Ajinomoto Stadium
Ajinomoto Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Chōfu, Tokyo, Japan, serving as the home ground for J.League soccer clubs FC Tokyo and Tokyo Verdy.[1][2] Opened on March 10, 2001, it has a seating capacity of 48,013 and was constructed on the site of a former United States military base as part of Tokyo's redevelopment efforts to create a central sports hub.[1][2] Originally named Tokyo Stadium, the venue acquired its current name in 2003 through a pioneering naming rights agreement with the Ajinomoto food company, marking the first such commercial sponsorship for a public facility in Japan.[1][2] The stadium features a bowl-style design with all seats covered by a roof equipped with solar panels generating 210 kW of power, alongside environmental initiatives like wall greening that reduces approximately 31 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.[1] Beyond soccer, Ajinomoto Stadium has hosted major international events, including the opening ceremony and first match of the 2019 Rugby World Cup between Japan and Russia.[3] During the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021), it operated as Tokyo Stadium for football matches, rugby sevens competitions, and modern pentathlon events.[4] The facility also accommodates concerts, American football games such as the Christmas Bowl, track and field meets, and large-scale flea markets, underscoring its role as a versatile entertainment venue.[1][3]History
Construction and Opening
The site for Ajinomoto Stadium was selected in the redevelopment area of the former Chōfu Airfield, which had previously served as a base for United States Forces Japan until its return to Japanese control in 1972, with urban planning and acquisition processes advancing in the late 1990s to transform the location into a multi-purpose sports facility.[5] Designed by the architectural firm Nihon Sekkei, the stadium was conceived as Japan's first major venue primarily tailored for professional football, serving as a dedicated home for J.League teams while accommodating other sports.[5][1] Construction, which began in the late 1990s, was completed in early 2001, with the structure engineered to sink the playing field below ground level to adhere to strict height restrictions imposed by the proximity to Chōfu Airport, ensuring aviation safety while maximizing spectator sightlines.[6] The project prioritized football-specific features from the outset, including a natural grass pitch measuring 105 by 68 meters, though an integrated athletics track—initially planned for multi-sport versatility—was postponed due to budgetary and logistical challenges, and only added in 2013 for the 2013 National Sports Festival.[5] The initial design targeted a capacity of 50,000 seats, which was later refined to 49,970 following safety and configuration adjustments.[6] The stadium was completed and officially opened on March 10, 2001, marking a milestone in Japanese sports infrastructure as Tokyo's central hub for professional athletics.[1] The inaugural event featured a J.League match between resident teams FC Tokyo and Tokyo Verdy, drawing a crowd to celebrate the venue's launch with a 2–1 victory for FC Tokyo.[7] This opening positioned the stadium as an immediate cornerstone for FC Tokyo's professional tenure, emphasizing its role in elevating football's prominence in the capital.[8]Naming Rights and Sponsorship
Ajinomoto Stadium, originally known as Tokyo Stadium upon its opening in 2001, became the first public facility in Japan to adopt naming rights when it was renamed in 2003 through a partnership with Ajinomoto Co., Inc.[9] The initial five-year contract, effective from March 1, 2003, to February 29, 2008, was valued at 1.2 billion yen and marked a pioneering approach to stadium financing in the country by leveraging corporate sponsorship to offset operational costs.[9][10] Subsequent renewals have sustained the naming arrangement, with the second contract extending the agreement for six years from March 1, 2008, to February 28, 2014, at 1.4 billion yen.[9] This was followed by a third five-year deal from March 1, 2014, to February 28, 2019, worth 1 billion yen, and a fourth renewal for another five years from March 1, 2019, to February 29, 2024, valued at 1.15 billion yen, which also introduced sub-naming for the west field as AGF Field after Ajinomoto's coffee brand.[9][11] The most recent extension, announced in January 2024, covers five years from March 1, 2024, to February 28, 2029, for 1.05 billion yen, representing the longest continuous naming rights deal for a Japanese stadium at 21 years as of the renewal.[9][10][12] This sponsorship model has significantly influenced the stadium's branding, aligning it with Ajinomoto's focus on nutrition and sports performance through integrations like the Aminovital Field, named after the company's amino acid-based sports supplement line.[9] The arrangement set a precedent for corporate involvement in public sports infrastructure across Japan, encouraging similar deals at other venues to support maintenance and development without relying solely on taxpayer funds.[9] No major controversies have arisen from the partnership, which has remained stable and mutually beneficial.[10]Facilities
Site and Location
