Sapporo's newest and boldest civic feature is the futuristic Dome,swheresthe World Cup matches will be played in 2002. Nicknamed in Japanese "Hiroba" (Plaza), the gigantic structure will be completed in May 2001 on the edge of the city centre. Designed by architect Hiroshi Hara, the Dome will have a capacity of 42,122 when used for football.

　　Sapporo opted for an all-weather covered stadium not least because of the local climate conditions, particularly the heavy snow in winter. This very advanced hi-tech facility makes it possible to play at any time of year regardless of the weather, thanks to the unique concept of an indoor and outdoor arena combined, the decisive element being the unprecedented hovering football stage.

　　*Miyagi

　　The 49,291-seat Miyagi Stadium will be one of the stages upon which the drama of the 2002 FIFA World Cup? will unfold. Completed in March 2000, the stadium boasts state-of-the-art facilities while paying homage to the area's historical heritage with an innovative design combining the traditional and the modern. Partially builtsintosa hillock to maximise cost efficiencies, the stadium layout also effectively brings all main facilities togethersintosone area. Following universal design principles, the stadium boasts an array of features to ease access for physically challenged and elderly fans.

　　*Niigata

　　the elegant 42,700-seat Niigata Prefectural Stadium is conveniently located just ten minutes from JR Niigata station and 25 minutes from the airport.

　　The stadium's proudest feature is its translucent white Teflon? roof, which allows in 80% natural light and stretches across 90% of the seating.

　　The graceful curves of the stadium roof have been likened to an image of swans alighting on the nearby Toyanogata lagoon - an evocative and appropriate combination of images from the modern world of sport and the ageless world of nature.

　　*Ibaraki

　　Ibaraki Prefectural Kashima Soccer Stadium is a football-only stadium. Its design has clearly been influenced by European football stadiums. With nearly 42,000 seats, improved facilities for disabled spectators and a new large format video screen, the stadium has an intimate feel that gives spectators a true sense of the action as it takes place on the pitch.

　　And standing at the stadium entrance is a statue of Kashima's most favourite footballer: the Brazilian star Zico, who brought his playing and coaching skills to the town, inspired renewed enthusiasm among a new generation of young fans, and helped the Antlers become J.League champions.

　　*Saitama

　　The semi-final in Saitama will be played in the brand new Saitama Stadium 2002. Its 63,700 seats make it Japan's biggest stadium to be used exclusively for football. As well as the semi-final, there will also be three first round matches, including the first match for the Japan national team.

　　*Yokohama International Stadium Yokohama Location:3302-5 Kozukue, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama city Capacity:70,000 Parking:3,500 Completed:October 1997 Access:

　　Located 6 km from the centre of Yokohama City / 12 min. walk from Shin-Yokohama Station on the JR Shinkansen/Yokohama Line and the Metropolitan Subway / 7 min. walk from Kozukue Station on the JR Yokohama Line / 15 min. walk from Shin-Yokohama Kita Station on the Metropolitan Subway.

　　*Shizuoka

　　The Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa, completed in March 2001, is quite a way out of town, but easily accessible by a ten-minute walk from the new JR Tokaido railway station. It nestles in an area of gentle hills in the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture. The exterior of Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa is inspired by its surroundings, designed to reflect the image of the beautiful nearby Ogasayama Mountains and incorporating a variety of environment-friendly features.

　　The 51,000-seater stadium will be the main feature of the newly-created Ogasayama Sports Park and includes over 5,000 retractable seats to advance spectators closer to the football pitch in the center of the athletics track.

　　*Kobe

　　Location:

　　1 Misaki-cho, Hyogo-ku, Kobe City

　　Capacity:

　　42,000

　　Completed:

　　October 2001

　　Access:

　　Located 5 km from the centre of the Kobe City / 5 min. walk from Misaki Park Station or Wada Misaki Station.

　　*Osaka

　　Nagai Stadium

　　　Location:

　　1-1 Nagai Koen, Higashisumiyoshi-ku, Osaka City

　　Capacity:

　　50,000

　　Parking:

　　2,500

　　Completed:

　　May 1996

　　Access:

　　Located 10 km from the centre of Osaka City / 8 min. walk from Nagai Station on the Midosuji Line (Metropolitan Subway) / 10 min. walk from Tsurugaoka Station and Nagai Station on the JR Hanwa Line.

　　*Oita

　　Oita Stadium Big Eye

　　Location:

　　Yokoo, Matsuoka, Oita City, Oita

　　Capacity:

　　43,000

　　Parking:

　　N/A

　　Completed:

　　March 2001

　　Access:

　　Located 7 km from the centre of Oita City / 15 min. approximately from JR Oita Station by shuttle bus service.