Difference between revisions of "Tokyo" - New World Encyclopedia
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[[Category:cities]] | [[Category:cities]] | ||
[[category:Geography and demographics]] | [[category:Geography and demographics]] | ||
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{{Japanese todofuken | | {{Japanese todofuken | | ||
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| − | '''Tokyo' | + | '''Tokyo''', meaning "eastern capital," is the home to the [[Japanese government]] and [[Emperor of Japan|emperor]], and so the [[Capital of Japan]]. It is also the nation's most populous urban area (12 million people, or about 10 percent of the country's population, live in Tokyo) and the core area of one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. |
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==Structure of Tokyo== | ==Structure of Tokyo== | ||
| − | Under Japanese law, Tokyo is designated as a ''to'' ( | + | |
| + | ((JW-This is actually wrong or misleading—if technically not a city, the 23 wards function as one, but do not constitute the "to" of Tokyo. Tokyo-to is made up of the "city" of 23 wards, plus 39 other municipalities to the west, some of which are rural and mountainous. This section makes the mistake of occasionally confusing the "city" and the "metropolis." This article can mention the part of Tokyo-to outside the 23 wards but must focus predominately on the core, meaning the 23 wards, the part commonly referred to as Tokyo, not its suburbs.)) | ||
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| + | Under Japanese law, Tokyo is designated as a ''to'' (often translated "metropolis"), not a city (although it is often mistaken for one), and its administrative structure is similar to that of Japan's other prefectures. Within Tokyo lie dozens of cities, towns, and villages. It includes 23 wards ("ku"), which until 1943 comprised the city of Tokyo but are now separate, self-governing municipalities, each with a mayor and a council, and having the status of a city. In addition to these 23 municipalities, Tokyo also encompasses 26 more cities ("shi"), 5 towns ("chō" or "machi"), and 8 villages ("son" or "mura"), each of which has a local government. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is headed by a publicly-elected governor and metropolitan assembly. Its headquarters are located in the ward of [[Shinjuku]]. Tokyo includes lakes, rivers, dams, farms, remote islands, and national parks, in addition to its famous neon jungle, skyscrapers and crowded subways. | ||
==Location== | ==Location== | ||
| − | Tokyo is located in the [[ | + | Tokyo is located in the [[Kanto]] region on the island of [[Honshu]]. |
| + | ((JW-discarded is material that again confuses the city and prefecture.)) | ||
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==Influence== | ==Influence== | ||
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==History== | ==History== | ||
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[[Image:TokyoEdoCastleBase.jpg|thumb|300px|Stone foundation of the main tower at [[Edo Castle]].]] | [[Image:TokyoEdoCastleBase.jpg|thumb|300px|Stone foundation of the main tower at [[Edo Castle]].]] | ||
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Since the city's early beginnings and even now, Edo/Tokyo has always had a large non-native population. Ieyasu himself was an outsider who brought many outsiders to help build the city and government. The [[sankin kotai]] system also required provincial [[daimyo|warlords]] to periodically parade to Edo and keep a residence in the city along with key family members and samurai retainers. The term "[[Edokko]]" (child of Edo) was even coined (and still used today) to distinguish the natives from the non-natives. | Since the city's early beginnings and even now, Edo/Tokyo has always had a large non-native population. Ieyasu himself was an outsider who brought many outsiders to help build the city and government. The [[sankin kotai]] system also required provincial [[daimyo|warlords]] to periodically parade to Edo and keep a residence in the city along with key family members and samurai retainers. The term "[[Edokko]]" (child of Edo) was even coined (and still used today) to distinguish the natives from the non-natives. | ||
| − | After 250 years, the shogunate was overthrown under the banner of [[Meiji Restoration|restoring imperial rule]]. In | + | After 250 years, the shogunate was overthrown under the banner of [[Meiji Restoration|restoring imperial rule]]. In 1869, the figurehead 17-year-old [[Emperor Meiji]] moved to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo. Tokyo was already the nation's political, economic, and cultural center, and the emperor's residence made it a de facto imperial capital as well with the former Edo Castle becoming the [[Kokyo|Imperial Palace]]. |
[[Image:Karte Tokia MKL1888.png|thumb|A map from the 1888 [[Meyers Konversations-Lexikon]] [[Encyclopedia]] shows the old German name for Tokyo, Jedo.]] | [[Image:Karte Tokia MKL1888.png|thumb|A map from the 1888 [[Meyers Konversations-Lexikon]] [[Encyclopedia]] shows the old German name for Tokyo, Jedo.]] | ||
| − | Tokyo went on to suffer two major catastrophes and has remarkably recovered from both of them. One was the [[Great Kanto Earthquake]] in 1923, and the other was [[World War II]]. The [[Bombing_of_Tokyo_in_World_War_II|firebombings in 1945]] were almost as devastating as the atomic bombs of [[Hiroshima]] and [[Nagasaki]] combined. Large areas of the city were flattened. Today, hardly a trace of the war is evident to visitors to the city, but many people still carry its emotional scars. | + | Tokyo went on to suffer two major catastrophes and has remarkably recovered from both of them. One was the [[Great Kanto Earthquake]] in 1923, and the other was [[World War II]]. The [[Bombing_of_Tokyo_in_World_War_II|firebombings in 1945]] were almost as devastating as the atomic bombs of [[Hiroshima]] and [[Nagasaki]] combined. Large areas of the city were flattened. Today, hardly a trace of the war is evident to visitors to the city, but many people still carry its emotional scars((?)). |
