The Japan Sport Council (JSC) has selected a consortium led by NTT Docomo, Inc. for preferential negotiation rights to operate the Japan National Stadium located in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo from fiscal 2025.

The consortium, which includes the Japan Professional Football League (J.League), general contractor Maeda Corp., and SMFL Mirai Partners Co., has proposed paying YEN 52.8 billion (US$ 338 million) for the operating rights of the stadium in Tokyo for 30 years. This stadium served as the main venue for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in 2021 and is currently managed by the Japan Sport Council (JSC). The operating expenses for the stadium, including maintenance and management, amounted to about YEN 1.7 billion (US$ 10.8 million) in fiscal year 2022 when it began full-scale operations, while the income was around YEN 900 million (US$ 5.7 million). The stadium is projected to incur an annual loss of YEN 1 billion (US$ 6.4 million) in fiscal years 2023 and 2024.

The consortium aims to increase the profitability of the stadium by introducing naming rights and hosting more events, including soccer and other sports tournaments. NTT Docomo will employ the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network, leveraging optical technology to manage the stadium, enabling the hosting of concerts and other large-scale events using advanced communications technology. Additionally, the consortium plans to develop digital technology to minimize unwanted noise due to the stadium's open roof. NTT Docomo and the other three parties expect to sign a formal contract by September 2024 and assume control of the council's relevant operations in April 2025. The national government will retain ownership of the stadium, continue paying annual land rental fees of approximately YEN1.1 billion (US$ 7 million) to the Tokyo metropolitan government and other entities, and cover major repair costs, estimated at YEN 65 billion (US$ 416 million) over 50 years. The stadium was completed in November 2019 at a cost of about YEN 156.9 billion (US$1 billion).