On May 9, 2025, Shizuoka City Mayor Nanba announced that negotiations with ENEOS, the landowner of the proposed new soccer stadium site near Shimizu Station East Exit, are in the "final stage." This development comes as part of an ongoing effort to establish a new soccer stadium that has been a focal point for local economic growth and community engagement.
During a press conference, Mayor Nanba stated, "Specific discussions are progressing, and while we are at the peak of negotiations, we have not yet reached a final decision." This indicates that while significant progress has been made, the deal is not yet finalized. The proposed site has been a subject of interest for local stakeholders, and the mayor's comments suggest optimism about the project's future.
On May 7, three economic organizations, including the Shizuoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, represented by Chairman Kiwada, urged Mayor Nanba to expedite the stadium's development. They believe that the new stadium could enhance local business opportunities and draw more visitors to the area.
In response to these requests, the mayor acknowledged the importance of ensuring that the project is viable from a business perspective. He mentioned that they are currently adjusting strategies to mitigate risks associated with the project. "We are discussing how to reduce risks and are examining the business feasibility for ENEOS," he explained. "If it is not feasible for them as a business, then we cannot proceed. We are in the process of finalizing these details, so it is not accurate to say that discussions are completely stalled. We are indeed in the final stages."
In addition to the stadium discussions, Mayor Nanba addressed the recent implementation of a parking reservation system at the Shizuoka Municipal Nihondaira Zoo during the Golden Week holiday. This system was introduced to tackle the persistent traffic congestion caused by visitors attempting to access the zoo, which has been a growing concern for local residents.
"The absence of traffic congestion was very positive. It was a significant issue for nearby residents and commercial entities, so resolving it was a great achievement," the mayor stated, reflecting on the success of the initiative. The reservation system proved effective, as it prevented the usual gridlock that typically accompanies the zoo's busy holiday periods.
However, the zoo did experience a notable decline in visitor numbers during the same four-day period compared to the previous year. The mayor revealed that the number of visitors dropped by 13,240, translating to a 38.9% decrease. This decline raises concerns about the zoo's ability to attract visitors while maintaining the benefits of a reservation system.
"This is a significant challenge for us, and we want to improve the reservation system to make it more effective," Mayor Nanba noted. He suggested that future improvements could include transitioning from a daily reservation system to a time-based model, which might better accommodate visitor flow and enhance the overall experience.
The developments surrounding the new soccer stadium and the zoo's parking system reflect Shizuoka City's efforts to balance community needs with economic growth. As negotiations with ENEOS continue, local officials and business leaders remain hopeful that the stadium project will move forward, providing a boost to the local economy and serving as a hub for sports and entertainment.
As Shizuoka City navigates these challenges, the impact of these initiatives on the community will be closely monitored. The mayor's commitment to addressing both the stadium's feasibility and the zoo's visitor experience demonstrates a proactive approach to local governance.
Moving forward, the city will need to carefully consider how to enhance visitor engagement while ensuring that projects like the new stadium align with the community's interests and business viability. The ongoing discussions with ENEOS and the lessons learned from the zoo's parking system will play crucial roles in shaping Shizuoka City's future.
