Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium was originally built in 1954 for the World Wrestling Championship, it was also used as the venue for gymnastics events at the 1964 Summer Olympics. It was was rebuilt to a futuristic design created by Pritzker Prize winner Fumihiko Maki and completed in 1991.

The gymnasium is located in Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, next to Sendagaya Station in the outer gardens of Meiji Shrine. Fitting its park-like surroundings, it is designed to include a variety of exterior spaces, and a diversity of architectural expressions. Each building (main arena, sub arena, and indoor pool) maintains its integrity as a large volume, while simultaneously establishing humane exterior spaces for the public. Together, these elements constitute an expression of 'collective form.' As one's viewpoint shifts, the overlapping of these volumes creates unexpected silhouettes.