Japan is planning to build an underground missile shelter near Tokyo Station as concerns grow over North Korea’s repeated missile tests and the rapid expansion of China’s advanced military capabilities.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has unveiled plans to convert an underground parking facility beneath Yaesu-dori Avenue, near Tokyo Station, into a shelter capable of protecting civilians during a missile attack.
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said the location was selected because Tokyo Station is a major gateway to the capital and the surrounding area attracts large numbers of people in open public spaces.
The parking facility, located on the first and second basement levels beneath Yaesu-dori Avenue, covers approximately 13,000 square meters.
Under the proposed renovation, authorities will consider installing specially designed doors and other protective measures to shield people inside from blast waves caused by ballistic missile explosions, flying debris and building collapses.
Koike said a detailed survey for the renovation is expected to begin during the current fiscal year. She highlighted the need for stronger civilian protection measures, referring to a recent suspected ballistic missile launch by North Korea.
“North Korea’s repeated ballistic missile launches pose an extremely serious and grave threat to Japan’s peace and security,” Koike said, stressing that her administration would take all possible measures to protect Tokyo residents and ensure their peace of mind.
North Korea has previously conducted exercises simulating attacks on US military bases located in Japan, adding to security concerns in the region.
The planned facility would become Tokyo’s second designated missile shelter. The first is being developed by converting a disaster relief supplies storage facility connected to the Tokyo Metro’s Azabu-Juban Station into a shelter.
The move reflects Japan’s growing focus on strengthening civilian protection infrastructure as regional military tensions continue to rise.
