Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The Department of International Studies at Waseda University held an exhibition featuring detailed models of the eight stadiums which will host the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 later this year.

Qatar Embassy in Tokyo revealed the models as part of its celebrations of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the State of Qatar and Japan. The embassy stated that its interest in showcasing the models in Waseda University is to highlight each stadium’s intricate design, cultural symbolism, and special features to the Japanese and international students in Tokyo, giving them an insight on the journey from beginning to end.

Visitors to the exhibition can see the Khalifa International Stadium in the shape of butterfly wings equipped with 40,000 seats and the 80,000 seats Lusail Stadium in the shape of a traditional Qatari lantern.

Dr. Abdullah Baabood, Chair of the State of Qatar in Islamic Studies at Waseda University, said, “it’s a great opportunity for the community here in Tokyo and the faculty at Waseda University to view the state-of-the-art stadiums that Qatar is building.”

He expressed the hope that this will be an opportunity to build on the cultural and sporting relations between Qatar and Japan.

The 974 Stadium is notable for the way it has managed cost reductions due to its modular form. The stadium incorporates delivery containers whose structural elements can be easily dismantled.

All stadiums, training facilities, and fan zones are equipped with temperature regulators which maintain the temperature at 18-24°C and contribute to an eco-friendly system by minimizing the carbon footprint.

The stadiums will be reconfigured after the tournament to provide a lasting legacy for the 2022 FIFA World Cup far beyond Qatar’s borders. Additionally, around 170,000 seats will be disassembled and provided to developing nations to help develop their sports infrastructure. This is expected to create 22 new stadiums in emerging economies.

The World Cup will take place from November to mid-December and will be the first to take place in the Arab world and the second held entirely in Asia.

Matthew Gray, a professor specializing in diplomatic and political relations in the Arab world, highlighted Qatar’s efforts to use soft power as a tool for cultural promotion and influence through the World Cup.

Alexander Philipp Jones, a professor specializing in relations between the Muslim and Christian worlds, commented on the model of the Al Bayt Stadium, which represents a traditional Bedouin tent, as a symbol of hospitality.