TOKYO Spring / Summer 2019
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Spring / Summer 2019 Spring / Summer 2019 Tokyo is a publication issued periodically by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government with the aim to provide readers with the latest information on various aspects of Tokyo, including events, programs, and experiences. Contents The World’s First Eco-Bag 1 A Streetcar Named Nostalgia 3 Tokyo 2020’s Legacy Venues Steadily Shaping Up 5 A New Look at Traditional Makeup 7 The Pure and Simple Cafés of Tokyo 9 Mt. Takao: Tokyo’s Friendliest Mountain 11 Tokyo’s Teamwork Approach to Safety and Security 13 Students with Special Needs Showcase Their Talents 15 Crushing Bowls, Tokyo Style 17 Building a Robotic Workforce 19 Curbing Food Loss through Awareness and Engagement 21 st Takako Suwa: a 21 Century Machi-Koba Leader 23 Technology that Bridges the Language Gap 25 The image above is the logo and slogan for Tokyo. The unique aspects of the The Gentle Way 27 city are conveyed in two different fonts representing the coexistence of old and new: The brushstroke expresses the traditions that date back to the Edo period Tokyo’s Startup Market Is on the Rise 29 (1603-1868), while the sleek block typeface expresses the cutting edge culture of a modern city and is done in sky blue to represent an innovative future. The Tokyo Basics 31 traditional square stamp in red which graces the logo illustrates the famed crossing in front of Shibuya Station, one of Tokyo’s symbolic landmarks. CULTURE The World’s First Eco-Bag Tokyo and Paris help raise worldwide ecology awareness through a practical collaboration. inked by a friendship city agreement since 1982, L Tokyo and Paris are two iconic mega-cities that share a close bond. Last year they celebrated that relationship with a cultural exchange project known as Tandem Paris- Tokyo 2018. It was conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the City of Paris, and the Institut Français. The program featured a variety of stimulating and entertaining events that promoted the cultural allure of these two world- famous capitals. One of the most intriguing events on the calendar was “FUROSHIKI PARIS,” which took place in front of the Photo: Yujiro Ichioka (TAM.inc) historic l'Hôtel de Ville (the city’s municipal government The pavilion wrapped in a furoshiki in the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville in Paris. building) in November. Renowned architect and social artist Tsu- temporary photographer Mika Following the development of the plastic bag in the ance and other techniques for wrapping round or spherical yoshi Tane acted as art director Ninagawa, fashion designer Jean 1970s, furoshiki fell out of fashion and was almost forgotten. objects. The possibilities are endless. for the project. In the plaza in Paul Gaultier, plus many more. However, in recent years it has seen a revival in Japan. The Whether being taken to wrap gifts or a lunch box, front of this building, a large Long lines of people formed to see world’s first ever eco-bag, furoshiki is viewed as an environ- compartmentalize clothes and accessories in a travel bag rectangular pavilion wrapped in the demonstrations, workshops, mentally friendly alternative to plastic bags and present-day or neatly store items from your home, there is no denying a furoshiki (traditional Japanese displays about the history of furo- wrapping paper as it is versatile, flexible and, most impor- the adaptability of furoshiki. The uses range from slightly wrapping cloth) was presented as shiki, various installations, and a tantly, reusable. For centuries the word mottainai, which is creative—wearing furoshiki as a scarf—to the practical— a gift from Tokyo to Paris. video projection about how the used to express regret when something has been wasted, has using it as a sling to cradle an injured arm. The options go Inside the pavilion a wide Japanese wrapping cloth has been been embedded in Japanese culture. Furoshiki is a wonder- on and on. That is the beauty of furoshiki. range of furoshiki displays, used up to the present day. ful example of the mottainai spirit— including some from acclaimed The origin of furoshiki is having a mind to devise ways not to creators, dazzled audiences with believed to date back more than waste things but to cherish things. Some of the wide range their artistic designs. Visitors 1,200 years to the Nara period. Usually square in shape, furo- of furoshiki designed by were able to see furoshiki exhi- By the Edo period (1603-1868), it shiki comes in a variety of sizes with prominent creators. “Fleurs du ciel” bitions from highly respected had become very popular, almost some being as small as a handker- ©Jean Paul Gaultier (left), “Once the Abominable War TV personality and film director a fashion item. The kimono-clad chief and others being larger than a is Over, Happiness Fills our Hearts” Takeshi Kitano, prominent pol- people of all classes used them as bed sheet. There are techniques for ©YAYOI KUSAMA (right). The walls of the l'Hôtel de Ville in Paris and ka-dot artist Yayoi Kusama, con- notable statues in the vicinity were also adorned handbags or carry bags. wrapping bottles for safe convey- with furoshiki. 