| − | After the war, Tokyo was rebuilt with excellent train and subway systems, which were showcased to the world during the city's | + | After the war, Tokyo was rebuilt with excellent train and subway systems, which were showcased to the world during the city's 1964 Summer Olympics. The 1970s brought new high-rise developments, a new and controversial [[Narita International Airport|airport]] at [[Narita]] (1978), and a population increase to about 11 million (in the metropolitan area). In the 1980s, real estate prices skyrocketed during an economic [[Japanese asset price bubble|bubble]]: many got rich quick, but the bubble burst in the early 1990s and many companies, banks, and individuals were caught with real estate shrinking in value. A major recession followed, making the 1990s Japan's "[[lost decade]]" which still continues today((?)). |
Tokyo still sees new or renewed urban centers being developed on large lots of idle land. Recent projects include [[Ebisu, Tokyo|Ebisu]] Garden Place, Tennozu Isle, Shiodome, [[Roppongi Hills]], Shinagawa (now also a [[shinkansen]] station), and Tokyo Station (Marunouchi side). Land reclamation projects in Tokyo have also been going on for centuries. The most prominent is the [[Odaiba]] area, now a major shopping and entertainment center. | Tokyo still sees new or renewed urban centers being developed on large lots of idle land. Recent projects include [[Ebisu, Tokyo|Ebisu]] Garden Place, Tennozu Isle, Shiodome, [[Roppongi Hills]], Shinagawa (now also a [[shinkansen]] station), and Tokyo Station (Marunouchi side). Land reclamation projects in Tokyo have also been going on for centuries. The most prominent is the [[Odaiba]] area, now a major shopping and entertainment center. | ||
==Geography and administrative divisions == | ==Geography and administrative divisions == | ||
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| − | + | Tokyo is northwest of Tokyo Bay. ((JW-same again)) | |
| − | + | Toyko has been hit by powerful earthquakes in 1703, 1782, 1812, 1855 and 1923. The 1923 earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 8.3 killed 142,000 people. | |
| − | Tokyo | + | Tokyo is also part of [[Greater Tokyo]], by far the world's most populous metropolitan region, which includes the surrounding prefectures of Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba. |
| − | ===The 23 | + | ===The 23 wards=== |
| − | Each of the | + | Each of the 23 wards of Tokyo is a local [[municipality]] with its own elected mayor and assembly. It differs from an ordinary city in that certain governmental functions are handled by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. |
As of September 1, 2003, the official total population of the 23 wards combined was about 8.34 million, with a population density of 13,416 persons per square kilometer. | As of September 1, 2003, the official total population of the 23 wards combined was about 8.34 million, with a population density of 13,416 persons per square kilometer. | ||
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=== Major Districts === | === Major Districts === | ||
[[Image:shinjukuneon2.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Shinjuku, Tokyo|Shinjuku]] by night.]] | [[Image:shinjukuneon2.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Shinjuku, Tokyo|Shinjuku]] by night.]] | ||
| − | [[Image:shibuya01.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Shibuya, Tokyo|Shibuya]], considered the center of Japanese youth culture, boasts one of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings, the [[scramble crossing]] in front of the [[Hachiko | + | [[Image:shibuya01.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Shibuya, Tokyo|Shibuya]], considered the center of Japanese youth culture, boasts one of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings, the [[scramble crossing]] in front of the [[Hachiko]] exit of Shibuya station.]] |
| − | The center of Tokyo is [[Kokyo|Kokyo]], or the Imperial Palace, the former site of Edo Castle. The term "central Tokyo" today may refer to either the area within the looping Yamanote train line or to Tokyo's | + | The center of Tokyo is [[Kokyo|Kokyo]], or the Imperial Palace, the former site of Edo Castle. The term "central Tokyo" today may refer to either the area within the looping Yamanote train line or to Tokyo's 23 wards covering about 621 square kilometers. |
There are a number of major urban centers where business, shopping, and entertainment are concentrated. They are each centered at a major train station where multiple train lines operate. | There are a number of major urban centers where business, shopping, and entertainment are concentrated. They are each centered at a major train station where multiple train lines operate. | ||
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*[[Kinshicho, Tokyo|Kinshicho]] — Major shopping and entertainment area in eastern Tokyo. | *[[Kinshicho, Tokyo|Kinshicho]] — Major shopping and entertainment area in eastern Tokyo. | ||
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*[[Nagatacho]] - The political heart of Tokyo and the nation. It is the location of the Diet, government ministries, and party headquarters. | *[[Nagatacho]] - The political heart of Tokyo and the nation. It is the location of the Diet, government ministries, and party headquarters. | ||
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[[Image:TokyoStockExchange1144.jpg|thumb|140px|[[Tokyo Stock Exchange]]]] | [[Image:TokyoStockExchange1144.jpg|thumb|140px|[[Tokyo Stock Exchange]]]] | ||
| − | Tokyo has the largest metropolitan economy in the world: its nominal GDP of around $1.315 trillion is greater than the 8th largest ''national'' economy in the world | + | Tokyo has the largest metropolitan economy in the world: its nominal GDP of around $1.315 trillion is greater than the 8th-largest ''national'' economy in the world. It is a major international finance center, headquarters to several of the world's largest [[investment bank]]s and [[insurance]] companies, and serves as a hub for Japan's [[transportation]], [[publishing]], and [[broadcasting]] industries. |
