Shimomura, whose ministry oversees sports, education and science, made the remarks in an exchange of views with Tokyo Gov. Yoichi Masuzoe.
He asked if the city of Tokyo could shoulder 50 billion yen ($418 million) of the 169 billion yen construction cost. Masuzoe was non-committal, Kyodo news service said.
Plans for the new stadium have been criticized by some prominent architects, who say the design is too big and expensive. It is due to be completed in time to host the Rugby World Cup in Japan in 2019.
Shimomura told Masuzoe that Tokyo would benefit from the stadium and that the roof would be installed after the games, public broadcaster NHK said. The sports minister said further details of a final estimate for the stadium construction will be out later this month.
A magnitude-6.7 earthquake hit northern Japan at about 12:25 p.m. on Thursday, registering a lower 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of 7 in Hokkaido and Aomori Prefecture. There was no tsunami as a result of the quake. (the-japan-news.com) 
The Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI) has decided to design new map symbols that are easier for foreigners to understand in preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. (the-japan-news.com) 
From electronic kimonos to sensors that know what your pet is feeling, the Japan's Wearable Device and Technology Expo promises to reveal some of this year's most creative - and oddest - technological innovations. (dailymail.co.uk) 
Japanese pop group SMAP is on the verge of breaking up after more than 20 years, sources at the band's agency said Wednesday, in a move that would send shockwaves through the Japanese entertainment industry given the band's popularity at home and elsewhere in Asia. (Kyodo) 
Twelve skiers who were stranded on mountains in Nagano and Fukushima prefectures have all been brought to safety.
(NHK) 
Snow fell for the first time this season in parts of Tokyo and Yokohama on Jan. 12, with more expected as a low pressure system approaches the Pacific coast. (Asahi) 
Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus is rolling out its highest-performance model since the LFA supercar to burnish its reputation among buyers of prestige luxury autos. (Japan Times) 
Monday marked Coming-of-Age Day, bringing with it the usual festivities that saw Japan's 20-year-olds celebrate their newfound adulthood - each in their own way. (Japan Times) 
Japan's Defense Minister says his ministry is carefully examining a North Korean video that appears to show a submarine-based ballistic missile test. (NHK ) 
Fukuoka Prefectural Police are investigating an attempted arson attack that targeted an office of a second-tier gang of the recently troubled Yamaguchi-gumi in Fukuoka, reports TBS News. (Tokyo Reporter)