Commentary: Japan Bank Report on Social Value of Stadiums and Arenas
Chiba, Japan — Japan Stadium Partners (JSP) today acknowledged the release of the Visualization and Quantification of Social Value of Stadiums and Arenas (August 28, 2024), published by the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ). This study represents a pioneering effort to apply evidence-based models to measure the full impact of stadiums beyond conventional financial metrics.
Full report available (Japanese): https://www.dbj.jp/research/stadium-socialvalue2024.pdf
The DBJ research used Panasonic Stadium Suita as a case study and introduced a rigorous methodology built on:
Logic Models: mapping how facilities create outcomes across health, community, and urban life.
Stakeholder Interviews: capturing qualitative shifts in wellbeing, trust, and civic pride.
Willingness-to-Pay (WTP) Surveys: quantifying the monetary value individuals place on improved experiences and community benefits.
Medical Cost Reduction Analysis: estimating long-term savings through healthier lifestyles and increased physical activity.
The study demonstrated that the total social value generated across a stadium’s lifecycle can outweigh construction and operating costs, offering municipalities and investors an evidence-backed rationale for public-private co-investment.
JSP views this DBJ research as a crucial validation of the next stage in Japan’s venue policy:
“This DBJ study advances the conversation by showing that stadium impact can be quantified with academic rigor,” said Masa Takeya, Managing Partner of JSP. “At JSP, we are committed to integrating these methodologies into our projects, so that future venues in Japan are not only culturally vibrant but also analytically proven to deliver lasting returns.”
For JSP, the findings confirm the importance of embedding quantification frameworks from the outset, ensuring that projects are globally benchmarked, investor-ready, and locally accountable.
JSP will continue to align its initiatives with the latest research and policy guidance, ensuring that Japan’s next generation of stadiums serve as models for sustainable urban development.
