Yoyogi Park
| Yoyogi Park | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Location | Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan |
| Coordinates | 35°40′19″N 139°41′52″E / 35.671975°N 139.69768536°E |
| Area | 54.1 ha (134 acres) |
| Created | 1967 |
| Public transit access | Harajuku Station |
Yoyogi Park (代々木公園, Yoyogi kōen) is one of the largest parks in Tokyo, Japan, located adjacent to Harajuku Station and Meiji Shrine in Shibuya.
History
Yoyogi Park stands on the site from where the first successful powered aircraft flight in Japan took place by Captain Yoshitoshi Tokugawa on 19 December 1910. [1] The area later became an army parade ground. From September 1945, the site housed the military barracks known as the "Washington Heights" for U.S. officers during the Allied occupation of Japan.[2]
In 1964, the area was used for the Tokyo Olympics housing the main athletes village and the Yoyogi National Gymnasium. The distinctive building, which was designed by Kenzo Tange, hosted the swimming and diving, with an annex for the basketball.[3][4]
In 1967 most of the area north of the gymnasium complex and south of Meiji Shrine was turned into Yoyogi Park.[5]
The park remains a popular Tokyo destination. On Sundays, it is especially busy when it is used as a gathering place for Japanese rock music fans.[5] In spring, thousands of people visit the park to enjoy the cherry blossom during hanami. The landscaped park has picnic areas, bike paths, cycle rentals and public sport courts.[6]
Tokyo's failed bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics included a proposal to redevelop Yoyogi Park. A new volleyball arena was to be built west of the Yoyogi National Gymnasium. It would have replaced an existing soccer field and athletic field. The arena would have remained after the Olympics as a multiple use venue.[7] In Tokyo's 2020 Summer Olympics bid, Yoyogi National Gymnasium is the proposed venue for handball events.[8]
Dengue Fever Crisis
In 2014 Tokyo has experienced one of the worst Duenge Fever outbreak of the last 100 years and the first recorded cases in 70, with nearly 200 confirmed cases. [9]
The first case was reported Aug. 27, 2014.
Scientists discovered with gene sequencing techniques, using the virus found in people who fell ill, that the outbreake originated in Tokyo’s most famouse park, Yoyogi Park.
Yoyogi Park was eventually closed down after dozens of cases of dengue fever were contracted by people who visited the area. [10]
At present time Yoyogi is still under siege as the outbrake has not been resolved.
References
- ^ Ikuhiko Hata; Yasuho Izawa; Christopher Shores (5 April 2012). Japanese Army Fighter Aces: 1931-45. Stackpole Books. p. 1. ISBN 978-0-8117-1076-3. Retrieved 3 December 2012.
- ^ Toyoko Yamazaki; V. Dixon Morris (2008). Two Homelands. University of Hawaii Press. p. 551. ISBN 978-0-8248-2944-5. Retrieved 3 December 2012.
- ^ Allison Lee Palmer (30 September 2009). The A to Z of Architecture. Scarecrow Press. p. 265. ISBN 978-0-8108-6895-3. Retrieved 3 December 2012.
- ^ Morris Low (30 April 2006). Japan On Display: Photography and the Emperor. Taylor & Francis. p. 106. ISBN 978-0-415-37148-3. Retrieved 3 December 2012.
- ^ a b Roman A. Cybriwsky (1 February 2011). Historical Dictionary of Tokyo. Scarecrow Press. p. 275. ISBN 978-0-8108-7238-7. Retrieved 3 December 2012.
- ^ "Profile of the basketball court at Yoyogi Park". courtsoftheworld.com
- ^ "Tokyo 2016 Olympics". Retrieved 2009-10-30.
- ^ "Venue Plan". Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
- ^ "OWJ News". OWJ News. Retrieved 21 April 2015.
- ^ "OWJ News". OWJ News. Retrieved 21 April 2015.
External links
