In the redevelopment plan of Meiji Jingu Gaien, which spans Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, etc., Shinjuku Ward's permission to cut down about 3000,<> trees has led to a lawsuit filed by residents in the surrounding area demanding the cancellation of the permit.
In the redevelopment of Meiji Jingu Gaien, which straddles Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, etc., in addition to rebuilding Jingu Stadium and Rugby Field, a new complex building containing commercial facilities is planned to be constructed, and Shinjuku Ward, which received the application, has approved the felling of about 3000,5 trees, which will be cut down by businesses in the future.
On the 1th, five people, including residents of the surrounding area and a university professor, filed a lawsuit in the Tokyo District Court against Shinjuku City demanding the cancellation of the permit and compensation of more than 1,25 yen per person, claiming that the logging permit was issued based on illegal procedures.
Residents claim that Meiji Jingu Gaien was originally an area where tree felling was not easily permitted, but the ward has changed its classification to an area where logging is easy without reporting to the council.
At a press conference, a 40-year-old man who serves as the head of the plaintiffs' group said, "It is a criminal act to secretly change the classification and give permission for logging without going through a democratic process, and I hope that the judiciary will stop protecting trees for the future of children."
Shinjuku City has stated that it is "not aware of the contents and will refrain from commenting."
In February, residents of the surrounding area filed a lawsuit against the Tokyo Metropolitan Government seeking to revoke the approval of the project itself over the redevelopment of Jingu Gaien.