Tokyo plans underground missile shelter near Tokyo Station

Tokyo is preparing for potential ballistic missile attacks by planning to establish a new underground shelter near the bustling Tokyo Station. The metropolitan government unveiled plans to repurpose a section of the Yaesu Parking Lot, located several meters below ground, into a secure facility for residents and tourists.

This strategic move involves retrofitting the existing underground space with essential safety features, including blast-proof doors and dedicated storage for emergency supplies. The chosen location's proximity to Tokyo Station, a major transportation hub and gateway to the capital, is seen as crucial for accessibility during emergencies.

The decision to bolster civil defense infrastructure comes in the wake of escalating regional tensions. North Korea's persistent ballistic missile testing and advancements in its nuclear program have been cited by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike as a "serious and grave threat." The plan also reflects broader security concerns in the region, including China's increasing military pressure on Taiwan.

This initiative marks Tokyo's second major underground shelter project, following the ongoing conversion of a facility at Azabu-Juban subway station. The survey for the Yaesu Parking Lot conversion is set to commence this fiscal year and continue into fiscal 2027, with completion dates, specific requirements, and costs to be determined thereafter. Similar shelter projects are also planned for remote islands in Okinawa, underscoring Japan's commitment to enhancing national resilience.

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a serious and grave threat that can never be tolerated