"Itabashi Ward Kawamachi-zukuri": Connecting Passage Between Arakawa Levee and Shingashi Athletic Field Completed!

The connecting passage linking the Arakawa levee and Shingashi Athletic Field, which was initiated as the first phase of Itabashi Ward's "Kawamachi-zukuri" (Riverside Town Development) project, has been completed, and a ceremony was held on March 30, Reiwa 8 (2026). This connecting passage, developed as a flood control measure for the Funado and Shingashi areas of Itabashi Ward, allows residents to evacuate from the Shingashi Athletic Field, which serves as an "emergency temporary evacuation site" during anticipated Arakawa River floods, through the Arakawa levee to areas outside the flood 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), to further enhance initiatives for creating vibrancy, the "Itabashi Ward Kawamachi-zukuri Basic Concept 'ITTA KAWAMACHI PROJECT'," outlining the basic policy for Kawamachi-zukuri efforts, was announced. To materialize this basic concept, the "Itabashi Ward Kawamachi-zukuri Basic Plan" will be formulated in January Reiwa 8 (2026), and development and initiatives based on these fundamental ideas will be promoted going forward. At the ceremony, Mayor Sakamoto stated, "This connecting passage is a 'bridge' that connects us, the residents of Itabashi Ward, more closely 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 valuable 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) fiscal year, in addition to conducting basic design for the development of a "core area" within the Kawamachi-zukuri project, events are planned to be held in the Kawamachi area as "trial soundings." The ward will continue to work on improving the convenience and circulation for users of the Arakawa riverbed and further creating vibrancy.