The upcoming mayoral election on the 12th has made the redevelopment plan for the municipal art museum a key issue. Due to rising labor and construction material costs, the project’s budget has ballooned to over 15 billion yen, more than double the initial estimate, and the construction start date remains undecided.

The municipal art museum opened in 1985. Located in front of Nakamabashi Station, it sees about 70,000 visitors annually. Citing aging facilities, the ward formulated a “Basic Redevelopment Plan” for the museum in 2022. Basic design was completed in January 2024, with the aim of starting construction this fiscal year. The plan called for integrated redevelopment with a library, proposing a building with one basement floor and four above-ground floors, more than doubling the total floor area.

However, in September last year, it became uncertain when construction would start as a contractor could not be secured. This is believed to be due to a trend in the construction industry of prioritizing other types of projects. The initial redevelopment budget of 7.6 billion yen had risen to approximately 15-16 billion yen as of February this year.

The mayoral election announced on the 5th of this month is a three-way race among independent newcomers.

Yoshida, who is running again after the previous election…

муниципальный художественный музей

The Municipal Art Museum is a local public institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting visual art, typically focusing on works by regional artists or those connected to the area’s history. Its origins are often tied to civic efforts in the 19th or 20th century to establish a cultural center, growing from donated private collections. Today, it serves as a key community hub for art education and cultural heritage.

станция Накамабаси

Nakamabashi Station is a subway station located in Tokyo’s Kōtō ward, serving the Toei Shinjuku Line. It opened in 1978 and is named for its proximity to the historic Nakamabashi Bridge, which itself was named after a 17th-century bridge that once crossed the nearby Kamejima River. The area is a commercial and residential district, providing access to local neighborhoods and businesses.