67,750 80,016 (football and rugby,with temporary seats over running track)
Field size	107 × 71 m
Surface	Grass
Broke ground	11 December 2016; 8 years ago (2016-12-11)
Built	December 2016 – 30 November 2019
Opened	21 December 2019; 5 years ago (2019-12-21)
Construction cost	US$1.4 billion (¥157 billion)
Architect	Kengo Kuma
Tenants
Japan national football team Japan national rugby union team

The rugby game Classic Meiji University versus Waseda University at 56th All-Japan University Rugby Championship - final

Drones flying during the 2020 Summer Olympics opening ceremony to create the official logo

The Japan National Stadium, also known as the National Stadium (国立競技場, Kokuritsu Kyōgijō), is a huge sports arena in Tokyo, Japan. People sometimes called it the "Olympic Stadium" during the 2020 Summer Olympics and 2020 Summer Paralympics. It's a multipurpose stadium, meaning it can be used for many different sports, but it's mostly known for association football (soccer).

This stadium was the main place for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in 2021. It also hosted all the exciting track and field events.

The old National Stadium was taken down in May 2015. Construction for this new, amazing stadium began on December 11, 2016, and it was finished on November 30, 2019.

Building the New National Stadium
Concerts and Events
International Football Matches
Unique Features of the Stadium
Images for kids
- Construction
See also

Building the New National Stadium

Why Tokyo Needed a New Stadium

When Tokyo wanted to host the 2020 Summer Olympics, they needed a top-notch stadium. The old one was good, but it was decided that a brand new, modern stadium would be even better. This new stadium would host the big opening and closing ceremonies, plus all the fast-paced track and field events.

In 2012, plans were made to tear down the old stadium and build a new one. The first design was by a famous architect named Zaha Hadid. The new stadium was supposed to be ready by March 2019. It would be used for athletics, rugby, some football games, and the Olympic ceremonies.

Changes to the Original Design

Building a stadium this big is a huge project, and sometimes plans change! In 2015, the Japanese government decided to make some changes to the first design. They needed to keep the costs down. For example, they decided not to build a roof that could open and close. They also planned to use some temporary seats instead of all permanent ones.

Some Japanese architects thought the first design looked a bit strange, comparing it to a turtle. Others worried it was too big for the area. The roof was especially tricky to build because it needed two very long steel arches. The estimated cost was also very high.

A New Plan and Architect

Because of the high costs and public concerns, the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzō Abe, decided in July 2015 to scrap the first design. They started over with a new competition to find a different design. This meant the stadium wouldn't be ready for the 2019 Rugby World Cup as first planned.

In December 2015, a new design by architect Kengo Kuma was chosen. This design used lots of wood, which is a special feature of the stadium today. Construction began in December 2016 and was completed on November 30, 2019.

Ready for the Olympics

The new stadium was officially opened on December 21, 2019, with a special ceremony. The very first sports event held there was the 2019 Emperor's Cup final on January 1, 2020.

The stadium was all set for the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most events were held without spectators.

In October 2021, Japan decided to keep the athletics track permanently. This means the stadium can host more track and field events in the future. It's even bidding to host the 2025 World Athletics Championships! In May 2023, the stadium also hosted two exciting J. League football games.

Concerts and Events

The Japan National Stadium isn't just for sports! It's also a fantastic venue for big concerts. Many famous artists have performed here.

List of concerts
Date	Main act(s) + opening act(s)	Tour/concert name
3 November 2020 (Taped at 23–24 Oct)	Arashi	Arafes
27–28 August 2022	Eikichi Yazawa	EIKICHI YAZAWA 50th ANNIVERSARY TOUR"MY WAY"
27–28 April 2024	Ado	Ado SPECIAL LIVE 2024「心臓」
19–20 April 2025	Snow Man	Snow Man 1st Stadium Live～Snow World～

International Football Matches

This stadium has hosted several exciting international football matches, bringing teams from around the world to Tokyo.

Date	Competition	Team1	Result	Team2	Attendance
6 June 2022	Friendly	Japan	0–1	Brazil	63,638
24 March 2023	Friendly	Japan	1–1	Uruguay	61,855
1 January 2024	Friendly	Japan	5–0	Thailand	61,916
21 March 2024	World Cup qualifier	Japan	1–0	North Korea	59,354

Unique Features of the Stadium

The Japan National Stadium is special because it uses a lot of wood in its design. This wood comes from all over Japan, which helps reduce its environmental impact. The wooden parts are designed so they can be replaced easily if needed.

The design of the roof's edges was inspired by an ancient Japanese temple called Hōryū-ji. These eaves have spaces that help air flow through the stadium, keeping it cool. The roof also has transparent solar panels that collect energy from the sun. Rainwater is collected and used to water the grass and plants around the stadium.

Making sure everyone can use the stadium was very important. There are over 450 spots for wheelchair users and modern, accessible toilets.