History

History

Edo, former name of Tokyo, was the third-largest city in Japan, following Kyoto and Osaka. It prospered during the Edo period (1603-1868) and is estimated to have had a population of one million in its later stages, rivaling cities like London, Paris, and Beijing. In Edo, around 70% of the land was controlled by the samurai class. Even today, Tokyoites standing on the left side of escalators (unlike Osakans who stand on the right) is believed to be a tradition to protect their left-worn swords. The city was dotted with residences, including the Edo residences of daimyos (feudal lords) and karō (chief retainers) who were part of the Sankin-kōtai system, as well as the samurai mansions of high-ranking officials in the Tokugawa shogunate. The elegance and tradition of those days still mark certain neighborhoods, making them distinguished areas in Tokyo.

In 1868, Edo became Tokyo and underwent Westernization. Following the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and the latter part of World War II, Tokyo experienced a revival from the ashes, and urbanization continued to progress in the aftermath of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. The population increased, and the city became increasingly centralized. During the economic bubble period, real estate prices skyrocketed. Subsequently, advancements in earthquake-resistant technologies allowed for the construction of high-rise buildings. However, areas like Type 1 low-rise residential zones exist, offering spacious residential areas protected by specific regulations.