Japan spends astronomical sums—trillions to tens of trillions of yen—on foreign aid every year, much of which may be wasted or exploited to expand China’s influence. In contrast, the Grand Roof Ring, designed by Sou Fujimoto and built by Takenaka Corporation, has been certified by Guinness as the world’s largest wooden structure and stands as a modern national treasure. It must not be abandoned under the false pretext of maintenance costs. Instead, it should be preserved as the National Expo 2025 Memorial Botanical Garden, leaving an enduring legacy for future generations.

Japan contributes astronomical amounts of money—trillions, even tens of trillions of yen—every year in the name of foreign aid, yet it cannot be denied that much of it is wasted.
Until quite recently, Japan continued to provide more than three trillion yen in massive aid to China, and it is possible that this money was directly used to expand China’s global influence.

By contrast, the Grand Roof Ring, designed by Sou Fujimoto and built by Takenaka Corporation, has been recognized by Guinness as the largest wooden structure in human history—a building worthy of being called a modern National Treasure.
Its minimal maintenance costs, insignificant compared to the astronomical sums of foreign aid, must not be seized upon as a pretext by those who wish to see it discarded.
Rather, it should be nationalized as the Expo 2025 Memorial Botanical Garden and preserved as a priceless treasure for the future.

Japan provides trillions of yen in aid to foreign nations every year.
It is common knowledge that much of this so-called aid has produced little benefit.
Among the recipients of such aid are countries where China, seeking world domination, has funneled massive sums.
As I have noted before, Japan itself continued until recently to provide over three trillion yen in aid to China.
Who can say for certain that this money was not simply redirected by China into Asia and Africa, rebranded as Chinese “foreign aid”?
Even last year and this year, Japan has contributed astronomical sums of aid to countries across Asia and Africa.

Meanwhile, Guinness has declared a fact that should fill Japan with pride: Sou Fujimoto’s Grand Roof Ring is the largest wooden structure in human history.
This is nothing less than a modern National Treasure.
It was designed by one of Japan’s most celebrated architects and constructed by Takenaka Corporation, one of Japan’s most renowned builders.
The Grand Roof Ring embodies the finest craftsmanship passed down through the ages, combined with the pinnacle of contemporary technology and skill.
Its design philosophy and cutting-edge techniques together have created a breathtaking exterior.

The Grand Roof Ring also symbolizes “Sky and Sea”—the very words that gave Kūkai his name when he attained enlightenment.
It is no exaggeration to say that the philosophy of Kūkai, one of Japan’s greatest historical figures, has been infused into the work of Sou Fujimoto, its architect.

Those who argue that it cannot be preserved because of maintenance costs are blind to the fact that Japan pours away trillions of yen every year, without return, in so-called aid—much of which ends up vanishing into the pockets of foreign rulers.
They are, without exaggeration, among the greatest fools in the world.

The Grand Roof Ring is supreme as a structure.
It is also a masterpiece of art, and the finest promenade on earth.
There is nothing like it anywhere else in the world; it is truly unique.

And yet there are voices saying it should not be preserved.
I suspect these voices are not only Japanese but also influenced by Chinese designs.
From the very beginning, there have been those who sought to acquire this place cheaply for their own nefarious purposes, constantly inventing pretexts:
“They say Yumeshima is a garbage dump.”
“They say there are toxic substances.”
And now, “The maintenance costs are too high.”

Fools! No—traitors! Lower your heads!
I, living now as Kūkai and Nobunaga reborn, thunder at them in a great voice.

Yoshimura!
No—Shigeru Ishiba!
You were, without question, one of the worst prime ministers in history, alongside Naoto Kan.
But here and now, you must take the one decisive action to redeem yourself.
Declare this place to be the National Expo 2025 Memorial Botanical Garden.
And after the upcoming LDP presidential election, tell your successor—whoever becomes prime minister—to carry forward only this one task.
If you do, then you will leave your name in history as a true statesman.