According to the Associated Press, a contentious real-estate development proposal has placed a shadow on the existence of Jingu Gaien Park, which is located in the heart of Tokyo. According to the newspaper, Governor Yuriko Koike authorized the idea early this year. Mitsui Fudosan is leading the charge, with the goal of erecting two enormous towers, each soaring 200 meters (650 feet) into the skyline.
The biggest source of concern, however, is that the project comes at the expense of trees in one of the most valuable green spaces in Tokyo. According to reports, it also includes destroying and rebuilding a historic rugby stadium and an adjacent baseball stadium.
A few hundred demonstrators gathered at the Jingu Gaien Park on Sunday (August 27) to speak out against the uprooting of the majestic 100-year-old ginkgo trees, a location that was designated 100 years ago to honor Japan’s Meiji Emperor.
Miho Nakashima, a protestor in Tokyo, was covered in green leaves and brown branches. AP, quoting her, reportedly said, “I’m a tree. Don’t chop me down.”
“I want to appreciate the existence of these trees. Sometimes I can feel some sounds inside,” another protestor, Takayuki Nakamura said.
The 18 ginkgo trees threatened with removal are at the center of the conflict
The decade-long rehabilitation project is facing tremendous criticism, including litigation, rising protests, and vehement opposition from conservationists, local residents, civic groups, and sports aficionados. The 18 ginkgo trees threatened with removal behind the rugby stadium are at the center of the conflict.
The historical value of the location only exacerbated the dispute. This subject has sparked considerable debate over the years. Botanists warn of damage due to construction.
Famous Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami and composer-musician Ryuichi Sakamoto have also spoken out against the bill. Sakamoto criticized the plan in a letter to Governor Koike.