i-Construction program launched by MLIT March 2016 to promote 3D technology and aims for 20% increase in productivity by 2025. Under leadership of MLIT Productivity Revolution Headquarters (headed by Minister of MLIT), Ministry selected and promoting 20 advanced Productivity Revolution Projects as initiatives toward realization increased productivity. BIM/CIM promotion conferences, collaborative roadmap for standardization, government-led initiatives to foster BIM adoption. Integration of information and communication technologies including BIM/CIM into construction practices to address productivity challenges in construction industry.

MLIT Government Buildings Department mandated trial use of construction BIM for large-scale repair work (air conditioning etc) and design work (large-scale new construction projects) starting 2019. Submission of BIM products in design works and construction BIM for repair work. Started Building BIM Promotion Roundtable in MLIT to build mechanism for consistent BIM use in construction process design-construction-maintenance. 2023 BIM mandate: MLIT formally mandated adoption of BIM/CIM in all public works projects except small-scale ones as general principle from fiscal year 2023.

MLIT launched Construction Information Modeling/Management (CIM) from fiscal year 2012. JACIC supports MLIT CIM projects. CIM creates streamlined and enhanced construction production systems utilizing information sharing between concerned participants from entire industry. Addresses labor shortage problem in construction industries – decreasing young people engagement resulting in higher population aging speed. Social infrastructure aging rapidly with decline in human resources. CIM for engineering experimental run. Dam CIM pioneering model for integrating and visualizing all information for enhancement and streamlining future dam maintenance.

Since start of trial in FY 2012, number of operations and construction projects utilizing BIM/CIM steadily increased. MLIT set goal of applying BIM/CIM principles to all public works projects except small-scale projects by FY 2023 and gradually expanding application. Full-fledged ICT-based construction work starts as part of promotion of i-Construction measures that began in FY 2016. DX Promotion Headquarters for infrastructure sector launched July 2020 to transform social capital and public services. DX Data Center being built with minimum display functions to utilize BIM/CIM and Web conferencing function for shared display of 3D data.

buildingSMART Japan is Japan Chapter of buildingSMART International aiming to create standardization to enable effective interoperability among software to use throughout building’s lifecycle. Vision: Enabling interoperability of construction industry. Throughout lifecycle of project defining and promoting use of specification of shared data used in software/application in each industry and public relations activities. Non-profit organization with open membership requirements, collaborative organization, decision making by consensus, public disclosure of research findings, international solutions, definition of standard specifications through collaboration between software experts and construction industry experts, publication of specifications.

IFC Qualification run by buildingSMART Japan aims to increase usage and precision of IFC data coordination in practice within Japan by creating structure which can objectively check technological content of IFC data coordination by stipulating IFC data coordination to international IFC certification framework. Increase IFC data precision and sharing in practice each subcommittee operating to increase shared understanding of aims workings technical information related to IFC by system users and system developers. Software must satisfy MVD (Model View Definition) to be eligible for certification. MVD defined by Technology Integration Committee based on BIM data coordination scenarios and IDM (Information Delivery Manual).

Tokyo 2020 Olympic Stadium designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma is prime example of BIM in action. Project utilized BIM for design coordination clash detection and construction management. BIM helped streamline construction process ensuring stadium was completed on time and within budget. Stadium cost 157 billion yen ($1.4B USD) with 68000-seat capacity completed 2019 construction began December 2016. Designed by Kengo Kuma Azusa Sekkei and Taisei Corporation. Features large roof eaves encourage air circulation oval-shaped design three tiers of seats beneath partially covered roof made from steel and latticed wood. Sourced 70000+ cubic feet timber from each of Japan’s 47 prefectures. Design inspired by Tokyo’s Edo-period temples.

Guesthouse constructed 2015 by Nikken Sekkei residential building designed as continuous spiral space flowing from approach to bedrooms. Whole structure exists as interconnected space with different elevations. Two-storey building stands on slope descends about 7 meters from road to lake. Architects used Archicad BIM CAD software from early stage to help produce 3D study model. Benefits: Better visualization – 3D BIM model helped architects visualize view of lake from building felt as though actually within structure. Analysis – software helped architects analyze best location for building within site scale of rooms shape and size of openings. Seamless collaboration – 3D BIM models clients and contractors better understand space and design intent.

Narita International Airport opened new terminal March 2015 for low-cost carriers. Designed to handle rapidly expanding budget airlines terminal handles 7.5 million passengers and 50000 aircraft movements per year. BIM software ArchiCAD used to realize structure. Benefits: Planning of structural design and MEP – traditionally concepts and final product require significant timeline development communication coordination execution BIM helped various stakeholders plan structure design MEP in single design. Detailed checks – BIM allowed structure visible from all aspects helped architects check safety of public building.