The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has announced plans to build a missile shelter in an underground parking garage near Tokyo Station.<\/p>\n
Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike said the site of the shelter, a parking lot located below Yaesu Dori Avenue, which runs from Tokyo Station, was expected to be \u201chighly effective\u201d in protecting people.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The push to build more durable shelters comes amid North Korea\u2019s ramped-up pace of ballistic missile tests and China\u2019s growing arsenal of powerful weapons.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis area was chosen because it is close to Tokyo Station \u2014 the gateway to the capital \u2014 and is an area where many people gather outdoors,\u201d Koike told a news conference announcing the move Friday. \u201cWe selected it because the facility renovations are expected to be highly effective.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The parking lot, with a total floor area of about 13,000 square meters, is located on the first and second basement levels beneath Yaesu-dori Avenue. Taking into account risks such as blast waves, debris and building collapse from ballistic missile attacks, Koike said special doors to protect those inside would be discussed going forward.<\/p>\n
The Tokyo governor said detailed surveys for the renovations would begin this fiscal year.<\/p>\n
Emphasizing the need for improved shelters, Koike pointed to North Korea\u2019s launch of an apparent ballistic missile on Thursday.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThese repeated ballistic missile launches by North Korea pose an extremely serious and grave threat to Japan\u2019s peace and security,\u201d Koike said, adding that her administration \u201cwill continue to do everything possible to ensure the safety and peace of mind of Tokyo residents.\u201d<\/p>\n