During the centralized growth of Japan's economy following [[World War II]], many large firms moved their headquarters from cities such as [[Osaka]] (the historical commercial capital) to Tokyo, in an attempt to take advantage of better access to the government. This trend has begun to slow due to ongoing population growth in Tokyo and the high cost of living there. | During the centralized growth of Japan's economy following [[World War II]], many large firms moved their headquarters from cities such as [[Osaka]] (the historical commercial capital) to Tokyo, in an attempt to take advantage of better access to the government. This trend has begun to slow due to ongoing population growth in Tokyo and the high cost of living there. | ||
== Demographics == | == Demographics == | ||
| − | As one of the | + | As one of the major cities of the world, Tokyo has over 8 million people living within its 23 wards, and during the daytime, the population swells by over 2.5 million as workers and students commute from adjacent areas. This effect is even more pronounced in the three central wards of [[Chiyoda]], [[Chuo]], and [[Minato]], whose collective population is less than 300,000 at night, but over 2 million during the day. |
'''Population''' | '''Population''' | ||
| − | + | (as of Oct. 1, 2003) | |
| − | + | *23 wards: 8.34 million | |
| − | *23 | ||
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| − | By age ( | + | By age (as of Jan. 1, 2003) |
*Juveniles (0-14): 1.433 million (12%) | *Juveniles (0-14): 1.433 million (12%) | ||
*Working population (15-64): 8.507 million (71.4%) | *Working population (15-64): 8.507 million (71.4%) | ||
*Aged population (65+): 2.057 million (16.6%) | *Aged population (65+): 2.057 million (16.6%) | ||
| − | By time ( | + | By time of day (as of 2000) |
*Nighttime: 12.017 million | *Nighttime: 12.017 million | ||
*Daytime: 14.667 million | *Daytime: 14.667 million | ||
| − | By nationality | + | By nationality (as of Jan. 1, 2005) |
| − | + | *Foreign residents: 353,826 | |
| − | *Top 5 Nationalities of | + | *Top 5 Nationalities of foreign residents: Chinese (120,331), Korean (103,191), Philippine (31,505), American (18, 043), British (7,585) |
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== Transportation == | == Transportation == | ||
| − | Tokyo is Japan's largest domestic and international hub for rail, ground, and air transportation. Public transportation within Tokyo is dominated by an extensive network of clean and efficient, if occasionally very crowded trains and subways run by a variety of operators, with buses, monorails and trams playing a secondary role. | + | Tokyo is Japan's largest domestic and international hub for rail, ground, and air transportation. Public transportation within Tokyo is dominated by an extensive network of clean and efficient, if occasionally very crowded trains and subways run by a variety of operators, with buses, monorails, and trams playing a secondary role. |
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=== Airports === | === Airports === | ||
| − | * [[Tokyo International Airport]] in [[ | + | * [[Tokyo International Airport]] in [[Ota]] Ward (Haneda) — Mainly for domestic flights. |
| − | * [[Narita International Airport]] in [[ | + | * [[Narita International Airport]] in [[Narita]], [[Chiba Prefecture]] — Major gateway for international travelers. ((JW-how far away?)) |
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===Railways and subways=== | ===Railways and subways=== | ||
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[[Image:OedoLineRopongi.jpg|thumb|[[Toei Oedo Line]] is Tokyo's deepest subway line.]] | [[Image:OedoLineRopongi.jpg|thumb|[[Toei Oedo Line]] is Tokyo's deepest subway line.]] | ||
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===Buses=== | ===Buses=== | ||
[[Image:TokyoBus1397.jpg|thumb|right|[[Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation|Toei]] bus]] | [[Image:TokyoBus1397.jpg|thumb|right|[[Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation|Toei]] bus]] | ||
| − | The metropolitan government operates ''Toei'' buses mainly within the | + | The metropolitan government operates ''Toei'' buses mainly within the 23 wards while private bus companies operate other bus routes. Bus transportation is convenient for places far from the train or subway stations. Most bus routes stop or terminate at a train or subway station. |
===Others=== | ===Others=== | ||
*Taxis—Available along most major streets. Starting fare is about 650 yen. | *Taxis—Available along most major streets. Starting fare is about 650 yen. | ||
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*Expressways—Many expressways converge at Tokyo including the [[Tomei Expressway]], [[Chuo Expressway]], Kan'etsu National Expressway, Ken-ō Expressway, Tokyo Gaikan Expressway, Daisan Keihin Highway, and Keiyo Highway. The Shuto Expressway network covers central Tokyo, linking the intercity expressways together. | *Expressways—Many expressways converge at Tokyo including the [[Tomei Expressway]], [[Chuo Expressway]], Kan'etsu National Expressway, Ken-ō Expressway, Tokyo Gaikan Expressway, Daisan Keihin Highway, and Keiyo Highway. The Shuto Expressway network covers central Tokyo, linking the intercity expressways together. | ||
== Tourism == | == Tourism == | ||
[[Image:tokyotower.jpg|thumb|150px|right|[[Zojoji|Zōjōji]] (a temple in [[Shiba Park]]) and [[Tokyo Tower]].]] | [[Image:tokyotower.jpg|thumb|150px|right|[[Zojoji|Zōjōji]] (a temple in [[Shiba Park]]) and [[Tokyo Tower]].]] | ||
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=== Shrines, temples, and castles === | === Shrines, temples, and castles === | ||
[[Image:MeijiShrinePriestsMaidens1187.jpg|thumb|right|[[Meiji Shrine]]]] | [[Image:MeijiShrinePriestsMaidens1187.jpg|thumb|right|[[Meiji Shrine]]]] | ||
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=== Festivals and events === | === Festivals and events === | ||
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Tokyo holds many festivals large and small throughout the year. | Tokyo holds many festivals large and small throughout the year. | ||
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====Spring (March-May)==== | ====Spring (March-May)==== | ||
[[Image:AsakusaFestival.jpg|thumb|right|Sanja [[Matsuri|Festival]] in [[Asakusa]].]] | [[Image:AsakusaFestival.jpg|thumb|right|Sanja [[Matsuri|Festival]] in [[Asakusa]].]] | ||
