J Village: Once Again a Place for Soccer Fans

One of several natural grass pitches at the J-Village.

The women’s national soccer team, Nadeshiko Japan, during a recent practice session at the facility.

Panels on the facility’s observation deck depict the original opening, the earthquake and tsunami, and the progress of reconstruction efforts.

Shūkyū Jinja, a small Shintō shrine located on the observation deck, displays votive wooden tablets with messages written by aspiring athletes.

Japanese national team players train at the J-Village in May 2006 ahead of the FIFA World Cup. (© Jiji)

Temporary housing for TEPCO employees built atop a pitch. Photo taken in September 2011. (© Jiji)

Workers collect protective clothing in a hotel lobby in October 2011. (© TEPCO/Jiji)

The lobby has been restored and is able to receive guests.

J-Village public relations officer Takana Yūsuke.

Soccer grounds at the J-Village. The three pitches to the right are natural grass and the oval ground to the left is synthetic turf. The Pacific Ocean can be seen beyond the covered all-weather practice facility in the background.

The all-weather training area is lit by natural lighting.

The Olympic torch will pass from the first to the second torch bearer at the J. Village Station.

The station’s V-shaped platform sets 20 meters below the ticket gates.

Pitch 9, the starting point of the Olympic torch relay.