Shibuya redevelopment project 2040: Tokyo's makeover is 'not even halfway' done
The Shibuya redevelopment project 2040 is less than halfway finished after 20 years. Discover why Tokyu's president compares it to the Sagrada Familia and its economic impact.
After more than two decades of non-stop construction, Tokyo's busiest district is only just getting started. The president of Tokyu, the lead developer behind the Shibuya transformation, recently stated that the project is less than halfway complete. Comparing the massive undertaking to Barcelona's unfinished Sagrada Familia, he signaled that the cranes won't be leaving the skyline anytime soon.
Why the Shibuya redevelopment project 2040 is taking decades
The timeline for the Shibuya redevelopment project 2040 continues to stretch as urban planners grapple with aging infrastructure and the need for futuristic office spaces. According to Nikkei, the ripple effects of this makeover will be felt well beyond the 2040s. It's not just about building taller towers; it's about re-engineering one of the world's most complex transportation hubs while keeping millions of commuters moving every day.
Economic impact and the race for prime locations
Despite the dust, Shibuya's real estate market is on fire. Prime office rents are surging as companies scramble for space in newly completed landmarks like Shibuya Sakura Stage. The district is also reinventing its social fabric, implementing street drinking bans and scrubbing away graffiti to attract a more diverse global audience. This "perpetual construction" state has ironically become a testament to Tokyo's economic resilience.
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