TOKYO - An Australian operator has unveiled plans to construct a large-scale data center immediately next to Tokyo Tower, highlighting the rapid expansion of such facilities into urban areas as demand for AI infrastructure grows.
Data centers, which store and process vast amounts of digital information, are increasingly being built not only in suburban areas but also in city centers, where proximity to users improves service speed and efficiency. The planned facility beside Tokyo Tower is expected to stand დაახლოებით 40 meters tall with six above-ground floors and is scheduled for completion in 2030.
As foreign tourists gather to photograph one of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks, construction signage nearby signals the arrival of a new kind of urban neighbor. While some see the project as an inevitable part of modern digital infrastructure, others question whether such developments belong in high-profile or residential areas.
A visitor from South Korea said there was no need to place a data center next to a major tourist attraction, reflecting concerns shared by some residents. As of March last year, Japan had 222 data centers, with demand expected to grow significantly due to the spread of AI technologies. The market is projected to expand by roughly 1.5 times over the six years through 2029.
The shift from suburban to central urban locations has begun to generate friction in some communities. In Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, about an hour from Tokyo, around 30 data centers have already been built, earning the area the nickname “data center Ginza.” The concentration has brought tax revenue benefits, but also growing unease among residents.
New projects in residential zones have sparked opposition movements, with locals questioning why such facilities need to be built so close to where people live. One planned site is just a five-minute walk from the nearest station, surrounded by apartment buildings and shopping centers. While residents acknowledge the benefits of AI-driven development, many argue that location is the key issue.
Takeda, who lives on the 14th floor of a nearby apartment building, said the planned site lies only about 11 meters away. “On clear days, we can see Mount Fuji from here,” Takeda said, expressing concern that the new structure would block the view.
Experts point out that data centers are increasingly being located near population hubs to ensure faster and more stable service delivery. However, the trend is exposing gaps in Japan’s regulatory framework. The Building Standards Act does not currently classify data centers explicitly, leading to inconsistent interpretations by local authorities.
In Ichikawa, residents filed a complaint on March 5th with a private inspection body, seeking to revoke construction approval. They argue that data centers, equipped with large-scale power systems and fuel tanks, should be treated as factories or warehouses, which are restricted in certain zones. The inspection body declined to comment, while the developer said measures are being taken to minimize noise and environmental impact.
Experts note the absence of clear environmental standards for data centers as a key issue behind the growing disputes. “Establishing environmental guidelines would help residents better understand and accept these facilities,” said Sato, a university professor.
In response, government agencies are working together to develop new guidelines for data center construction.
Some regions are taking a different approach. In Ayagawa, Kagawa Prefecture, a former junior high school that closed four years ago has been repurposed into a data center. The facility, which includes a secure server room beneath the gymnasium, is designed for AI development and is expected to begin full operations this summer.
The project has created local jobs, supported regional economic development, and made use of idle public infrastructure, offering benefits to both the community and the operator.
As data centers become an essential part of modern life, the question of where—and how—they should be integrated into communities is likely to remain a pressing issue.
Source: FNN