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*[[Kappa Matsuri]] at Ebara Shrine in Shinagawa-ku. | *[[Kappa Matsuri]] at Ebara Shrine in Shinagawa-ku. | ||
*[[Kifune Matsuri]] at Kifune Shrine in Ota-ku. | *[[Kifune Matsuri]] at Kifune Shrine in Ota-ku. | ||
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*[[Meiji Shrine Spring Festival]] at [[Meiji Shrine]] in Shibuya-ku. | *[[Meiji Shrine Spring Festival]] at [[Meiji Shrine]] in Shibuya-ku. | ||
*[[Osunafumi Taisai]] (walking-on-sand ritual) at Tamagawa Daishi Temple in Setagaya-ku. | *[[Osunafumi Taisai]] (walking-on-sand ritual) at Tamagawa Daishi Temple in Setagaya-ku. | ||
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*[[Tokyo Dome]]—Baseball, concerts | *[[Tokyo Dome]]—Baseball, concerts | ||
*[[Oedo Onsen Monogatari]] in [[Odaiba]]—Hot spring | *[[Oedo Onsen Monogatari]] in [[Odaiba]]—Hot spring | ||
| − | *[[Tokyo Disney|Tokyo Disney Resort]]—Disneyland and Disneysea | + | *[[Tokyo Disney|Tokyo Disney Resort]]—Disneyland and Disneysea ((how far away??)) |
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== Prefectural symbols == | == Prefectural symbols == | ||
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*[[National Noh Theater]] (Kokuritsu Nohgaku-do) | *[[National Noh Theater]] (Kokuritsu Nohgaku-do) | ||
*[[National Theatre]] (Kokuritsu Gekijo) | *[[National Theatre]] (Kokuritsu Gekijo) | ||
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=== Modern architecture === | === Modern architecture === | ||
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Some Hollywood directors have turned to Tokyo as a filming location. Well-known examples from the postwar era include ''[[Tokyo Joe]]'', ''[[My Geisha]]'', and the [[James Bond]] film ''[[You Only Live Twice]]''; well-known contemporary examples include ''[[Kill Bill]]'' and ''[[Lost in Translation]]''. | Some Hollywood directors have turned to Tokyo as a filming location. Well-known examples from the postwar era include ''[[Tokyo Joe]]'', ''[[My Geisha]]'', and the [[James Bond]] film ''[[You Only Live Twice]]''; well-known contemporary examples include ''[[Kill Bill]]'' and ''[[Lost in Translation]]''. | ||
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==Education== | ==Education== | ||
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===Universities in Tokyo=== | ===Universities in Tokyo=== | ||
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[[Image:Akamon.jpg|thumb|right|[[Akamon Gate]] at the [[University of Tokyo]].]] | [[Image:Akamon.jpg|thumb|right|[[Akamon Gate]] at the [[University of Tokyo]].]] | ||
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====National Universities==== | ====National Universities==== | ||
*[[Ochanomizu University]] | *[[Ochanomizu University]] | ||
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{| | {| | ||
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*[[Aoyama Gakuin University]] | *[[Aoyama Gakuin University]] | ||
*[[Asia University]] | *[[Asia University]] | ||
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*[[Kokushikan University]] | *[[Kokushikan University]] | ||
*[[Komazawa University]] | *[[Komazawa University]] | ||
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*[[Seijo University]] | *[[Seijo University]] | ||
*[[Seikei University]] | *[[Seikei University]] | ||
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*[[Temple University Japan]] | *[[Temple University Japan]] | ||
*[[Tokyo University of Agriculture]] | *[[Tokyo University of Agriculture]] | ||
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*[[Tokyo University of Science]] | *[[Tokyo University of Science]] | ||
*[[Toho University]] | *[[Toho University]] | ||
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===Public schools=== | ===Public schools=== | ||
| − | The kindergartens, [[elementary school]]s (years 1 through 6), and [[junior high school]]s (7 through 9) are operated by local wards or municipal offices. Public [[high school]]s in Tokyo are run by the [[Tokyo Metropolitan Government Board of Education]] and are called "Metropolitan High Schools" | + | The kindergartens, [[elementary school]]s (years 1 through 6), and [[junior high school]]s (7 through 9) are operated by local wards or municipal offices. Public [[high school]]s in Tokyo are run by the [[Tokyo Metropolitan Government Board of Education]] and are called "Metropolitan High Schools." |
===Private schools=== | ===Private schools=== | ||
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==Professional sports== | ==Professional sports== | ||
[[Image:JapanSumoMatch.jpg|thumb|right|A [[sumo]] match at [[Ryogoku Kokugikan]].]] | [[Image:JapanSumoMatch.jpg|thumb|right|A [[sumo]] match at [[Ryogoku Kokugikan]].]] | ||
| − | Tokyo is home to two professional [[baseball]] clubs, the [[Yakult Swallows]] ([[Meiji Jingu Stadium]]) and [[Yomiuri Giants]] ([[Tokyo Dome]]). | + | Tokyo is home to two professional [[baseball]] clubs, the [[Yakult Swallows]] ([[Meiji Jingu Stadium]]) and [[Yomiuri Giants]] ([[Tokyo Dome]]). ((What about the Nippon Ham Fighters?)) |
The [[Japan Sumo Association]] is also headquartered in Tokyo at the [[Ryogoku, Tokyo|Ryogoku]] Kokugikan sumo arena where three official [[sumo]] tournaments are held annually (in January, May, and September). | The [[Japan Sumo Association]] is also headquartered in Tokyo at the [[Ryogoku, Tokyo|Ryogoku]] Kokugikan sumo arena where three official [[sumo]] tournaments are held annually (in January, May, and September). | ||
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=== Sister relationships === | === Sister relationships === | ||
<!-- Note to editors: Please do not put a link in a header. —> | <!-- Note to editors: Please do not put a link in a header. —> | ||
| − | Tokyo has [[ | + | Tokyo has [[sister-city relationships]] with several places worldwide: |
<!-- Note to editors: [[Mexico City]], [[Mexico]] we have been unable to verify that Mexico City has a sister-city relationship with Tokyo. If you can provide a reliable reference, we will be very grateful. —> | <!-- Note to editors: [[Mexico City]], [[Mexico]] we have been unable to verify that Mexico City has a sister-city relationship with Tokyo. If you can provide a reliable reference, we will be very grateful. —> | ||
