Haruki Murakami pleads for keeping Tokyo park and stadium that inspired his writing

Ginkgo trees are seen at an area known as Jingu Gaien in Tokyo. Japanese author Haruki Murakami spoke up against a controversial redevelopment plan at the heart of Tokyo's beloved historic and green district of Jingu Gaien that would tear down a nearly century-old baseball stadium that inspired him to become a novelist and his favourite running course. Photos: AP

Author Haruki Murakami says he’s strongly opposed to the redevelopment of a historic and beloved Tokyo park district that would remove his favourite jogging path and tear down the nearly century-old baseball stadium where he was inspired to become a novelist.

The plan approved earlier this year by Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike to put skyscrapers and new stadiums in the heart of the Jingu Gaien green district has become increasingly controversial. Followers of baseball and rugby history are opposed to it, as well as conservationists and civil groups who say the project has advanced without transparency, adequate environmental assessment or explanation to the residents.