Climate battle heats up over fate of Tokyo stadium where Babe Ruth played

Tokyo is a city in constant development, the old stadium has its days numbered...

Ruth played at the Meiji Jingu Stadium in 1934 on a barnstorming tour with other American stars that included Lou Gehrig, Lefty Gomez and Jimmie Foxx.

Just for that reason they want to keep that old stadium and stop the development of the city??, it's not worth it, LOL !!..

Ruth aint the point here folks! Just trying to get more support for the environmentalists. They can tear down the stadium at any time and leave the trees.

Hell they just need to hire an architect that can design around them. Yeah it's probably easier, and less costly to cut some down for their project, but if there is a will there is a way.

The stadium SHOULD go, it's over 80 years old, and is run down, and needs cash to keep it safe. If age and "who played" there are guidelines to keeping it, there are plenty of other old buildings here in Japan that should have stayed but didnt.

It’s more about cutting down that beautiful line of ginkgo trees there.

Misinformation. The plan reads as follows: “The vista of the ginkgo-lined street will be preserved for the formation of a shady green pedestrian space.”

The land currently has two stadiums and a rubber-ball baseball ground located adjacent to the new National Stadium. Those “two stadiums + rubber-ball baseball ground” will become one stadium. Open space will increase from 21% to 44%, greenery percentage will increase from 25% to 30%. And any new young trees will grow, thus gradually increasing green coverage.

https://www.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/english/topics/2023/documents/0206_01_01b.pdf

The stadium is falling apart. It isn't going to last forever and those trees aren't either. In fact, they become a safety hazard in urban areas when they get old. Babe Ruth wasn't god.

You could always put a memorial plaque in place of where Ruth played. And, who really cares about him anyway?

It's a great old stadium, but it's seen better days. I don't see an issue with renovating or rebuilding it. Yet, the new stadium would be on the opposite side and they'll lose the outfield view of the Shinjuku Skyline.

As for the tress, there was no mention of cutting them down. It sounds as though the greenery will increase in the area. However, that's what they say will happen. In these huge projects things always change. With that all said, I can't wait to hear about the backroom deals and bribes after this project is completed in 13 years.

Let’s move on, modernise. By LDP going back to the Meiji Era.

This is so SAD as if Tokyo does not have enough Ugly Dark Gray and Black high rise building blocking views and taking up green nature space.

Big money is behind this disaster and they could care less about the impact on the Environment and the Citizens of the area, in fact they probably don't live anywhere near it. History and memories means NOTHING to them.

What a Shame

"Tokyo is a city in constant development, the old stadium has its days numbered..."

Yeah, you're right. they should redevelop Meiji shrine, too. Time to move on.

To hell with trees and quirky old stadiums, more giant ugly towers of glass, steel and gray concrete is just what Tokyo needs!

If the Japanese would demolish an original Frank Lloyd Wright building, then tearing down an old baseball stadium should be a piece of cake, regardless of who happened to play there.

It's the way they went about this project that pisses a lot of people off. So sneaky.

Most of my acquaintance in Tokyo had no idea that this was going to even happen. None of them are happy with the idea and I don't blame them.

I like that area the way it is and to destroy it would be a shame. Give the people in Tokyo what they want with retain some peaceful and green areas to breathe.

The few times the government pushes for change and advancement, the people say no. It's a vicious cycle.

Time for everyone to get with the times. If it's important historically, put it in a museum.

Yeah, you're right. they should redevelop Meiji shrine, too. Time to move on.

Yes, similar to Ise Jingu, which is torn down and rebuilt anew every 20 years, a custom spanning 1,300 years.

Yes, similar to Ise Jingu, which is torn down and rebuilt anew every 20 years, a custom spanning 1,300 years.

and

and those trees aren't either.

Far too many trees around Meiji Shrine. Sure. keep the shrine, but certainly "Harajuku Hills" or a lovely Harajuku theme park or extending Takeshita street would be great for the economy. Yup, time to move on.

Are we suppose to know who is Babe Ruth?

Are we suppose to know who is Babe Ruth?

Well. it's not a candy bar!

Huge 100 year-old trees provide significantly more CO2 sequestering and cooling effect than small new saplings,” said Rochelle Kopp

The are hardly lush because they're pruned back so hard like sticks. Compare the two links.

https://rtrp.jp/articles/12607/

If Gingko trees could be left to grow lush like in the following picure of a 600 year old tree, it'd be good for the urban landscaping and provide more opportunities to exercise by sweeping leaves for the elderly.

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-00067-8

Just have Otani come throw/hit one ball at the Jingu Kyujou and declare the tree-line street his favorite place on Earth and the stadium and trees will become untouchable.

What a rabble of misfits protesting. Save the forests?

If a construction company is involved, wouldn’t be a stretch to assume backhander payments are also involved somewhere along the line.

Transplant all of those ginko trees into my garden. I'll be happy to have them.

yet another sad reality of Japan... those who stand on what's right in Japan are true warriors and martyrs.

yet another sad reality of Japan... those who stand on what's right in Japan are true warriors and martyrs.

And who gets to decide what's right?

Babe Ruth wasn't god.

Oh yeah? What was God's batting average?

Yubaru

your conscience

The gift that keeps on giving.

The presence of the Olympics helped the city pass an ordinance lifting height restrictions in the area, enabling plans for the new skyscrapers.

Make the place into a public area with lots of grass, trees, and flowers, give ALL the residents something they will enjoy.