November 18: Tokyo Urbanism

Among the major cities in the world, international status is no longer a matter of economic power but the quality of life of the living people, especially when it is purchased at the cost of tiny living spaces, long commutes, traffic congestion, a lack of common open space, and high costs of living.  Tokyo’s significant role in advancing Japan forward to become the second largest economy in the world has been changed, but it still has fundamental potential to attract people from all over the world. The history of Edo (former Tokyo) had cultivated Japanese current unique style, but the legal constraints of the modern city of Tokyo strongly influences its urban form. Though several good urban and architectural practices are trying to improve its townscape, and the Tokyo Olympics 2020 will give more impacts to the city.