1 2 2 OLYMPIC & PARALYMPIC GAMES

number up to 100 percent is a remarkable achievement. To express diversity and harmony among people from all over find an appropriate design for the medals, a competition the world. It was important to create a curved surface that open to professional designers and design students was reflects light from any angle.” held. It was a rule to apply with a set of designs for both He realized his objectives and in July 2019 was named Olympic and Paralympic medals. Over 400 applied and the competition winner. A month later came the announce- that number was then whittled down to three each for both ment that Matsumoto Sakiko had been selected to design the Olympic and Paralympic medals. the Paralympic medals. “My boss told me about the compe- Judges discussed their opinions openly before choos- tition and I decided as there would not be such an oppor- ing Kawanishi Junichi as the Olympic medal designer. “I tunity again, I should go for it,” says Matsumoto. “With learned about the application in a public relations email the design, I had three objectives. To express our Japa- from a design association,” says Kawanishi. “It is amazing nese character, I used the design motif of the traditional that the Olympic Games will be held in this country, but I Japanese folding fan known as ougi. The athletes bringing never thought it would be possible to participate in a com- people together regardless of nationality or ethnicity are petition to design medals for the top athletes in the world.” represented by the pivot point that holds all parts of the Kawanishi quickly sent in his application and then set folding fan together, and the tactile elements of the design about creating a unique design featuring a “ring of light” are finished so that everyone could appreciate the medals that reflects light wherever it is viewed; “I had the idea of more than just visually.” Photo by Tokyo 2020 / Shugo TAKEMI Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games medal polishing a gemstone of talent and creating a diamond in The medals that will be used this summer will be the form of an athlete who puts their heart and soul into the remembered not only for their beautiful design, but also Games,” he says. “I thought I could express their passion, because of the way the material was collected. The Japanese energy, effort, and glory with a shining light. The most dif- public played a huge role in the creation of the eco-friendly Precious Medals from Friendly ficult thing was trying to produce a circle of light that could medals, which each tell a story.

The reverse side of the three Olympic medals designed by Kawanishi Junichi shining brightly due to their “Myriad Circle” (page left), Teamwork and Synergy the Paralympic medals, also the reverse side, with the Japanese folding fan motif, designed by Matsumoto Sakiko (below). A huge number of old electronic items are recycled to help create Olympic and Paralympic medals. by Matthew Hernon

hanks to a ground-breaking initiative and a hercu- According to the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, T lean effort from the Japanese public, with contribu- “The initial collection rate was slow, however, it increased tions from embassy officials, foreign dignitaries, etc, every sharply in the last few months of the project as a sense of single one of the approximately 5,000 medals that will be excitement built throughout Japan.” For many, it was a handed out at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo chance to contribute used appliances filled with memories 2020 will have been made from metal recycled from used such as mobile phones used in school days. “As well as hit- electronic devices. The Tokyo 2020 Medal Project led to the ting our target, it was great to hear many different stories,” collection of over 6 million used mobile phones as well as says a Tokyo 2020 spokesperson. “By cooperating with other devices such as laptops, handheld games, and cam- educational institutions, it was also a great opportunity for eras. The gold, silver, and bronze material required for the children to learn about the existence and value of urban medals was extracted from 78,985 tonnes of used products mines and the significance of recycling home appliances.” under the theme “Be better, together—for the planet and Four years ago at Rio 2016, around 30 percent of the the people.” medals came from similar recycled materials. To get that Photo by Tokyo 2020 / Shugo TAKEMI Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games medal 1 2 OLYMPIC & PARALYMPIC GAMES

uroshiki, or wrapping cloths, have a long-standing Furoshiki used in this way also perfectly captures the spirit F history in Japan, having been used as far back as of mottainai, a Japanese phrase oft en invoked to express One Cloth, a Th ousand the Nara period (710–784). At the time, they were simply regret at wasting things. known as tsutsumi (a wrapping), and were generally used Furoshiki can even be used in emergency situations. If Ways of Using It to store valuables such as the clothing of the nobility. Th eir a natural disaster hits, the cloth can double as a makeshift use became widespread a few centuries later, with people sling or a nursing cover. Th ose that are water-resistant or Furoshiki, blending traditional and modern using them as cloth pouches when visiting a public bath. repellent can even be used to carry water. Packing one of ideas will be the ultimate, versatile Th e word to describe the cloth thus changed to furoshiki: a these cloths in an emergency kit is thus near-essential. Tokyo 2020 Games souvenir. mix of furo (bath) and shiki (a spread). Using them was an It is this heritage and innate adaptability that is by Kirsty Bouwers easy way for everyone to carry belongings. It also ensured embodied in the furoshiki products created for the Olym- one’s clothing would not be mixed up with that of other pic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020. All have the bathers’, and its size meant the cloth could be used as a bath Kumi-ichimatsu-mon motif, derived from the traditional mat if needed. Japanese checkered pattern called ichimatsu moyo, and Beyond the bathhouse, furoshiki were also used as have the Tokyo 2020 Games emblem on the edge. Th e blue makeshift handbags, perfect to store things when wearing a furoshiki is a traditional Japanese indigo, a color express- pocketless kimono. Th ey also started to be used as a way to ing refi ned elegance and sophistication. Th e furoshiki wrap items such as bento boxes or gift s. With no prescribed cloth is created with a special dying technique, the Tokyo size for furoshiki—they just need to be square—and a myr- Somekomon technique. It can also be used as a scarf; its iad of ways to tie them, it is a staple in many a Japanese texture is soft to the touch and comfortable to wear. household. Indeed, the versatility of furoshiki is what has Another unique product of the Tokyo 2020 Games kept this cloth relevant for centuries. is the furoshiki wrapping cloth—a furoshiki that comes One of the more common ways of using furoshiki is as with a set of handles, so you can transform it into a proper a bag for bottles and small items. Depending on the object, handbag that truly captures the essence of the Tokyo the cloth can be simply wrapped around the item and knot- 2020 Games. ted into a clever bundle for easy handling. It is also possible For a personal touch, try one of the myriad of folding to transform it into a proper carrier bag, either by tying a techniques, from a simple single knot carrier to elaborate few points together or adding custom handles. It functions gift wrapping. Th e furoshiki’s incredible versatility means as an eco-bag, an eco-friendly and beautiful alternative to it is a very easy-to-use bag. Imbued with the Tokyo 2020 plastic bags and wrappings, while being incredibly easy to Games spirit, this simple cloth has something for everyone. use, as it can wrap around anything regardless of shape.

