Sports and leisure architects Populous have announced the opening of a new office in Tokyo as the firm continues its global expansion.

The decision to establish an office in Japan expands Populous’ global footprint to 15 branches worldwide, including six in the Asia-Pacific region. The organisation now has more than 500 employees around the globe.

“Japan offers a wealth of opportunity with its strong culture, burgeoning sports scene and as a global tourist destination,” said Jeff Keas, Populous senior principal. “The world’s stage will shine its light here soon and we welcome an opportunity to share with Japanese community our design and event overlay expertise.”

Populous have been working with the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee since 2015 to advise them on the planning and design for all competition venues and several major non-competition venues ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games.

“Our work to date has been focused on how to create a venue master plan that fits within the highly complex urban context of Tokyo as it relates to a multi-layered system of transportation, security, open space, credentialed access, services and the overall experience for all spectators and fans,” said Mako Ihara, project manager for Populous Japan.

“This global expertise Populous brings to large-scale events and venues will make the 2020 Games a spectacular event.”

The practice has also announced a separate major project in Japan: a new ballpark for Sapporo baseball team Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.

In a statement, they said the arena has been conceived as “the number one ballpark in Asia” and is being designed “to maximise players’ performance on the field and international competitiveness within a mixed-use entertainment district.”