Ajinomoto Stadium is situated in Chōfu, a city in western Tokyo, Japan, at the address 376-3 Nishimachi.[13] Its geographic coordinates are approximately 35°39′51″N 139°31′37″E.[14] The stadium occupies a site of about 17.7 hectares (177,000 m²), which encompasses the main venue and adjacent facilities within a broader sports complex.[13] The northern boundary of the site adjoins Chōfu Airport, a small domestic airfield that imposes aviation-related constraints on nearby developments, including limitations on building heights that influenced the stadium's low-profile design.[5] To the south, the site is bordered by National Route 20 (also known as Kōshū Kaidō or National Highway 246), a major arterial road in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Access from the southern side is facilitated by a dedicated pedestrian bridge spanning Route 20, connecting directly to the main entrance and enhancing safe pedestrian flow from nearby transit points.[15] The complex includes the adjacent Aminovital Field, an auxiliary athletic venue that opened in 2001 with a capacity of 3,060 spectators, primarily used for track and field events, soccer practices, and other sports activities.[16] During the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, the stadium served as an evacuation center, providing shelter and support services to affected individuals in the region, including visits from public figures to aid recovery efforts.[17] Integrated into Chōfu's urban landscape, the stadium forms part of a larger recreational hub surrounded by residential neighborhoods, green spaces, and parks such as the nearby Musashino Forest Sport Plaza, promoting community engagement while respecting local environmental and zoning considerations.[3]Stands and Capacity
Ajinomoto Stadium is an all-seater venue with a total capacity of 48,013 spectators, including 336 wheelchair-accessible seats, configured in a two-tiered bowl design that surrounds the pitch on all sides.[1][13] The stands are protected by a roof system spanning the upper tier and portions of the lower tier, constructed using Teflon membrane for the main and back stands to provide durable weather resistance, and transparent polycarbonate panels on the sides to permit natural light penetration. The roof is equipped with solar panels covering 3,845 m², generating 210 kW of power, and the facility includes wall greening over 1,426 m², reducing approximately 31 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.[1] This design balances shelter from elements with an open, airy atmosphere for spectators. Key amenities enhance the viewer experience, including VIP rooms and hospitality boxes in the main stand, two large LED video screens originally installed at the 2001 opening and upgraded in subsequent years for improved visibility, dedicated press boxes, and advanced broadcasting facilities supporting media coverage.[13] Accessibility is prioritized through features such as entry slopes, elevators, handrails on stairs, and multi-purpose toilets equipped for disabled users.[18] Family seating zones and designated supporter areas for football matches further cater to diverse audiences, promoting inclusive attendance.[19] Crowd safety incorporates evacuation routes and protocols compliant with Japanese building regulations, established during the stadium's 2001 construction to handle large gatherings efficiently.[13]Pitch and Ground Features
The playing field at Ajinomoto Stadium measures 110 meters in length by 75 meters in width, providing ample space for football matches in compliance with J.League standards.[20] The surface consists of natural grass, which is meticulously maintained to ensure optimal playing conditions for professional sports.[13] Surrounding the pitch is an area of artificial turf, allowing for versatile use during non-football events while protecting the central grass field.[13] In 2013, a 400-meter synthetic athletics track was installed around the perimeter of the pitch, transforming the stadium into a venue capable of hosting track and field competitions.[21] This upgrade facilitated events like the 97th Japan Championships in Athletics, marking the stadium's entry into international-caliber track meets.[21] The track's addition enhanced the facility's multi-sport functionality without compromising the integrity of the football pitch beneath it. The stadium's core area supports adaptations for rugby, with goalposts installed as required for matches, enabling seamless transitions between football and rugby configurations.[13] Illumination is provided by 864 LED floodlights, optimized for high-definition broadcasting and ensuring even lighting across the field during evening events.[22] The goalposts adhere to FIFA specifications, supporting professional-level football play.[23]Tenants and Usage
Professional Football Tenants
Ajinomoto Stadium has served as the primary home ground for FC Tokyo, a J1 League club, since the venue's opening in 2001.[1] The team plays the majority of its home matches here, drawing average crowds exceeding 33,000 spectators per game in recent seasons, such as the 2024 campaign where total attendance reached 630,000 across league and cup fixtures.[24] Notable celebrations, including the parade following their 2020 J.League YBC Levain Cup victory—the club's second title in the competition—have highlighted the stadium's role in the team's successes.[25] Tokyo Verdy, a founding member of the J.League established in 1969, has shared tenancy at the stadium since 2001, initially alongside FC Tokyo after relocating from Kawasaki.[1] The club, which secured promotion to J1 via the 2023 playoffs after 15 years in lower divisions, finished sixth in the 2024 standings to maintain top-flight status into 2025.