Some practical uses of furoshiki

The four corners can be tied Diagonally folded into a triangle The same triangular shape can be The furoshiki can also be used as together to make a tote bag. with both ends of the long side used as a diaper for a baby. a bandage or to secure splints On the left, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Tokyo Somekomon Wrapping cloth is shown knotted together makes a sling. around a broken bone. simply as a scarf. On the right, the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic “Furoshiki” wrapping cloth is transformed into a practical and very charming handbag.

3 4 OLYMPIC & PARALYMPIC GAMES

he largest sporting events in the world, the game-changers. The first Olympic and Paralympic pictograms that captured the most impressive and T Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, Games to be held in an Asian country, perhaps it attractive moments of each competition. have an inherent challenge: communicating infor-­ was the first Games to have to deal with such seri- The resulting sports pictograms all utilize ma­tion to athletes and spectators from across ous language barriers. To overcome these barriers, the same shade of blue used for the Tokyo 2020 the globe. How do you manage to clearly convey Japanese gestated pictograms were proposed which emblems, creating a harmonious look, while show- what is when or where, without having to trans- used simple lines and shapes. Pictograms were casing the unique dynamism of athletes. They will A Symphony late it into a dizzying variety of languages? After developed not only for the various venues, but also be used on posters, tickets, and websites, as well as being introduced on a large scale at the Tokyo 1964 for strategic locations such as airports, emergency appear on maps, signboards, guidebooks, and more. Games, pictograms have been the go-to solution facilities, banks, toilets, and more. Their introduc- As they are part of the core brand identity, they will of Symbols, for every Games since. The 50 sports pictograms of tion put the spotlight on graphic design to convey be used prominently at every competition venue the 33 Olympic sports and 23 for the 22 Paralympic information, which set the tone for its future use during the Games, with various licensed products sports represented at the Olympic and Paralympic across the world. set to be embossed with these new pictograms. the Harmonic Games Tokyo 2020 pay homage to and build on this The sports pictograms for the Tokyo 2020 In another nod to 1964, these pictograms legacy, based on the branding vision of “Innovation Games are a continuation of this unique history. are also going to make life easier for foreign tour- Language from Harmony.” Two years and a tremendous amount of develop- ists moving around Tokyo on their way to one of Japan has had a strong connection to the visual ment went into making the designs, says graphic the many events. The idea is to use them at sta- The new sports pictograms for the for millennia. From traditional woodblock prints designer Hiromura Masaaki who worked on the tions and along the way to venues to create a Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo to modern-day manga, visual communication has design. Building on the pictograms of the Tokyo clearly signposted route that will make the journey 2020 build on their unique heritage for been an enduring part of everyday life. Even the Jap- 1964 Games, which emphasized the point of “trans- much smoother. a truly inclusive experience. anese writing system, using kanji (Chinese charac- mitting information accurately,” he evolved and Various initiatives are underway in prepara- ters), partly relies on the visual to convey meaning. developed, while respecting the accomplishments tion for the Tokyo 2020 Games so that everyone can by Kirsty Bouwers The latest additions to this Japanese communica- of his predecessors, an innovative set of pictograms enjoy the best experience. This includes making it tions line-up are emoji, the symbols now used across for a new era. Based on a huge amount of video free from both hard and soft barriers, and the use of the globe to show emotion without resorting to text. and photographic materials, he created original pictograms is one example. Harmonizing visitors’ The Tokyo 1964 pictograms fit neatly into this versions and, in consultation with sports federa- experiences by creating a lovely symphony of sym- lineage as both a typically Japanese solution and as tions and related parties, produced sample sports bols? 2020 is set to be full of such innovations.

5 6 CULTURE Art Meets Life Enchanting performance art transforms the urban landscape for the Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL. by Rosie Ball

n a cool September evening people start slowly filing O into Adachi Wholesale Market, just a few minutes’ walk from Senjuohashi Station in northeastern Tokyo. In

its off-hours, the typically bustling marketplace is calm and The Adachi Wholesale Market parking lot is filled with light, sound and dance quiet. However, tonight a 4-tonne cargo truck is parked in of DANCE TRUCK TOKYO, one of the 13 special events brought by the Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL.

