Japan is scrapping controversial plans for an expensive new centerpiece stadium for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced Friday.
Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid's ultramodern design, which has been likened to a giant bike helmet, has been the source of an ongoing debate in Japan, especially since the cost rose to 250 billion yen ($2.02 billion), according to Yahoo! News.
"We have decided to go back to the start on the Tokyo Olympics-Paralympics stadium plan, and start over from zero," Abe told reporters after a meeting with Yoshiro Mori, chairman of the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee. "The cost has ballooned just too much."
Abe announced on Friday that the decision was made to seek a new design as soon as possible, with the goal of minimizing costs and constructing the best stadium possible, according to CNN.
"I have made a decision to take the plan back to square one and reconsider," he said.
The Tokyo 2020 organizing committee said it respected Abe's decision but wants to ensure that the new stadium is completed in time for the Olympic Games and will not "adversely affect" the event, according to ABC News.
The astronomical cost of the stadium went against the International Olympic Committee's "Olympic Agenda 2020" reform program, which aims to make the games less expensive and allow long-term use of the venues after the events are over.
The reconstruction of the stadium means that it won't be completed in time for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Many view this abrupt decision as damage control for Abe's government, whose support rating has plummed due to debates over unpopular military legislation.