1 2 TRANSPORTATION A Streetcar Named Nostalgia The Toden Arakawa Line provides a glimpse into Tokyo’s past. ne of the first things that many visitors to Tokyo replicating the stations from a century ago. O often notice is the striking contrast between the Most days, the Arakawa Line is used mainly by area very old and the very new. The city’s oldest temple sits near locals going about their daily business. But it is also popular the base of its tallest and most modern tower, and people with tourists and train aficionados, especially on the in traditional dress can often be seen passing the gleaming weekends. Certain sections and stops along the way give luxury shops in Ginza. But what many may not know is even more of a glimpse into Tokyo’s past. At Minowabashi that there is also a section of Tokyo that seems frozen in a there is an old shopping arcade filled with a wide variety simpler era, where time moves more slowly. of shops specializing in fruit and vegetables, meat, flowers, The first streetcars began operating in Tokyo around miso, and even shoes. It has a friendly, small-town vibe and the turn of the 20th century, when electricity replaced a 1950s style feeling to it. horses as the means of powering the transportation system. Toward the middle of the line is Arakawa Shakomae At one point the network of trams was incredibly extensive, Station, located next to the depot where cars are cleaned covering most of the main areas of the city. They remained and serviced. Here at Toden Memorial Square you can also the primary mode of transport in the city for over 50 years, see some of the former rolling stock. On weekends when the when they were phased out between the late 1960s and depot exhibition space is open, you can even go inside the early 1970s. The increase in automobile traffic meant there cars, where photographs from decades ago and dioramas was no longer space for them on the roads, and they were show the streetcars in their heyday. replaced by buses and trains. Other attractions along the line, in addition to sights Today, only one section of the former far-reaching famous for cherry blossoms and the beds of roses that are Toden network, the network operated by the Tokyo cared for by the local residents, include the beautiful Oji Metropolitan Government, remains. The Toden Arakawa Inari Shrine, dedicated to the fox deity, the rich greenery Line, nicknamed the Tokyo Sakura Tram due to its route of Asukayama Park, and Zoshigaya Kishimojindo Temple that passes several spots where sakura (cherry) blossoms where the goddess of healthy and safe child-bearing and can be viewed in the spring, operates in the north of Tokyo child rearing is enshrined. Riding from one end to the other over the 12.2 kilometers between the charming downtown takes about one hour, but it is worth spending a leisurely neighborhood of Minowabashi and the student town of afternoon getting off and on along the way. Not only will you Waseda. Riding it feels like you are going back in time about visit some interesting and unusual sights, you will also be 60 years: the single-car tram rattles between stations with able to get a sense of what Tokyo was like in another lifetime. short platforms, some of which are new wooden structures The Tokyo Sakura Tram passing by cherry blossoms in full bloom in spring. 3 4 OLYMPICS & PARALYMPICS Tokyo 2020’s Legacy Venues New structures for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 will continue to be valuable assets that serve the citizens Steadily Shaping Up and the visitors to Tokyo well into the future. Fusing safety with traditional Japanese aesthetics, Tokyo and is due for completion in late 2019. It will continue Kuma’s design philosophy was geared towards the creation to provide people with high-quality sports watching of an environmentally-conscious stadium. Wood has been opportunities after the Games, but also has plans to expand an integral feature in Kuma’s work, and one that he has into hosting other cultural events, such as concerts. managed to harness in the design of the New National As these projects continue to move further away from Stadium. Wood for elements in the stadium’s structure conceptual drawings and into reality, Tokyo’s citizens has been sourced from all 47 of Japan’s prefectures.