Cul­­­ture), installing cultural Produced by Okazaki Matsue and curated by renowned various means—social media, leaflets, word of mouth. events across the city in the lead choreographers Higashino Yoko, Shirai Tsuyoshi, and Producer Okazaki and curator Higashino are passion- up to the Olympic and Para­ Suzuki Yukio, each free event is “unique and site-specific, ate about bringing Japanese contemporary dance into the lympic Games Tokyo 2020. Its incorporating the particular landscape and personality of public consciousness. Their goal is to have the performing aim is to generate excitement the particular location.” arts “not only in theaters but also in the city… the more and enliven the city, celebrat- At exactly six o’clock the show begins. Immediately we do it in public space, the more expansive it will be.” ing the Tokyo 2020 Games as the audience is hypnotized, unsure of exactly what they are Their ultimate goal is to touch the hearts of the audience not just a sporting festival, but watching and unable to look away. Each 15-minute perfor- in some way. “Japanese contemporary dance is still not also as a cultural festival. mance subverts traditional notions of “dance,” skillfully well-known,” Okazaki says, “I want everyone to see it.” Among the TTF pro- creating drama and meaning through subtle movement, Traditional venues are often inaccessible to the public and grams, “TTF Special 13” is a repetition, light, sound, and sometimes even humor. they sometimes have a harsh impact on the environment. program in which 13 projects “We’ve never seen anything like this before,” says a Transforming the truck, which is equipped with solar pan- were selected through an open mother standing with her five-year-old daughter who is els, into a stage is also “a step towards energy-saving and The performance is brought to the people, in a truck. application process focusing jumping up and down excitedly. “This kind of thing makes sustainable performances.” on three core values. The first a big impression on children.” A Canadian-Japanese cou- This is the perfect opportunity for overseas visitors to the middle of the square, flanked by two geometric sculp- is “Challenge the Mirai (Future),” emphasizing the power ple standing a little farther back immerse themselves in Tokyo’s tures with hundreds of threadlike ribbons streaming out of art to shape cultures. The second is “No Borders,” giving echoes these sentiments, keeping unique cultural aspects—music, onto the cement. Glittering in the nearby light projections, people of all ages and backgrounds from Japan and beyond an eye on their son and daughter dance, theater, and traditional the ribbons make it appear as if the truck is caught in the web the chance to interact with the arts. The third is “Old meets darting through the crowd. “This performing arts. The Tokyo Met­ of a huge, mystical spider. Beyond the market, a Keisei train New,” highlighting the intersection between tradition and whole setup with the truck in this ropolitan Government’s choice zooms past and lights from the surrounding buildings shine innovation that lies at the heart of Tokyo’s unique culture. historic market creates a kind of of performances, delivered to bright in the darkness. While Tokyo life goes on as usual out- Of the 2,436 applicants only 13 were chosen and DANCE surreal experience,” they say. “Our even the smallest corners of side, many of us are not sure what we are about to see here. TRUCK TOKYO is one of them. kids were a little scared because it Tokyo, demonstrates the city’s The audience is here for DANCE TRUCK TOKYO, In the year leading up to the Tokyo 2020 Games, the was a little mysterious. But they devotion to promoting creative a mobile dance performance project produced by the truck with built-in LED lighting and sound system will chose to stay. They were asking us, talent. The Tokyo 2020 Games Japan Dance Truck Association as part of the Tokyo pop up in 15 different locations across the Tokyo metrop- ‘what are we supposed to feel?’” is not only a sporting festival Tokyo FESTIVAL (TTF). TTF is an initiative by the olis, including central Tokyo, the Tama district in western Tonight’s event has reached but a cultural festival, and it is Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Arts Council Tokyo, and the outlying islands, playing host to numerous people far and wide through through sharing culture that we Tokyo (Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and cutting-edge artists, sound, and lighting engineers. can build a harmonious future.

Various programs including arts, dance, Photo: Ichioka Yujiro music, and theater were held. (TAM. inc) 7 8 TECHNOLOGY Shooting for The machi-koba of Ota Ward are constantly upgrading their manufacturing techniques and are keeping pace with the Stars growing new demands. Wheelchairs produced by a collection of small factories in the partially industrial town of Ota are attracting the attention of domestic wheelchair basketball athletes. highly praised by some members of a by Matthew Hernon Tokyo-based basketball team who have been playing in them this season. “I have been impressed by the changes,” says one of the players on the ne of the most eagerly anticipated events at every area, of which around 80 percent are small businesses with team. “I am heavy but have a weak torso. Using the previous O Paralympic Games is wheelchair basketball. Ini- no more than nine employees. Some of these companies models, I would often sink in the seat when trying to gener- tially devised as a rehabilitation exercise for injured war have embarked on the Ota Ward Sports Equipment Prod- ate power. With these new designs, I can move easily. These veterans in the United States, the sport has spread to more uct Development Project for the Disabled. We spoke to chairs are ideal for me.” than 100 countries, intensifying the competition world- the president of one of the participating machi-koba that “My previous wheelchair from a different manufac- wide. It is a fast and frenetic sport that was first featured manufactures the shaft, the metal fitting that connects the turer broke down three times a year,” adds one of his team- at the Paralympic Games in Rome in 1960 and debuted caster to the main body of the chair. He was happy to have mates. “As my torso is weak, I need a strong backrest. These for women in Tel Aviv eight years later. Featured at every his company play an active role in the project. chairs feel sturdier and more dependable. Also, these new Paralympic Games since, it has become increasingly popu- “Though we are not a wheelchair manufacturer, we white wheels are smaller and harder than the old ones I used lar over the years. were keen to do this because it is an exciting initiative that to use; I can move my chair more quickly in the way I want.” For countries participating in the Paralympic Games, is motivating for our staff,” he says. “We have never had to Ota Ward’s machi-koba are not limited to machinery the performance ability of the equipment used makes a big design anything like this before. The aim was to make the and metal processing. They are also entering new industrial difference in competitiveness. The wheelchairs used for part as light as possible using aluminum so the biggest diffi- fields such as healthcare and agriculture. And so just like playing basketball are conceived to be the player’s legs and culty we faced was making sure it was strong enough.” the basketball players using the equipment manufactured so they are designed to give maximum performance. According to the company president, what makes there, the industries in Ota too, are aiming high, and shoot- With this in mind, a leading wheelchair manufacturer working in Ota Ward so special is the camaraderie and ing for the stars. has enlisted the aid of various small factories in Ota Ward, sense of community spirit among the various machi-koba. and by combining their technical expertise and skills they That feeling of togetherness intensified further following are producing excellent wheelchairs that are light and easy the 2008 global financial crisis. Some of the light and strong aluminum components specifically manufactured for wheelchair basketball. to maneuver. One of their aims is for their machines to be “Until that point, many factories felt they could make adopted by teams in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. money individually, but since then you see those compa- Ota Ward, which is home to Haneda International nies working closely together,” he says. “Everyone knows Airport, is a key industrial base with many small to medi- each other and there is a lot of respect between the different um-sized urban enterprises known as machi-koba spe- organizations. We pass on things we are unable to complete cializing in machinery and metal processing. They are ourselves, which means everyone can focus on what they famed for finished products with high-precision and short do well. Employees then go above-and-beyond to create delivery times, mainly made possible through neighbor- high-quality products.” ing networking. A great example of this is the wheelchairs manufac- There are currently around 3,500 machi-koba in the tured in Ota. Durable, dynamic, and very flexible, they were

