Kajima-Led Consortium Breaks Ground on Japan’s First All-Weather Indoor Rugby Stadium in Jingu Gaien
Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium Co., Ltd., led by Kajima Corporation, broke ground on February 3, 2026, for the New Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. The facility will be Japan’s first fully enclosed, all-weather multipurpose rugby stadium, with seating for approximately 15,000 spectators for rugby matches and up to 25,000 for events. Opening is slated for 2030.
The eight-story structure with one basement level will have a Gross Floor Area of approximately 22,000 tsubo (approx. 1,743,000 sq. ft.). Developed under Japan’s Private Finance Initiative (PFI) Act, ownership will be transferred upon completion to the Japan Sport Council (JSC), an independent administrative agency, while the private-sector consortium will handle operations and maintenance for 30 years.
In addition to hosting international rugby competitions, the venue will feature a large-format 50-meter by 12-meter video board and is designed to accommodate concerts, corporate exhibitions and other large-scale events. From an environmental standpoint, the project targets LEED Gold and ZEB Ready certifications, aiming to deliver best-in-class sustainability performance globally.
The project marks the first phase of the broader Jingu Gaien District redevelopment. The 28.4-hectare mixed-use redevelopment is being advanced by Mitsui Fudosan, Meiji Jingu, the Japan Sport Council and Itochu Corporation, with full completion targeted for 2038. In addition to the new rugby stadium, the plan includes a new Jingu Stadium and other phased developments. Open space will expand from approximately 21% currently to about 44% upon completion.
The development consortium comprises Kajima Corporation, Mitsui Fudosan, Tokyo Tatemono and Tokyo Dome Corporation. Mitsui Fudosan positions sports and entertainment as a “new asset class” and is advancing arena developments nationwide. The addition of an approximately 25,000-seat indoor venue in central Tokyo is expected to capture large-scale entertainment demand that has traditionally gravitated toward suburban locations.
Key Facts
Property Name: New Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium (tentative name)
Sub-Name: SMBC Olive SQUARE (from May 2030)
Owner/Developer: Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium Co., Ltd. (Kajima Corporation, Mitsui Fudosan, Tokyo Tatemono, Tokyo Dome Corporation)
Contractor: Kajima Corporation
Location: 3-2 Kasumigaoka-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: Toei Oedo Line “Kokuritsu-Kyogijo” Station; JR Chuo-Sobu Line “Sendagaya” and “Shinanomachi” Stations; Tokyo Metro Ginza Line “Gaienmae” Station
Groundbreaking: February 3, 2026
Completion: 2030 (planned opening)
Number of Floors: 8F / B1
Structure: Above ground – RC columns and S beams (partly CFT and S); Below ground – RC (partly CFT)
Height: 46.25 meters
Site Area: Approximately 10,430 tsubo (approx. 826,000 sq. ft.) (approx. 13,170 tsubo [approx. 1,042,000 sq. ft.] after Phase II development)
Gross Floor Area: Approximately 22,090 tsubo (approx. 1,749,000 sq. ft.)
Seating Capacity: Approx. 15,000 for rugby / up to approx. 25,000 for events