Itabashi Ward Kawa-Machi-Zukuri: Connecting the Arakawa Embankment and Shingashi Athletic Stadium with a New Passage, Completed!

Overview: As the first phase of Itabashi Ward's Kawa-Machi-Zukuri initiative, the connecting passage linking the Arakawa embankment and the Shingashi Athletic Stadium has been completed, with a ceremony held on March 30, 2026.

This connecting passage, developed as a flood control measure for the Funado and Shingashi districts of Itabashi Ward, allows for escape from the Shingashi Athletic Stadium, which serves as an "emergency temporary evacuation site" in the event of an anticipated Arakawa River flood. It facilitates escape via the Arakawa embankment to areas outside the inundated zone.

"Itabashi Ward Kawa-Machi-Zukuri," registered in August 2021 under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism's Kawa-Machi-Zukuri support system, is characterized by its integration of disaster prevention elements in addition to "creating vibrancy."

This connecting passage was developed as part of that initiative.

On January 29, 2024, to further enhance efforts aimed at creating vibrancy, the "Itabashi Ward Kawa-Machi-Zukuri Basic Concept 'ITTA KAWAMACHI PROJECT'" was announced, outlining the basic policy for the Kawa-Machi-Zukuri initiative. Towards realizing this basic concept, the "Itabashi Ward Kawa-Machi-Zukuri Basic Plan" will be formulated in January 2026, and development and initiatives based on the fundamental ideas will be promoted going forward.

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 this bridge 'ITTA RIVER PARK BRIDGE'. The Arakawa riverbed is a place rich in nature even within the urbanized Itabashi Ward, and it is a precious space equipped with multifaceted functions, such as being enjoyable for sports and recreation, and serving as a wide-area evacuation site during earthquakes. We hope that the residents will make full use of this new connecting passage and fully experience the charm of the Arakawa River."

Furthermore, in fiscal year 2026, basic design for the development of the "core area" within the Kawa-Machi-Zukuri initiative will be carried out, and events will be planned using the Kawa-Machi area as a stage for trial sounding.

The ward will continue to work towards improving the convenience and interconnectedness for users of the Arakawa riverbed, and further create vibrancy.