Topic summary
Japan National Stadium

The National Stadium (国立競技場, Kokuritsu Kyōgijō), alternatively Olympic Stadium (オリンピックスタジアム, Orinpikku Sutajiamu; during 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics), currently known as MUFG Stadium (MUFGスタジアム, MUFG Sutajiamu) for sponsorship reasons, and formerly known as New National Stadium (新国立競技場, Shin Kokuritsu Kyōgijō), is a multipurpose stadium in Tokyo, Japan. Opened in 2019 and originally constructed for the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, it hosted the ceremonies and track and field events. Since the Games, the stadium has primarily been used for association football and rugby union events.
The construction of a new National Stadium for Tokyo 2020 was first announced in February 2012; the new stadium was originally set to use a design by British architect Zaha Hadid, which featured an arch-based appearance and a retractable roof. Following criticism of its design and expected costs, the Japanese government scrapped the original plans and began soliciting new bids. In December 2015, the Japan Sport Council accepted a bid by Taisei Corporation and Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Construction would begin in December 2016.