* [[Beijing]], [[People's Republic of China]] | * [[Beijing]], [[People's Republic of China]] | ||
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* [[Seoul]], [[South Korea]] | * [[Seoul]], [[South Korea]] | ||
| − | + | In addition, many of the wards and cities within Tokyo maintain sister-city relationships with other foreign cities. | |
| − | + | ==External links== | |
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* [http://www.japantimes.co.jp/festivals.htm Festivals around Tokyo] The Japan Times | * [http://www.japantimes.co.jp/festivals.htm Festivals around Tokyo] The Japan Times | ||
* [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Tokyo&spn=0.168623,0.234180&t=k&hl=en Interactive satellite view of the area] | * [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Tokyo&spn=0.168623,0.234180&t=k&hl=en Interactive satellite view of the area] | ||
Revision as of 07:23, 18 December 2005
| Map of Japan with Tokyo highlighted | |
| Capital | Shinjuku |
| Region | Kanto |
| Island | Honshu |
| Governor | Shintaro Ishihara |
| Area | 2,187.08 km² (45th) |
| - % water | 1.0% |
| Population (October 1, 2003) | |
| - Population | 12,527,115 (8,444,531 in 23 wards) (1st) |
| - Density | 5655 /km² |
| Districts | 1 |
| Municipalities | 62 |
| ISO 3166-2 | JP-13 |
| Website | www.metro.tokyo.jp/ ENGLISH/ |
| Prefectural Symbols | |
| - Flower | Somei-Yoshino cherry blossom |
| - Tree | Ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) |
| - Bird | Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) |
| Symbol of Tokyo Prefecture Adopted in June 1989, Tokyo's official symbol has three arcs forming the letter T for Tokyo in the shape of a vivid green ginkgo leaf. It symbolizes Tokyo's future growth and prosperity, charm, and tranquility. | |
Tokyo, meaning "eastern capital," is the home to the Japanese government and emperor, and so the Capital of Japan. It is also the nation's most populous urban area (12 million people, or about 10 percent of the country's population, live in Tokyo) and the core area of one of the 47 prefectures of Japan.
Structure of Tokyo
((JW-This is actually wrong or misleading—if technically not a city, the 23 wards function as one, but do not constitute the "to" of Tokyo. Tokyo-to is made up of the "city" of 23 wards, plus 39 other municipalities to the west, some of which are rural and mountainous. This section makes the mistake of occasionally confusing the "city" and the "metropolis." This article can mention the part of Tokyo-to outside the 23 wards but must focus predominately on the core, meaning the 23 wards, the part commonly referred to as Tokyo, not its suburbs.))
Under Japanese law, Tokyo is designated as a to (often translated "metropolis"), not a city (although it is often mistaken for one), and its administrative structure is similar to that of Japan's other prefectures. Within Tokyo lie dozens of cities, towns, and villages. It includes 23 wards ("ku"), which until 1943 comprised the city of Tokyo but are now separate, self-governing municipalities, each with a mayor and a council, and having the status of a city. In addition to these 23 municipalities, Tokyo also encompasses 26 more cities ("shi"), 5 towns ("chō" or "machi"), and 8 villages ("son" or "mura"), each of which has a local government. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is headed by a publicly-elected governor and metropolitan assembly. Its headquarters are located in the ward of Shinjuku. Tokyo includes lakes, rivers, dams, farms, remote islands, and national parks, in addition to its famous neon jungle, skyscrapers and crowded subways.
Location
Tokyo is located in the Kanto region on the island of Honshu. ((JW-discarded is material that again confuses the city and prefecture.))
Influence
As the nation's center of politics, business, finance, education, mass media, and pop culture, Tokyo has Japan's highest concentration of corporate headquarters, financial institutions, universities and colleges, museums, theaters, and shopping and entertainment establishments. It boasts a highly-developed public transportation system with numerous train and subway lines.
This extreme concentration is both boon and bane, prompting an ongoing debate over moving the nation's capital to another region. There is also great fear of a catastrophic earthquake striking Tokyo, which may in effect cripple the entire nation. Nevertheless, Tokyo continues to draw people from across Japan and other countries; a substantial portion of the population is not native to the region, and Tokyo is still a place to meet people from all over the country and the world. Tokyo is generally considered one of the world's four most prominent "global cities" (alongside London, New York City, and Paris).
History
Tokyo's rise to prominence can be largely attributed to two men: Tokugawa Ieyasu and Emperor Meiji. In 1603, after unifying the warring states of Japan, Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu made Edo (now Tokyo) his base of operations. As a result, the city developed rapidly and grew to become one of the largest cities in the world with a population topping 1 million by the 18th century. It became the de facto capital of Japan even while the emperor resided in Kyoto, the imperial capital.
Since the city's early beginnings and even now, Edo/Tokyo has always had a large non-native population. Ieyasu himself was an outsider who brought many outsiders to help build the city and government. The sankin kotai system also required provincial warlords to periodically parade to Edo and keep a residence in the city along with key family members and samurai retainers. The term "Edokko" (child of Edo) was even coined (and still used today) to distinguish the natives from the non-natives.
After 250 years, the shogunate was overthrown under the banner of restoring imperial rule. In 1869, the figurehead 17-year-old Emperor Meiji moved to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo. Tokyo was already the nation's political, economic, and cultural center, and the emperor's residence made it a de facto imperial capital as well with the former Edo Castle becoming the Imperial Palace.