Wheelchair basketball is a fast and furious sport, and demands the best, both of the players and on the equipment. 9 10 ENVIRONMENT

Going Green f you have been to Tokyo Station recently, you may September 2019, there were 14 stations in operation with a I have seen one of Tokyo’s futuristic zero emission public further 7 under construction. Th e TMG is aiming to have Tokyo is building hydrogen power for 2020 and beyond. buses. Th e fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) buses run on 150 hydrogen stations by 2030. by Tim Hornyak hydrogen, a cleaner energy source than the light oil that Th e SORA also provide passenger comfort and safety, powers most public buses in Japan. Manufacturer Toyota and these two aspects are being further enhanced. Aside Motor Corporation began commer cial production of the from their sleek looks and a surprisingly quiet ride with Fuel Cell Bus SORA in 2018 and is now minimal vibration, the interior has universal design fea- rolling them out in greater numbers. tures such as seats that automatically fold into the wall, SORA is an acronym for sky, ocean, creating space for wheelchairs and strollers. Launched in river, air, which represents the earth’s water August 2019, a new version has an optional automatic steer- cycle, as water is the only thing the buses ing and deceleration function that brings the vehicle right emit. Th e hydrogen fuel cell system was up to the bus stop curb so that wheelchair and stroller users adopted from Toyota’s Mirai FCEV, one of do not have to struggle with gaps between the sidewalk and the fi rst hydrogen-powered sedans to be sold the bus itself. commercially. In addition to being a zero Technology to monitor its surroundings and a con- emission form of public transport, the SORA nected driving feature called Intelligent Transport Sys- fuel cell stack can function as an emergency tems communication are employed. Th e bus can receive power station in times of disaster. It has information from other vehicles as well as roadside infra- a maximum output of 9 kilowatts and can structure about oncoming vehicles, traffi c signals, and supply 235 kilowatt-hours, so it would be pedestrians, for instance warning drivers about hazards possible to power the lights in a gymnasium when making right turns. Th e system allows for buses trav- shelter for about fi ve days. eling in a convoy to maintain contact and an appropriate In the battle against global warming, distance from each other so they will not get separated at more and more municipalities around traffi c lights and bus stations. Th is can help buses run on the world have recognized and promoted time, minimizing inconveniences for passengers. Mean- hydrogen-powered vehicles as clean alter- while, eight high-defi nition cameras in and around the natives to carbon-emitting cars, buses, bus provide the driver with detailed views of the exterior and trucks. Th e Tokyo Metropolitan Gov- to help ensure passenger and pedestrian safety. Even in the ernment (TMG) began operating two unlikely event of a driver suddenly falling ill, passengers FCEV buses in March 2017, running them can press emergency brake buttons that cause the bus to between Tokyo Station and the Tokyo Big automatically come to a safe halt. Sight international exhibition hall in the Th e Harumi waterfront district, which is visible from Odaiba waterfront district. Odaiba, is the venue of the Olympic and Paralympic Vil- As of November 2019, 16 SORA, each lage for the Tokyo 2020 Games. Th e village will be partly able to carry up to 78 passengers, are run- powered by hydrogen produced from renewable energy in ning in Tokyo starting from the waterfront Fukushima Prefecture. Th is is one way to promote recon- area, including one operated by a pri- struction support for the prefecture, which was damaged vate company. Th e TMG plans to increase by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Th is place will the SORA fl eet to 70 for the Olympic and become a model of an environmentally advanced city aft er Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020. Escalated the competition. Tokyo continues to move toward a cleaner One of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s new fuel cell buses at bus depot near the Kasai Rinkai Park, rollout of SORA requires development of future while contributing to regional recovery. facing Tokyo Bay. These buses are completely powered by hydrogen. regular hydrogen-refueling stations; as of

11 12 TECHNOLOGY Making Crowds Smart Tokyo is tackling overcrowding at large-scale public events. by Tim Hornyak

For example, even after going to a crowded fireworks venue, people will be able to return home without stress due to human flow guidance technology.

bout 10 million spectators are expected for the A Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020. With some 40 million travelers from overseas anticipated for the whole year, there will inevitably be congestion on the roads and sidewalks, as well as in the train stations of the capital. In the past, crowds have been an unavoidable aspect of any large sports event, sometimes producing frustration among attendees, and occasionally overly congested situations. Researchers today, however, are trying to harness comput- ers to minimize these problems. Scientists at a major Japanese telecom’s research institute have developed technology for crowd-flow optimization using AI that can be used for sports and other events that attract big numbers. It is based on predicting the flow of people and forecasting where congestion will occur with a technology called multi-agent simulation that attempts to reproduce the movements of each person in the crowd. Directing the “human flow” with AI and accumulated human know-how from past experience can help reduce congestion and potentially hazardous situations. The laboratory has been doing research into human flow simulation and optimization since 2015. It has conducted experiments at Saitama Super Arena, one of the Tokyo 2020 Games venues, to predict congestion using video and mobile phone location information. The team has been researching test case scenarios based on popular fireworks displays. In one simulation, the system analyzed 1.57 million possible routes for some 85,000 attendees at a fireworks event. The system’s optimization to develop the system so it can analyze events in real time. The goal is that spectators will be able to enjoy the events and ease congestion on roads, rails and other impacts on public technology found the most efficient routes for the attendees in While knowledge and expertise accumulated from return home with minimal stress. infrastructure ahead of the 2020 Games. only two hours—previous methods would have taken a whole previous Games will guide crowd-control strategies, the The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) is also “Smooth Biz is a new initiative to ease congestion year. The routes identified by the program have shorter wait Tokyo 2020 Games will have a number of new venues that striving to reduce congestion in the capital, not only for the during the Games,” Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko told times and fewer dangerous areas compared to simulations have yet to host large-scale international events. This new Games but year-round. Under its Smooth Biz campaign, a press conference. “Our hope is that as flexible work without any crowd flow control. By directing crowds based technology and new methods and insights gained from the which calls for teleworking and flexible hours, the TMG styles gain traction, we will see increased productivity on recommendations from the technology, fireworks fans recent groundwork carried out by the research institute may is working with private-sector companies to implement and greater participation for people from a more diverse can get home faster and safer. The laboratory is continuing also be used to supplement human experience at the Games. various measures under Travel Demand Management to range of backgrounds.”

