Tokyo is planning to cut down 100-year-old ginkgo trees to build two skyscrapers

A controversial real-estate development proposal has cast a shadow over the existence of Jingu Gaien Park, situated at the heart of Tokyo, the Associated Press news agency said. As per the report, Governor Yuriko Koike has already approved the plan earlier in the year. It is spearheaded by Mitsui Fudosan and aims to erect two towering skyscrapers, each soaring 200 meters (650 feet) into the skyline.

However, the main area of concern is that the project comes at the cost of trees in one of Tokyo's precious green spaces. It also includes demolishing and reconstructing a historic rugby venue and an adjoining baseball stadium, as per reports.

In order to raise their voice against the proposed cutting downof themajestic 100-year-old ginkgo trees, a few hundred protesters gathered at the Jingu Gaien Park on Sunday (August 27), an area that was allocated 100 years ago to honour Japan's Meiji Emperor.

A protester, Miho Nakashima, painted herself in green leaves and brown branches to mark her protest in Tokyo. "I'm a tree. Don't chop me down," she told AP, conveying the message loud and clear.

"I want to appreciate the existence of these trees. Sometimes I can feel some sounds inside," another protestorTakayuki Nakamura said.

Lawsuits

With lawsuits, mounting opposition, and fervent objections from conservationists, local residents, civic groups, and sports enthusiasts, the decade-long redevelopment project faces significant resistance. At the heart of the dispute are the 18 ginkgo trees facing the threat of being axed behind the rugby stadium.

The dispute is magnified by the historical significance attached to the place.Over the years, this issue has stirred significant controversy. Botanists warn of damage due to construction.

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Famed Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami and composer-musician Ryuichi Sakamoto have also voiced their opposition. Sakamoto sent a letter to Governor Koike criticising the plan.

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