Kyoto prefecture announces partnership for new arena development

March 12, 2025

Japan's Kyoto Prefecture has announced its selection of a development consortium that will undertake a public private partnership centred on a new arena in the city of Mukō.

Agreed on a design, build, finance, operate (DBFO) basis, the new arena - with a seated capacity of 8,925 fans for sporting events and 9,328 for concerts - will be located on a site that currently the Mukomachi Keirin Velodrome.

Led by the Itochu Corporation, the consortium consists of Obayashi Corporation, Harima B.Stem Corporation, Itochu Urban Community, NTT TC Leasing, Azusa Sekkei, Dentsu, Kyoei Build Kanri Corporation, Shinko Sports and Kyogin Lease.

Currently named Kyoto Arena, the new facility is designed to address the Prefecture’s shortage of indoor facilities that can host both national and international events.

Itochu said the DBFO method will allow for development with an eye to future operation, maintenance, and management, levelling the burden placed on Kyoto Prefecture.

The venue is intended to be the future home of B.League basketball team Kyoto Hannaryz, while collaboration proposed with the adjacent Velodrome, which is due for renovation. It will also provide disaster readiness functionality, as an evacuation centre.

Kyoto Arena is set to be Itochu’s third PPP project in recent years, following the Shibata Town Public Gymnasium in Miyagi Prefecture and Kuwana City Sports Park Pool in Mie Prefecture.

In a statement, the Tokyo-based company advised “Itochu seeks to strengthen its value chain in the construction and realty sector, and considers public facility development projects as part of these efforts.

“Going forward, Itochu will continue to engage in public facility development projects from a market-oriented perspective, with the aims of regional revitalisation, local development, and improving disaster readiness.”

Images: Concepts for the new Kyoto Arena.

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