A New Era Begins: MUFG National Stadium's KOKURiTSU NEXT Ceremony

MUFG National Stadium's KOKURiTSU NEXT Initiative

The Japan National Stadium Entertainment Corporation (JNSE) recently hosted the KOKURiTSU NEXT ceremony at the MUFG National Stadium. This celebration marks the latest milestone in the stadium's evolution, following the initial opening of the old National Stadium in 1958 and the grand launch of the new stadium in 2019. The event was graced by notable figures including Junichi Kawai, head of the Japan Sports Agency, Toshiyuki Endo, president of the Japan Sports Association, and a video message from Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, all sharing their enthusiasm for the KOKURiTSU NEXT project.

At the ceremony, JNSE's CEO Koji Takeuchi revealed the vision for KOKURiTSU NEXT, emphasizing the aspiration to transform the MUFG National Stadium from merely a venue for events to a dynamic space where new values continuously emerge. The KOKURiTSU NEXT initiative is a co-creation project aiming to evolve the stadium into a future-oriented facility that extends beyond sports, bridging cultural, economic, community, and societal realms.

By integrating diverse entertainment like sports and music, enhancing ICT infrastructure, expanding hospitality areas, renovating internal facilities, refreshing food options, and strengthening community ties, KOKURiTSU NEXT represents a solid foundation for progressive change.

The Four Pillars of KOKURiTSU NEXT

KOKURiTSU NEXT is structured around four key pillars that aim to support this vision:

1. Redefining the Experience Value

The initiative seeks to amplify what visitors can enjoy at the stadium. With a cutting-edge three-layer ribbon display and large video boards, the excitement leading up to events can now be heightened significantly. This endeavor pushes for an elevation of Japan's hospitality culture and aims to create lasting memories that make visitors reluctant to leave after events have concluded.

2. Connecting with Daily Life in the Community

The KOKURiTSU NEXT initiative envisions a stadium experience that resonates beyond its immediate surroundings. By encouraging visitors to explore local attractions on their way from the station, and offering exclusive merchandise during events, this project aims to transform the stadium into a vibrant arena enjoyed throughout the entire year.

3. Nurturing the Next Generation

KOKURiTSU NEXT is committed to fostering safety and health in community spaces while promoting educational programs aimed at the youth. It plans to serve as a hub for learning and practical training, integrating disaster prevention initiatives and creating inclusive tours that welcome everyone.

4. Creating Innovation

The initiative will act as a hub for fostering innovative technologies and operations at MUFG National Stadium. By employing a collaborative approach with organizers to develop high-value services, conducting nationwide simultaneous live events, and analyzing community behavior data to enhance visitor experiences, KOKURiTSU NEXT promises to evolve into a showcase venue for innovative practices.

KOKURiTSU NEXT is set to manifest numerous projects linked to these pillars, cultivating a collaborative stadium that serves not only the local region but also the global community. The initiative's reach will be evident when hosting the upcoming music festival titled "docomo presents THE MUSIC STADIUM 2026 organized by ONE OK ROCK" from April 4th to 5th, allowing attendees to directly experience this innovative vision.

For more information, visit the special website for KOKURiTSU NEXT here.

Every small 'i' in KOKURiTSU represents an individual, and together they create a harmonious collective experience. This sentiment is at the heart of the KOKURiTSU NEXT initiative.