13 14 ENVIRONMENT

Adults and children alike enjoy the fun challenges of the Spogomi held The Secrets of Cleaning Up recently at the Tama Center. the City Spogomi turns picking up trash into a festive competition that helps clean up Tokyo and the city’s rivers and waterside. by Rosie Ball

fun.” Another young woman expresses similar sentiments. “Thanks to being involved, I think I will become more con- scious of garbage,” she says. n a clear Saturday morning a crowd Becoming more aware about trash is a step in the right O of people assemble in Tama Center “The sports aspect is an attractive point to people, and kids direction towards making Tokyo a more environmentally in Tokyo’s western suburbs for a very spe- are especially serious about competing with someone,” he friendly city. Today’s Spogomi competition was held around cial kind of sports tournament. The people says. However, the most important part is shifting people’s the station, but they are also held along riverbanks and at of all ages and many different nationali- perception of waste. “Before participating you never think beaches. Until recently, about half of Tokyo residents did ties are gathered together for Spogomi, a about the trash around you, but on your way home you’re not know the term “marine litter.” The Tokyo Metropolitan coined word combining sport and gomi more aware of it.” Government (TMG) has bolstered its efforts to curb gener- (trash), a program that turns picking up As today’s game draws to a close, one male partici- ation of marine litter as well as to smoothly gather and pro- litter around Tokyo into an exhilarating pant in his twenties reflects on his own shift in outlook. cess it. Collection and disposal programs are being carried team game that involves strategy, action, “I usually don’t litter but I never thought about actually out around the Port of Tokyo, the Izu Islands located in the and fair play. More than just a fun and picking up trash myself,” he says. “I didn’t think it could sea south of mainland Tokyo, and the Ogasawara Islands friendly source of entertainment, the be a sport, but once you take part you realize it is actually located even further south. Educational materials, includ- tournament raises awareness about the ing a short film about marine litter, have also been adopted in elementary schools, effects of littering in a hands-on, constructive way. encouraging children to reflect on these The rules of the contest are simple: teams of up to five issues in class. people have one hour to pick up as much trash as possible, Community-based activities such as and then return to the starting point where they sort and Spogomi and the environmental education weigh their findings. Each team’s litter is graded on a val- measures implemented by the TMG are at ued scoring system, with different types of trash earning the forefront of raising awareness about different amounts of points. The fun lies in the challenge trash. By encouraging people to reconnect of choosing which trash to prioritize while factoring in with their own surroundings, these initia- time constraints. It is a system easy enough for children to tives are paving the way for real environ- grasp, and for adults to enjoy the challenge. mental improvement. Tokyo is famous as “Sports are fun,” explains Spogomi founder and one of the cleanest cities in the world. To organizer Mamitsuka Kenichi, “so I thought I could turn keep the city and its waterside beautiful, something like this, which is good for society, into a plea- it is important to keep building a sense surable and rewarding game.” Mamitsuka held his first of community and respect for nature tournament in 2008, and since then 930 events have been in each individual. This is the secret to held nationwide with a total of over 88,000 participants. cleaning Tokyo.

15 16 TECHNOLOGY

Vehicles that Drive Th emselves Tokyo is pushing ahead with mobility-as-a-service initiatives. by Tim Hornyak

ars that can drive themselves were once the stuff of ing policies and research and development. away from driving, for instance to watch a movie. Level Toyota also announced e-Palette, a multipurpose elec- C science fi ction, but they are now on the roads and One research lab affi liated with a leading Japanese 4 autonomous driving requires even less intervention by tric self-driving car for MaaS. Couriering goods, mobile taking on an increasing share of the burden of driving. carmaker notes that the number of companies working on drivers, and Level 5 means the vehicle handles all aspects restaurants with kitchens, and mobile offi ces are some of With automakers around the world rolling out autonomous autonomous driving jumped to more than 250 in 2017 from of driving. the various expected purposes it is to be used for. driving platforms, observers are looking to Japan, home to only a few in the year before. One reason for this is that Th e Tokyo Metropolitan Government, meanwhile, Th e Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association leading car companies as well as a rapidly aging population cloud networks can now deploy solutions using deep learn- is advancing the spread of self-driving vehicles in several (JAMA) is planning a variety of autonomous driving that could benefi t from the technology, for a glimpse of the ing, a form of artifi cial intelligence technology. For its part, ways. It established the Tokyo Self-Driving One Stop Cen- demonstrations ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic future of driving. the lab is using deep learning and other means with an eye ter to experiment with and answer questions on the new Games Tokyo 2020. Approximately 80 autonomous vehi- Th ere are several arguments to be made for self-driving to creating the world’s safest self-driving vehicles suitable technology. Over a two-year period since it opened in Sep- cles (Level 2–4 autonomous driving) of 10 JAMA member vehicles. Proponents say they will be safer than traditional for mass production. For instance, it runs numerous com- tember 2017, the center received more than 500 inquiries companies will take part in the demonstrations around vehicles because they will eliminate human error, which in puter simulations to test its autonomous driving platform’s from 64 businesses. It also supported 25 trials, including Haneda International Airport, on expressways between the the United States is associated with 94 percent of serious response to conditions such as nighttime driving, inclem- Japan’s fi rst trial of a remote-type autonomous driving sys- airport and central Tokyo, and in the waterfront area. accidents. Th ey may reduce traffi c congestion and vehicle ent weather including fog, and pedestrians appearing in tem. Since then, the number of consultations and demon- JAMA sees the eff ects of such initiatives going far emissions, which are associated with global warming. Th ey front of the vehicle. However, the lab has not forgotten that strations has continued to increase. Other mobility as a beyond 2020. It expects the Tokyo 2020 Games to be a can help address shortages of drivers for public transit, and many people enjoy driving, and thus instead of replacing service (MaaS) experimental projects at the center include stepping stone to future mobility and to leave a legacy of open up mobility options for those with few options, such drivers, it envisions self-driving cars as teammates that can self-driving hybrid-drive taxis linked with airport limou- autonomous driving infrastructure, improved regulations, as elderly people living in rural areas. take over when drivers feel tired. sine buses, in which the city worked with a taxi company and increased social acceptance. It also expects exponential Th e changes to the automotive industry, as well as Th e public sector is working with industry to realize and an autonomous driving company. Also autonomous development to create a society with zero traffi c accidents society as a whole, could be staggering. It is no wonder, the dream of autonomous vehicles. Th e Japanese Cabinet all-electric buses connect the airport and tourist informa- in which everybody has freedom of movement. It is one way then, that companies, governments, and organizations in has paved the way for Level 3 autonomous driving on pub- tion center on Hachijojima Island, located about 300 kilo- in which the Tokyo 2020 Games are changing society. Japan are feverishly moving ahead with autonomous driv- lic roads, which allows drivers to safely turn their attention meters south of mainland Tokyo.

