Many established theaters, concert halls and stadiums in the metropolitan area have closed, are due to close or will undergo renovations in the run-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, causing a serious shortage of venues for performing artists.
"This situation must be dealt with, or we may fall behind as a cultural city," said Tokyo Gov. Yoichi Masuzoe at a news conference, pledging to consider building temporary facilities while allowing the capital's properties to be used.
The National Stadium has been demolished to make way for a new one, while Yokohama Arena and Saitama Super Arena have both closed for several months for renovation this month, prompting entertainment industry officials to dub the dearth of performance space the "2016 problem."