Tokyo's 2020 Olympics: Architecture, Infrastructure, and Identity

Tokyo's preparations for the 2020 Olympics involve major architectural and infrastructure projects that reshape the city. Architect Kazuyo Sejima cites Kenzo Tange's Yoyogi National Gymnasium and Kiyonori Kikutake's Sky House as Tokyo's most representative buildings. The new National Stadium by Kengo Kuma replaces Zaha Hadid's controversial design, which was abandoned due to cost and environmental concerns. Kuma's stadium aims to inspire a new generation, as Tange's gymnasium inspired him. The city is also building 45 skyscrapers and sports facilities with an investment of €15 billion. Kuma's firm is designing the JR New Shinagawa Station, a four-level hub with glass, steel, and wooden pillars evoking origami, to enhance the Yamanote Line. Toyota is developing a fleet of electric and hydrogen vehicles for the Games, and the Cartivator team is working on a flying car to light the Olympic flame. Safety measures include seismic retrofitting and emergency planning. Governor Yuriko Koike plans to relocate the Tsukiji fish market and bury overhead power lines.