Some of the exciting concept vehicles that are being realized for our future autonomous driving lives. © TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION

17 18 CRAFTSMANSHIP

A kamon delicately engraved into the bottom of a glass. Very pleasing as a they say that this strong relationship is an important fac- celebratory gift. tor in the success of their business. In order to deal with family crests, aft er all, one should be part of a close, happy family to be able to understand and refl ect the strong bonds that tie together the history of any family. In the beginning, the business was chiefl y concerned with hand-painting kamon onto kimono. Kamon is only painted on very formal kimono, with the craft smen using a bun-mawashi (bamboo compass) and an ink-dipped brush to create the extremely with Yohji mastering design soft ware and thereby opening intricate curves of each emblem. Kamon are also all created up an entirely new world of possibilities in terms of what using only perfect circles and straight lines. Th ese crests kind of designs they could create as well as the genres into were originally only held by houses of the imperial court, which they could expand. As a result, they are now able to but were gradually adopted by samurai and commoners. combine a traditional craft used since the Heian period Unlike Western families’ coat of arms, Japanese kamon (794–1185) and spread to the commoners in the Edo period, are generally more abstract in their symbolism and kamon with the requirements and aesthetic desires of modern art- MON-MANDALA “Tsuru no maru” Kamon (family crests) are made using only are used by organizations other than families. Clients can ists, interior decorators, and fashion designers, in addition circles and straight lines. request crests whose form could be inspired by favorite to brands in need of package and product design. words or concepts or names and the like, that refl ect iden- Some of their most notable works include the kamon tity or brand image. for a Nihonbashi shopping complex, a range of artworks Th e Art of Kamon displayed inside a 2018-launched hotel, How one father-and-son team is transforming the traditional culture of creating and a collaboration with one of Japan’s top fashion designers for the brand’s autumn/ Japanese family crests into an in-demand modern art form. winter 2019 clothing collection, which was by Anne Lucas presented on the runway at the Paris Fashion Week. Aside from their evident artistic tal- ver the last few years, Tokyo has seen a range of the Edo Tokyo Kirari Project to highlight the companies ents, Shoryu and Yohji agree that they owe O its revered traditional arts and craft s experience a leading this trend. Th e businesses selected to be part of the part of their current success to an appear- modern revival of sorts. Several local businesses, which project are all praised for their high quality products and ance on a popular TV program in 2016, aft er have been steadfastly creating traditional Japanese prod- superior skills, as well as for their determination to pass on which they garnered much attention and ucts since the Edo period (1603–1868), have found unique Japanese culture to future generations. began receiving more regular orders, about ways in which to balance the respected “old” arts with new One of the companies being honored by the project once every two weeks, from overseas. and innovative production methods and usages for these consists of father-and-son team Hatoba Shoryu and Yohji, Of course, despite surging forward The father-and-son team at work using both ancient and modern technology. items. In 2016, Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko launched who work side-by-side as monsho uwaeshi (artisans of fam- into the future, the father-and-son artisan ily crest design and painting) at their studio in Inaricho, on duo will always maintain the more tradi- a quiet backstreet in Tokyo’s shitamachi (downtown) area, In 2010, exactly 100 years since their family business tional side of their business—that is, creating original fam- just a few minutes’ walk from Ueno. Together, they are was founded, Shoryu and Yohji decided to make a signif- ily crests. In doing this, they say, it is important to think taking the time-honored skill of creating kamon (family icant change and transformed the company into a more about how to represent the family’s name while taking into crests) to new, contemporary heights with their stylish sen- comprehensive design studio. Th ere were a few key rea- account any specifi c requests from the client. Th ey still con- sibilities and incorporation of digital technologies. sons for this shift . Th ey considered the fact that kimono sult the pictorial book of crests called mon-cho in which as As third- and fourth-generation monsho uwaeshi are increasingly only worn for more formal occasions, and many as 3,000 types of kamon have been recorded since

The bun-mawashi (bamboo respectively, Shoryu and his son Yohji come from a long that there are more commercial institutions using kamon the Edo period. And they still use the old-school bamboo compass) has been used line of artisans with a history that stretches back to 1910. to represent their name, so they realized the potential for compass. Because true Japanese artisans understand that for centuries in the design of kamon. Th e pair work well together, getting along as friends, and new opportunities. Th ey also embraced digital technology, without the “old,” we could never have the “new.”