Tokyo went on to suffer two major catastrophes and has remarkably recovered from both of them. One was the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, and the other was World War II. The firebombings in 1945 were almost as devastating as the atomic bombs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki combined. Large areas of the city were flattened. Today, hardly a trace of the war is evident to visitors to the city, but many people still carry its emotional scars((?)).
After the war, Tokyo was rebuilt with excellent train and subway systems, which were showcased to the world during the city's 1964 Summer Olympics. The 1970s brought new high-rise developments, a new and controversial airport at Narita (1978), and a population increase to about 11 million (in the metropolitan area). In the 1980s, real estate prices skyrocketed during an economic bubble: many got rich quick, but the bubble burst in the early 1990s and many companies, banks, and individuals were caught with real estate shrinking in value. A major recession followed, making the 1990s Japan's "lost decade" which still continues today((?)).
Tokyo still sees new or renewed urban centers being developed on large lots of idle land. Recent projects include Ebisu Garden Place, Tennozu Isle, Shiodome, Roppongi Hills, Shinagawa (now also a shinkansen station), and Tokyo Station (Marunouchi side). Land reclamation projects in Tokyo have also been going on for centuries. The most prominent is the Odaiba area, now a major shopping and entertainment center.
Geography and administrative divisions
Tokyo is northwest of Tokyo Bay. ((JW-same again))
Toyko has been hit by powerful earthquakes in 1703, 1782, 1812, 1855 and 1923. The 1923 earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 8.3 killed 142,000 people.
Tokyo is also part of Greater Tokyo, by far the world's most populous metropolitan region, which includes the surrounding prefectures of Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba.
The 23 wards
Each of the 23 wards of Tokyo is a local municipality with its own elected mayor and assembly. It differs from an ordinary city in that certain governmental functions are handled by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
As of September 1, 2003, the official total population of the 23 wards combined was about 8.34 million, with a population density of 13,416 persons per square kilometer.
Major Districts
The center of Tokyo is Kokyo, or the Imperial Palace, the former site of Edo Castle. The term "central Tokyo" today may refer to either the area within the looping Yamanote train line or to Tokyo's 23 wards covering about 621 square kilometers.
There are a number of major urban centers where business, shopping, and entertainment are concentrated. They are each centered at a major train station where multiple train lines operate.
- Shinjuku — Tokyo's capital where the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is located. It is best known for Tokyo's early skyscrapers since the early 1970s. Major department stores, camera and computer stores, and hotels can be found. On the east side of Shinjuku Station, Kabuki-cho is notorious for its many bars and nightclubs.
- Marunouchi and Otemachi — The main financial and business district of Tokyo has many headquarters of banks, trading companies, and other major businesses. The area is seeing a major redevelopment with new buildings for shopping and entertainment constructed in front of Tokyo Station's Marunouchi side.
- Ginza and Yurakucho — Major shopping and entertainment district with department stores, upscale shops selling brand-name goods, and movie theaters.
- Shinbashi—By being the gateway to Odaiba and having the new Shiodome Shiosite complex of high-rise buildings, this area has been effectively revitalized.
- Shinagawa — In addition to the major hotels on the west side of Shinagawa Station, the former sleepy east side of the station has been redeveloped as a major center for business.
- Shibuya — A longtime center of shopping, fashion, and entertainment, especially for the younger set.
- Ikebukuro — Anchored by the Sunshine City (which was once Tokyo's tallest building) hotel and shopping complex, this is another area where people gather due to the various train lines shooting out of Ikebukuro Station.
- Ueno — Ueno Station serves areas north of Tokyo from where many people commute. Besides department stores and shops in Ameyoko, Ueno boasts Ueno Park, Ueno Zoo, and major national museums. In spring, Ueno Park and adjacent Shinobazu Pond are prime places to view cherry blossoms.
- Odaiba — A large, reclaimed, waterfront area that has become one of Tokyo's most popular shopping and entertainment districts.
- Kinshicho — Major shopping and entertainment area in eastern Tokyo.
- Nagatacho - The political heart of Tokyo and the nation. It is the location of the Diet, government ministries, and party headquarters.
- Akasaka - Upscale commercial district next to Roppongi, Nagatacho, and Aoyama.
- Aoyama - An upscale neighborhood of Tokyo with parks, an enormous cemetery, expensive housing, trendy cafes, and international restaurants (includes the subway station Omotesando).
Economy
Tokyo has the largest metropolitan economy in the world: its nominal GDP of around $1.315 trillion is greater than the 8th-largest national economy in the world. It is a major international finance center, headquarters to several of the world's largest investment banks and insurance companies, and serves as a hub for Japan's transportation, publishing, and broadcasting industries.
During the centralized growth of Japan's economy following World War II, many large firms moved their headquarters from cities such as Osaka (the historical commercial capital) to Tokyo, in an attempt to take advantage of better access to the government. This trend has begun to slow due to ongoing population growth in Tokyo and the high cost of living there.
Demographics
As one of the major cities of the world, Tokyo has over 8 million people living within its 23 wards, and during the daytime, the population swells by over 2.5 million as workers and students commute from adjacent areas. This effect is even more pronounced in the three central wards of Chiyoda, Chuo, and Minato, whose collective population is less than 300,000 at night, but over 2 million during the day.
