Tokyo, the capital of Japan, with a population of 11,829,363 (1985); 35,237,000 (2005), is one of the world's largest cities, and is the largest in terms of population residing in its metropolitan area, including suburbs. It covers an area of 2,145 sq. km (828 sq. mi.). Tokyo is Japan's political, financial, business, educational, transportation, and fashion center. In 1868, Emperor Meiji, grandfather of Emperor Hirohito (1986), declared a change of the capital from Kyoto to Tokyo ("eastern capital"), which was formerly called Edo ("estuary"). At the heart of the city one can see the Imperial Palace, the residence of the emperor and empress, and its grounds (1457). From about 1600 the Tokugawa shoguns resided at this castle. Rebuilt after nearly total destruction in World War II, the city hosted the Olympic Games in 1964. Some pollution problems exist, but the residents of this giant modern city are proud of its general cleanliness, safety, skyscrapers, universities and museums, and public transportation system (including super-express bullet trains which run north, south, and west from Tokyo). Its central location also contributes to its influence on the nation. Tokyo is where East meets West with much westernization on the one hand, and oriental traditions on the other. An increasing number of tourists and businessmen visit from all parts of the world. Mennonite work began in 1953.

Cite This Article

Author(s)	Mikio Shimizu
Date Published	1989

MLA style

Shimizu, Mikio. "Tokyo (Japan)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. 1989. Web. 22 Nov 2024. https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Tokyo_(Japan)&oldid=126595.

APA style

Shimizu, Mikio. (1989). Tokyo (Japan). Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. Retrieved 22 November 2024, from https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Tokyo_(Japan)&oldid=126595.

Tokyo (Japan)

Cite This Article

Navigation menu

Search