Japan to convert car park near Tokyo Station into missile shelter
The Tokyo metropolitan government plans to convert an underground parking facility near Tokyo Station into a missile shelter. The project will include blast-proof doors and emergency supplies to protect residents from potential ballistic missile threats.
Why it matters
The initiative highlights growing regional security concerns in East Asia and the practical steps cities are taking to prepare for potential military conflicts.
The Tokyo metropolitan government has unveiled a plan to use an underground facility near Tokyo Station as a shelter for residents and tourists in the event of a ballistic missile attack.
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike told a press conference earlier this month that a survey would begin in the current financial year through March in preparation for revamping Yaesu car park, which is located about two to 11 metres (six to 36 feet) underground.
The alterations are expected to include setting up blast-proof doors and storage shelves for emergency supplies, a metropolitan government official said. The facility has a total floor space of roughly 13,000 square metres (140,000 square feet).
It would be the capital city’s second emergency underground shelter, with a 1,400-square-metre storage facility for disasters at Azabu-Juban subway station currently under conversion, the official said.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in