Population
(as of Oct. 1, 2003)
- 23 wards: 8.34 million
By age (as of Jan. 1, 2003)
- Juveniles (0-14): 1.433 million (12%)
- Working population (15-64): 8.507 million (71.4%)
- Aged population (65+): 2.057 million (16.6%)
By time of day (as of 2000)
- Nighttime: 12.017 million
- Daytime: 14.667 million
By nationality (as of Jan. 1, 2005)
- Foreign residents: 353,826
- Top 5 Nationalities of foreign residents: Chinese (120,331), Korean (103,191), Philippine (31,505), American (18, 043), British (7,585)
Transportation
Tokyo is Japan's largest domestic and international hub for rail, ground, and air transportation. Public transportation within Tokyo is dominated by an extensive network of clean and efficient, if occasionally very crowded trains and subways run by a variety of operators, with buses, monorails, and trams playing a secondary role.
Airports
- Tokyo International Airport in Ota Ward (Haneda) — Mainly for domestic flights.
- Narita International Airport in Narita, Chiba Prefecture — Major gateway for international travelers. ((JW-how far away?))
Railways and subways
Rail is the primary mode of transportation in Tokyo, which has the most extensive underground network in the world and an equally extensive network of surface lines. Most lines in Tokyo are privately owned and operated, with the exception of Toei Subway (run directly by the metropolitan government). Railway and subway lines are highly integrated; commuter trains from the suburbs continue directly into the subway network on many lines, often emerging on the other side of the city to serve another company's surface line. It is estimated some 20 million people take the 70 plus train lines and go through 1000 stations in the metropolitan area daily. Some of the larger stations, like Shinjuku Station and Tokyo station, are miles long and are the busiest in the world.
Buses
The metropolitan government operates Toei buses mainly within the 23 wards while private bus companies operate other bus routes. Bus transportation is convenient for places far from the train or subway stations. Most bus routes stop or terminate at a train or subway station.
Others
- Taxis—Available along most major streets. Starting fare is about 650 yen.
- Expressways—Many expressways converge at Tokyo including the Tomei Expressway, Chuo Expressway, Kan'etsu National Expressway, Ken-ō Expressway, Tokyo Gaikan Expressway, Daisan Keihin Highway, and Keiyo Highway. The Shuto Expressway network covers central Tokyo, linking the intercity expressways together.
Tourism
Shrines, temples, and castles
The Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Sensoji Temple are the three most popular ones in Tokyo.
- Kokyo, or the Imperial Palace — Home of the Emperor and Crown Prince and their families.
- Sensoji — Asakusa
- Meiji Shrine — Dedicated to Emperor Meiji
- State Guest-House
- Yasukuni Shrine
- Zojoji — Main headquarters of the Pure Land Buddhism (浄土宗）sect.
- Tsukiji Honganji Temple — Tokyo headquarters of the Jodo Shinshu Nishi Honganji Buddhist sect.
- Gokokuji Temple
Festivals and events
Tokyo holds many festivals large and small throughout the year.
Spring (March-May)
- Bunkyo Tsutsuji Matsuri (azalea festival) at Nezu Shrine in Bunkyo-ku.
- Fuji Matsuri (wisteria festival) at Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Koto-ku.
- Hinode Matsuri (sunrise festival) at Mitake Shrine in Ome.
- Kachiya Festival at Katori Shrine in Koto-ku.
- Kanda Myojin Omikoshi Togyo at Kanda Myojin Shrine in Chiyoda-ku.
- Kappa Matsuri at Ebara Shrine in Shinagawa-ku.
- Kifune Matsuri at Kifune Shrine in Ota-ku.
- Meiji Shrine Spring Festival at Meiji Shrine in Shibuya-ku.
- Osunafumi Taisai (walking-on-sand ritual) at Tamagawa Daishi Temple in Setagaya-ku.
- Sanja Matsuri at Asakusa Shrine in Taito-ku.
- Shishi Matsuri (lion dance festival) at Nagasaki Shrine in Toshima-ku.
- Takigi Noh (open-air torchlight Noh performance) at Zojoji Temple in Minato-ku.
- Yayoi Matsuri ceremony by the Edo Shobo Kinen-kai (Edo Civilian Fire Fighters' Association) in the vicinity of Sensoji Temple in Taito-ku.
Summer (June-Aug.)
- Koenji Awa Odori
- Asakusa Samba Matsuri
- Sumida Fireworks in Asakusa and Sumida Ward
- Tokyo Bay Fireworks
- Jingu Fireworks
- Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri
Fall (Sept.-Nov.)
- Tokyo Jidai Matsuri in Asakusa
Winter (Dec.-Feb.)
- Hatsumode New Year's Prayers at Meiji Shrine, Sensoji, and other major shrines and temples
- Dezome-shiki Fireman's Parade at Tokyo Big Sight
- Setsubun at Sensoji and other major temples
Others
- Grand Sumo Tournaments in Jan., May, and Sept. at the Ryogoku Kokugikan
- Tsukiji fish market
Parks and gardens
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Flowers
- Plum blossoms (Feb.-March)—Yoshino Baigo in Ome, Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden, Hanegi Park in Umegaoka
- Cherry blossoms (Late March-early April)—Ueno Park and Shinobazu Pond, Yoyogi Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, Inokashira Park in Kichijoji, Chidorigafuchi Imperial Palace moat near the Budokan, Aoyama Cemetery, Sumida Park and River near Asakusa, International Christian University
- Wisteria (Late April-early May)—Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Koto Ward
- Azaleas (Late April-early May)—Nezu Shrine, East Garden of the Imperial Palace, Shiofune Kannon Temple in Ome
- Roses (mid-late May)—Jindai Botanical Garden in Chofu
- Irises (early-mid June)—Meiji Shrine, Horikiri Iris Garden
- Hydrangeas (June-July)—Takahata Fudo Temple, Hino
Scenic views
- Tokyo Tower
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory
- Rainbow Bridge walkway
- Sunshine City Observatory in Ikebukuro
- Fuji TV Headquarters Observatory in Odaiba
Shopping and entertainment
Tokyo has various shopping districts famous for specific products. Akihabara is well-known for electronics stores, Shinjuku for camera and book shops, Ginza for department stores and luxury goods, Shibuya and Harajuku for teenage fashion, and Jinbocho for used (and new) books.
