As we’re sure you’ve heard, Tokyo was selected by the International Olympic Committee to host the 2020 Olympic Games.
Of course, no host city would be complete without a ludicrously over-designed Olympic stadium that looks like a race of aliens that watched Blade Runner on VHS one too many times took a wrong turn somewhere and landed their space ship downtown. Welcome to New National Stadium!
The proposed stadium, designed by award-winning Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, is intended to hold around 80,000 spectators and would be able to host a variety of Olympic sports. Seats would be retractable to adjust for larger playing fields, and the roof would also be translucent and retractable.
▼ Good thing the seats are retractable, or we’d be watching history’s tiniest Olympic games, according to this sketch.
The below presentation will fill you in on some harder details. The exact location of the stadium is never mentioned, but mockups appear to show the structure on the near outskirts of the city proper, possibly close to Shinjuku.
It may look a little like something from Flight of the Navigator, but we actually kind of like it!
Source and photos: Himajin Sokuhou
Sayonara, stadium! Tokyo tosses out design for 252 billion-yen Olympic site, starts from scratch
New Tokyo Olympic stadium architect responds to accusations of plagiarism
Japan’s Newest National Stadium Design is Decided, but is it the Best Choice?
Looks like it’s time to say good-bye, and maybe good riddance, to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics logo
2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo will Blow. You. Away.
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
When is miso ramen not miso ramen? When it’s the new ramen at one of Japan’s top beef bowl chains
Reinvented traditional Japanese hearths may be coming to a restaurant near you
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
Abandoned pirate pleasure ship sinking south of Tokyo Bay, city orders destruction
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Shakey’s Japan creates matcha mochi, Kyoto fish, and Kansai Chili Con Carne pizzas
Anne Hathaway creates PR frenzy in Japan after mentioning Tottori in Devil Wears Prada interview
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Dragon Quest at Olympics opening ceremony? Game theme, Eva-connected song heard coming from stadium
Is Japan happy it hosted the Olympics, now that the Tokyo Games are over?【Survey】
Japan’s Olympic stadium to fill thousands of empty spectator seats with waifu pillows
Tokyo Olympics might allow you to take one, and only one, drink with you into sweltering stadiums
Tokyo Olympics Village looks like an eerie ghost town
Tokyo train stations get new Olympic melodies and signage for the Games
Tokyo bookmakers’ favourite to host 2020 Olympics
Nihon? Nippon? What’s the correct name for “Japan” at the Tokyo Olympics (and in general)?
Tokyo Olympics will not allow spectators from overseas
Tokyo Olympics losing volunteers even after president’s resignation for sexist remarks
Just what the heck is the Tokyo Olympics symbol supposed to be?
Advice for Tokyo 2020 Olympics volunteers: Dress like a Japanese ninja
Tokyo loses 2020 Olympic marathon as IOC shifts race to another part of Japan
Tokyo Olympics comes to a close with anime opening ska remix at closing ceremony 【Video】
IOC President is “in 100-percent agreement” with Japan’s proposal to postpone Tokyo Olympics
Japan unveils beautiful new yen coins for Tokyo Olympics, needs your help picking the best design