19 20 DIVERSITY

Here the Great Greenhouse can be seen just beyond the famed rose garden at the Jindai Botanical Gardens. Other images show examples of the vast diversity of the plant life to be seen at the Jindai Botanical Gardens and the Center for Plant Planting Seeds for the Future Diversity in June. One botanical garden’s mission: ensure the continuation of Tokyo’s native flora. by Kirsty Bouwers

says center manager Horie Takayuki. The study of these endangered species is the main focus of the facility’s research. The center was originally opened in 2012, with the aim of he center of Tokyo has plenty of famous parks and gardens: think of Ueno Park, preserving natural history and disseminating T Yoyogi Park, or Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. One garden, a short 30-min- information on these matters. It also functions ute train ride away from the city center, stands out for its commitment to biodiversity. as an education center of sorts, with people being Famed for its 5,000-strong rose garden, the Jindai Botanical Gardens, located next to able to stop by and ask questions about the vegeta- the ancient Jindaiji Temple in Chofu City, western tion they encounter. Tokyo, is the only botanical garden operated by the Many of the species in the center are con- Tokyo Metropolitan Government. sidered endangered, with the reasons for their Prior to the opening of the gardens in 1961, decline varying from the introduction of non-native plants, to human interference, and it was a nursery for trees set to be replanted along the destruction of their natural environment. Keeping the plants in optimum surround- Tokyo’s streets. Nowadays, the sprawling site is ings is at the forefront of the center’s efforts. The position of each plant is decided based home to a staggering amount of plant life native on its favoured conditions, such as access to light and shade. An artificial stream has also to Tokyo, making it an excellent place to enjoy the been installed to further emulate pristine nature. city’s flora in all its guises. It is home to around The difficulties lie with the rarer types of vegetation, notes Horie, as what they need 4,800 species, with an estimated 100,000 plants on might be unknown. Sometimes it is a case of trial and error to ascertain what works best the premises. Laid out in a beautiful, symmetrical for these plants. Even if these plants are replanted sunken garden, the famed rose garden alone has into the soil they originally came from, they might 400 types of roses. That includes the so-called “Olympic Torch,” a special type of rose not do well. It is a complicated process that leads created in 1966, in honor of the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games. to valuable research, he says. To learn about the breadth of the gardens’ collection, visitors should head to the Research is not the only thing the center Center for Plant Diversity, located across the road on the northern side of the gardens. espouses, though. With human interference being The center, which is devoted to preserving and protecting plant life diversity, is divided a key factor in the loss of biodiversity, the center into three main sections. Each is an ecological system representative of the namesake also seeks to show visitors how they can be part of area: the hilly, fertile Musashino plain set around the Tama River basin in the mid- the solution. Horie has a few simple suggestions: land of Tokyo; the mountainous Okutama region be curious about your environment but respect- in the west; and the volcanic, coastal areas of the ful, enjoy the flora, but take only photographs and Izu Islands located in the sea south of mainland leave only footprints. And do not post the location Tokyo. Located even further south, the Ogasawara of a rare plant on social media as that will only endanger it further. Islands are also represented, and to recreate the Thus, a visit comes with a special bonus. The Jindai Botanical Gardens as a whole subtropical climate of that region and protect the are a stunning place to visit because the sheer variety of plant life ensures the gardens plant life against winter, the plants are held in a are in bloom year-round. Yet it is the educational aspect of the Center for Plant Diversity greenhouse, reopened in 2016 after renovations, that has a lasting impression. It is through the center’s work that visitors may realize that in the adjacent botanical gardens. All of the zones many of these plants are endangered, which leads to a newfound appreciation of Tokyo’s carry a number of species which have become less native flora—and a zeal to protect it. To stop and smell the roses has never been for a common or endangered in their native habitats, more worthwhile cause.

21 22 CULTURE

Journey through Time is the diversity of visitors. “I knew noth- The Edo-Tokyo Museum offers 400 years of history, in just a few hours. ing, so this is all very new for me,” says one woman from Australia, “I like the way it by Rosie Ball progresses from the old to the new… it’s very well done.” A French couple wander- ing around the “Life of the Townspeople” corner is more affected by the extent of the © Edo-Tokyo Museum © edo tokyo museum exhibition. “It is great because we can see The modern exterior of the Edo-Tokyo Museum. A wealth of history, culture and tradition is to be found inside. the history on a human scale,” they say, “we can feel Edo.” Regardless of age, culture, or impression of the sheer scale of Edo period ingenuity, trans- prior knowledge of Japanese history, reactions from tour- porting visitors right into the cultural center of Edo. On the ists are overwhelmingly positive. other side of it, visitors will find various miniature repli- Perhaps one of the greatest highlights of the museum cas, including the vibrant streetscapes of the Nihonbashi is how it caters to a variety of languages. Audio guides in area and immense households of the powerful feudal lords. 13 different languages are available, as well as free volun- With binoculars placed at each model, visitors can peek teer-guided tours in 8 languages. Even if visitors do not use into the personal lives of the miniature figurines, whose these guides, touch screen panels can be found throughout circumstances, facial expressions, and clothing paint an the exhibition hall, allowing them to easily tap into infor- immersive picture of the people of the time and the world mation written in the language of their choice. For the visu- they lived in. ally impaired, information in braille, including maps, are to There are also hands-on exhibits. For example, visitors be found throughout the exhibition hall. are invited to take a seat inside a replica of a gorgeous palan- In the lead-up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games quin. During the Edo period, members of powerful families Tokyo 2020, the Edo-Tokyo Museum has its eye on the would sit inside of this compact compartment as up to four future as well as the past. The recent interior renovation of people carried them to their various destinations. Entering the facility has improved accessibility so every visitor can the palanquin brings forth a compelling mix of sensations have a more comfortable and interactive experience. The —the glee of entering a space that was once mostly used by museum seems to combine the social and cultural aspects © Edo-Tokyo Museum the elite classes, and the surprise of discovering that these of Tokyo’s history to encourage people from home and The bustle of the Edo period is apparent in this miniature 1/30 in scale of the Ryogoku Bridge district on the east side of Edo. compartments were actually very small. abroad to think about the future of the city and their aspi- After witnessing the lifestyle of the Edo period, sub- rations here. More than ever, Tokyo is opening its doors so apan’s illustrious Edo period (1603–1868) ended in sequent displays are laid out in chronological order, the that the world can get to know it better. J the 19th century, and thanks to the Tokyo Metropoli- timeline of Tokyo’s progress toward modernization. tan Edo-Tokyo Museum it has never been more accessible. In the Meiji era (1868–1912) section there are two Beloved by local and international visitors alike since its high wheel bicycles that look quite difficult to ride, establishment in 1993, the Museum provides a space where featured in front of a full-sized replica of a newspa- visitors can see, hear, and touch their way around 400 years per office, all innovations of that period. And further of vibrant history, physically tracking the city’s evolution along, it is possible to take a peek inside the nostalgic from Edo to present day Tokyo. kitchens and bathrooms of a Showa era (1926–1989) Located in Ryogoku, inside a unique elevated-floor housing complex. Most impressively, the number of building designed by architect Kikutake Kiyonori, the permanent exhibitions is around 2,000, and since journey to Edo begins with an awe-inspiring replica of these are routinely modified and upgraded, repeat Nihonbashi Bridge, which is about 8 meters wide and about patrons to the museum are never disappointed. © Edo-Tokyo Museum © Edo-Tokyo Museum 25 meters long, half the actual size. The bridge is our first As varied as the permanent exhibition is, so too People wearing kimono walk around westernized streets in a detail of the A full-scale replica of a typical performance shows the exuberance of kabuki, the most miniature replica 1/25 in scale of Ginza “Bricktown” in the Meiji era. popular form of entertainment in Edo. 23 24 DIVERSITY