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Prefectural symbols
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government uses a gingko leaf design in iron fences along streets, Toei metropolitan buses, and other facilities they own or operate.
Traditional symbols of Tokyo include Nijubashi (a bridge at the Imperial Palace), the National Diet Building, the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) housing the big red paper lantern at Sensoji in Asakusa, the State Guest-House in the Akasaka Imperial Palace, and the Meiji-era facade of Tokyo Station. More contemporary symbols include the skyscrapers of Shinjuku, the neon signs at night in Ginza, Tokyo Tower, the Rainbow Bridge, and the Mori Tower at Roppongi Hills, among many others.
Culture
Museums
Tokyo has numerous museums and art galleries. This list is by no means exhaustive.
- Tokyo National Museum
- National Museum of Western Art
- Edo-Tokyo Museum
- Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
- Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo in Kiba
- Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
- Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography in Ebisu Garden Place
- Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space
- Tokyo Bunka Kaikan
- Kokugikan Sumo Museum
- Fukagawa-Edo Museum in Koto Ward
- Japanese Sword Museum
- Tokyo Opera City
- Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills
Theaters
- Kabuki-za
- National Noh Theater (Kokuritsu Nohgaku-do)
- National Theatre (Kokuritsu Gekijo)
Modern architecture
- Tokyo Tower
- Rainbow Bridge
- National Diet Building
- Yoyogi Olympic Pool
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
- Tokyo Big Sight
- Tokyo Station red brick building
- Tokyo International Forum
- Roppongi Hills
Fashion
- Omotesando—Fashion capital of Japan.
- Harajuku—Street fashion capital of Japan.
- Shibuya—Teen fashion capital of Japan.
Tokyo in popular media
As the largest city in Japan and the location of the country's largest broadcasters and studios, Tokyo is frequently the setting for many Japanese movies, television shows, animated series (anime), and comic books (manga). The most well-known outside Japan may be the kaiju (monster movie) genre, in which landmarks of Tokyo are routinely destroyed. Many comic books and animated series set in Tokyo, such as Sailor Moon, Ranma ½, and Yu-Gi-Oh!, have become popular across the world as well.
Some Hollywood directors have turned to Tokyo as a filming location. Well-known examples from the postwar era include Tokyo Joe, My Geisha, and the James Bond film You Only Live Twice; well-known contemporary examples include Kill Bill and Lost in Translation.
Education
Being the nation's center of education, Tokyo boasts many universities, junior colleges, and vocational schools. Many of Japan's most prestigious universities are in Tokyo. The most prestigious is the University of Tokyo. Other schools include Keio University, Hitotsubashi University, and Waseda University.
Tokyo also has a few universities well-known for classes instructed in English. They include International Christian University, Sophia University, and Temple University Japan.
Universities in Tokyo
National Universities
- Ochanomizu University
- University of Electro-Communications
- Tokyo Medical and Dental University
- Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
- Tokyo Gakugei University
- Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
- Tokyo Geijutsu Daigaku
- Tokyo Institute of Technology
- University of Tokyo
- Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
- Hitotsubashi University
Public University
- Tokyo Metropolitan University
Private Universities
- Aoyama Gakuin University
- Asia University
- Obirin University
- Gakushuin University
- Keio University
- Kogakuin University
- Kokugakuin University
- International Christian University
- Kokushikan University
- Komazawa University
- Seijo University
- Seikei University
- Shibaura Institute of Technology
- Sophia University
- Showa University
- Senshu University
- Daito Bunka University
- Takushoku University
- Chuo University
- Teikyo University
- Temple University Japan
- Tokyo University of Agriculture
- Tokyo University of Science
- Toho University
- Nihon University
- Hosei University
- Musashi Institute of Technology
- Meiji University
- Meiji Gakuin University
- Rikkyo University
- Waseda University
Public schools
The kindergartens, elementary schools (years 1 through 6), and junior high schools (7 through 9) are operated by local wards or municipal offices. Public high schools in Tokyo are run by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Board of Education and are called "Metropolitan High Schools."
Private schools
In addition to public schools, Tokyo has many private schools.
Private secondary schools include:
- Azabu High School (Grades 7 through 12)
- Musashi Junior & Senior High School (Grades 7 through 12)
Professional sports
Tokyo is home to two professional baseball clubs, the Yakult Swallows (Meiji Jingu Stadium) and Yomiuri Giants (Tokyo Dome). ((What about the Nippon Ham Fighters?))
The Japan Sumo Association is also headquartered in Tokyo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo arena where three official sumo tournaments are held annually (in January, May, and September).
Football (soccer) clubs in Tokyo include FC Tokyo and Tokyo Verdy 1969, both of which play at Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu.
With a number of world-class sports venues, Tokyo often hosts national and international sporting events such as tennis tournaments, swim meets, marathons, American football exhibition games, judo, karate, etc.
Miscellaneous topics
Sister relationships
Tokyo has sister-city relationships with several places worldwide:
- Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Berlin, Germany
- Cairo, Egypt
- Jakarta, Indonesia
- Moscow, Russia
- New South Wales, Australia (sister state)
- New York City, New York, United States
- Paris, France
- Rome, Italy
- São Paulo, Brazil
- Seoul, South Korea
In addition, many of the wards and cities within Tokyo maintain sister-city relationships with other foreign cities.
External links
- Festivals around Tokyo The Japan Times
- Interactive satellite view of the area
- Japan-guide to Tokyo
- Official Tokyo Metropolitan Government homepage
- Tokyo Diary Tokyo business/professional events calendar
- Tokyo Metro Subway lines
- Tokyo Past and Present Web Japan
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