Key Facts
• Hiroshima Prefecture to lift weekday restrictions on paid events at Green Arena in October.
• Previously, paid events were limited to 10% of open days, as it is a sports facility.
• New policy aims to attract youth and revitalize the city.
• Weekend restrictions (10% of open days) will remain in place.
• Early booking criteria (3,000+ attendees, 3+ days) to be removed for inclusivity.
• Green Arena to host Hiroshima Dragonflies basketball team from 2026, 30 days annually.
• Public consultations in May-June highlighted demand for more paid events.
• New policy to take effect on October 1, following public feedback.
Summary
Hiroshima Prefecture will lift weekday restrictions on paid events at the Hiroshima Green Arena starting October 2025. Previously limited to 10% of open days due to its primary use as a sports facility, the change aims to attract younger audiences and boost urban appeal. Weekend restrictions will remain, while early booking criteria for large-scale events will be removed to accommodate smaller gatherings, such as high school sports tournaments. The arena will also serve as the home base for the Hiroshima Dragonflies basketball team from 2026, with 30 days reserved annually. Public consultations earlier this year revealed strong support for expanding paid events, addressing concerns over the lack of major concerts in the region, often referred to as ‘Hiroshima Skipping.’ The new policy will be implemented on October 1, following public input.
