Itabashi Ward's "Kawamachi-zukuri": Connecting Passage between Arakawa Embankment and Shingashi Athletics Stadium Completed!

## Overview

The connecting passage linking the Arakawa Embankment and Shingashi Athletics Stadium, which was initiated as the first phase of Itabashi Ward's Kawamachi-zukuri project, has been completed, and a ceremony was held on March 30, Reiwa 8 (2026).

This connecting passage, developed as a flood control measure in the Funado and Shingashi areas of Itabashi Ward, allows residents to evacuate from Shingashi Athletics Stadium, which serves as an "emergency temporary evacuation site" in the event of an Arakawa River overflow, through the Arakawa embankment to areas outside the flooded zone.

"Itabashi Ward Kawamachi-zukuri," registered under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's Kawamachi-zukuri support system in August, Reiwa 3 (2021), is characterized by incorporating "disaster prevention" elements in addition to "creating vibrancy."

This connecting passage was developed as part of these efforts.

On January 29, Reiwa 6 (2024), the "Itabashi Ward Kawamachi-zukuri Basic Concept 'ITTA KAWAMACHI PROJECT'" was announced, outlining the basic policy for Kawamachi-zukuri initiatives, aiming for further enhancement of efforts to create vibrancy. To materialize the basic concept, the "Itabashi Ward Kawamachi-zukuri Basic Plan" will be formulated in January, Reiwa 8 (2026), and development and initiatives based on fundamental ideas will be promoted in the future.

At the ceremony, Mayor Sakamoto stated, "This connecting passage is a 'bridge' that more closely connects us, the residents of Itabashi Ward, with the Arakawa River, and as a bridge connecting nature and urban life, we have named it 'ITTA RIVER PARK BRIDGE.' The Arakawa riverbed is a precious space within urbanized Itabashi Ward that is rich in nature, offers opportunities for sports and recreation, and serves as a wide-area evacuation site during earthquakes, thus possessing multifaceted functions. We hope that all residents will make great use of this new connecting passage and fully experience the charm of the Arakawa River."

Furthermore, in Reiwa 8 (2026), the ward plans to conduct basic design for the development of a "core area" within Kawamachi-zukuri and hold events on the Kawamachi area as a trial sounding.

Moving forward, the ward will continue to improve the convenience and circulation for users of the Arakawa riverbed and strive to create further vibrancy.