[26] Rivalry fixtures between the two sides, known as the Tokyo Derby, generate intense atmospheres and draw significant crowds, underscoring the stadium's centrality to local football culture.[27] The stadium hosts approximately 30-40 combined home matches annually for both clubs across the J1 League (17 home games per team), Emperor's Cup, and League Cup, with additional preseason and youth fixtures. Adjacent facilities like Amino Vital Field support training sessions for FC Tokyo's academy and related programs.[28] Fan culture thrives through designated supporter sections, such as the Main SSS reserved areas for FC Tokyo ultras, fostering organized chants and displays during games.[29] The venue's record attendance of 47,648 occurred during an FC Tokyo match against Yokohama F. Marinos in 2003, reflecting its capacity to accommodate large, passionate audiences. Both teams operate under ongoing lease agreements with stadium management, ensuring continued shared use as of 2025.[1]Other Regular Sports and Activities
In addition to its primary role in professional football, Ajinomoto Stadium serves as a venue for various track and field events following the installation of an athletics track in 2013, which was constructed to host the Tama National Athletic Meet as the main stadium.[5] The facility has accommodated national championships, including the 97th Japan Track & Field National Championships in June 2013, featuring competitions such as the men's 100-meter dash and women's pole vault.[30] The adjacent AGF Field, with a capacity of approximately 800 seats, supports these events, enabling distances up to 10,000 meters on its all-weather surface.[1] The stadium also hosts American football and lacrosse matches on the nearby Aminovital Field, which offers 3,060 seats and serves as a dedicated space for these minor sports.[1] This multi-purpose setup underscores the venue's versatility beyond football, with the field occasionally used for playoff games and training sessions by local teams in Japan's X-League.[1] As a training venue, Ajinomoto Stadium has supported international preparations, such as serving as a base for the Saudi Arabian national football team ahead of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.[4] It continues to facilitate youth development through academies affiliated with its professional tenants, hosting tournaments like the Tokyo U-14 International Youth Football Tournament on the West Field.[31] Community engagement is prominent through regular flea markets, which draw hundreds of vendors offering second-hand goods, antiques, and food, typically held monthly and attracting families for all-day events.[32] Fitness programs include club-organized relay marathons, such as the annual Amino Vital-presented FC Tokyo Relay Marathon, promoting endurance running within the stadium's oval track.[33] Additionally, the venue contributes to local education via initiatives like the "Aoaka Drill," a physical fitness program for elementary schools that integrates sports drills to enhance children's health and coordination.[34] These activities highlight the stadium's role in fostering community health and youth participation, with 10-15 non-professional events annually reinforcing its multi-purpose utility.[1]Major Events
2019 Rugby World Cup
Ajinomoto Stadium, known as Tokyo Stadium for the duration of the tournament, served as the primary venue in the Tokyo area for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, hosting the opening ceremony and a total of seven matches from September 20 to November 1, 2019.[35] The event marked the first time the Rugby World Cup was held in Asia, with the stadium selected due to its modern facilities and central location in Chōfu, a suburb of Tokyo. In preparation, the stadium underwent modifications including the installation of temporary rugby goalposts, as it is primarily configured for association football, and the addition of approximately 2,000 temporary seats to boost capacity from its standard 48,013 to 49,970.[36] These adjustments ensured compliance with World Rugby standards without requiring permanent structural alterations.[36] The opening match on September 20 featured host nation Japan defeating Russia 30–10 in Pool A, drawing an attendance of 45,745 and setting an energetic tone for the tournament with a vibrant pre-match ceremony attended by dignitaries and fans. Over the course of the event, the stadium hosted five pool-stage fixtures, one quarterfinal, and the bronze medal match, attracting crowds that frequently reached the venue's full capacity of 49,970. Notable pool encounters included France's narrow 23–21 victory over Argentina on September 21 (Pool C), Australia's 25–29 loss to Wales on September 29 (Pool D), England's dominant 39–10 win against Argentina on October 5 (Pool C), and New Zealand's 71–9 rout of Namibia on October 6 (Pool B). In the knockout phase, Ireland upset New Zealand 46–14 in the quarterfinal on October 19, while New Zealand claimed third place with a 40–17 defeat of Wales on November 1.| Date | Stage | Match | Score | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 20, 2019 | Pool A | Japan vs. Russia | 30–10 | 45,745[37] |
| September 21, 2019 | Pool C | France vs. Argentina | 23–21 | 48,376[38] |
| September 29, 2019 | Pool D | Australia vs. Wales | 25–29 | 49,109[39] |
| October 5, 2019 | Pool C | England vs. Argentina | 39–10 | 49,497[40] |
| October 6, 2019 | Pool B | New Zealand vs. Namibia | 71–9 | 49,187[41] |
| October 19, 2019 | Quarterfinal | Ireland vs. New Zealand | 46–14 | 49,608[42] |
| November 1, 2019 | Bronze Final | New Zealand vs. Wales | 40–17 | 49,262 |