The Japan Sport Council (JSC) said Monday it has selected a consortium headed by mobile phone carrier NTT Docomo as the preferred bidder for the proposed private sector-led operation of the National Stadium.
The group, also including the J.League, general contractor Maeda and SMFL Mirai Partners, which operates real estate and other businesses, has offered to pay ¥52.8 billion for the operating rights of the stadium in Tokyo for 30 years.
The stadium was used as the main venue for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in 2021.
In the preferred bidder selection process, the NTT Docomo-led group scored some 460 out of 500 points, easily beating its two rival bidders. The three bidders' proposals were examined by a panel of experts formed by the JSC, an independent administrative agency.
The NTT Docomo-led group's proposal includes steps in accordance with the goals of the Japan Sports Agency, which is leading the initiative to switch the stadium to private-sector operations, such as introducing naming rights, sources familiar with the matter said.
The consortium's proposal is ambitious and appears to be designed to open up new business possibilities using outdoor stadiums in Japan, JSC President and CEO Satoshi Ashidate said.