One of the astonishing and popular vegan desserts. The concept for the halal ramen chain began to grow range of delicious juicy Good Food for Everybody in 2015, when Shimasue Satoshi realized that millions of burgers containing zero Halal and vegan dining options have never Muslim people around the world were unable to eat tra- animal-derived ingre- been easier to find in Tokyo. ditional Japanese pork-based ramen. In 2016 he opened dients. It also offers his first halal shop specializing in chicken-based ramen, fresh salads, and South by Rosie Ball bringing Japanese-style ramen to a more international Indian style curry, audience. “Since pork cannot be used as any ingredient in using traditional Japa- halal cuisine, the issue is how to produce the tasty flavor,” nese fermented season- he says. “It is rare to find ramen of a chicken-based soup ing and Asian spices to © Sugimoto Atsuya with deep-fried chicken. This allows us to offer ramen that create thoughtful, tasty is fun, delicious, and voluminous.” With its rich, creamy dishes. “However, the hidden popular menu items are the broth, the spicy chicken ramen is a favorite among tourists vegan sweets,” she says. Made entirely without dairy prod- from overseas. As Shimasue points out, “Many customers ucts, eggs, or white sugar, the vegan cheesecake is thick, can eat ramen for the first time.” They can also try other creamy, and very memorable. According to Ota, people popular dishes such as the halal gyoza, fried then steamed even travel from overseas just to try it. dumplings, which usually contain minced pork, but here One of the key concepts at this vegan restaurant is to the gyoza is made with chicken and tofu. “The theme is to serve as “a second home when you come to Tokyo.” This provide ramen that foreign clientele will enjoy,” he says. In idea extends beyond the menu and into the restaurant’s fact, the food served is so delicious that Japanese regulars spacious interior. From the dark herringbone flooring to enjoy it as well. the cozy suede chairs, eclectic art adorning the walls, and There are many other notable restaurants that have soul music quietly flowing from the speakers, everything uniquely international perspectives in Tokyo. Right at about the design says comfort. For the diverse mix of inter- home amongst Aoyama’s many cutting-edge fashion bou- national and Japanese customers, Ota has touched on the tiques and trendy cafés, a specialty shop was opened in 2011 universal idea of “the kitchen,” a place where anyone will by Ota Yukari, who wanted to bring people together over feel welcome, regardless of race, language, or religion. dishes of 100 percent vegan food and to celebrate organic, As the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 pesticide-free farming, and natural cultivation. draw closer, international visitors to Japan can feel confi- “For the meals I was providing I wanted to concen- dent about finding delicious food options that cater to their A delicious bowl of halal ramen with deep-fried chicken. trate on the vitality and needs in Tokyo. The power of plants,” says ever-growing selection Ota, “where people can of diverse restaurants eat the same meal at has something to offer nyone who visits this city will agree: Tokyo is home Bursting with casual dining options and cafés, the the same table without everyone, a chance to A to some of the best food in the world. Whether vis- Ebisu neighborhood is heaven for food-lovers looking for worrying about dif- make wonderful mem- itors are searching for a high-end dining experience, an a bite to eat. Nestled in a quiet side street is a certified halal ferences in religion or ories through sharing affordable meal, traditional Japanese cuisine, or some- ramen restaurant with an extensive and delicious menu. constitution, and think and enjoying food. thing modern, finding the right place to eat has never been With its warmly lit interiors, this place has the atmosphere ‘this is delicious!’” The easier. In recent years, a diverse range of restaurants and of a traditional Japanese ramen shop, while providing menu’s focus is on its food options has begun popping up across the city to accom- a small prayer space for customers to use in privacy. The modate the growing number of international visitors. This restaurant is one of the over 100 restaurants and food stores includes an array of exciting halal and non-animal product featured in the Tokyo Muslim Travelers’ Guide, a compre- options aimed at Muslim and vegan customers. No mat- hensive booklet with lots of Muslim specific information, ter what the dietary requirement or preference, absolutely including finding halal food and prayer spaces around the Completely free of any animal- based products, this burger will © Sugimoto Atsuya everyone in Tokyo can enjoy delicious food. city, issued by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. entice everyone.

25 26 CULTURE

such as kabuki, shamisen (a traditional The casual styling of a kimono from the tailor where Hiramatsu works, with undershirt and hat. Japanese stringed instrument) and rakugo Keeping Up with the (a traditional Japanese art of storytelling). Around that time, she explains, there was a boom in vintage shops and she found Kimono Time herself quickly collecting a variety of dif- Meet two innovative people inspiring fresh ways to ferent kimono of various colors, patterns, accessorize and wear the traditional garment of Japan as and fabrics. Using her skill as an illustra- part of a modern wardrobe. tor and combining her love of manga and pop culture, she began creating drawings by Anne Lucas that show how to wear and accessorize kimono in a more edgy or kawaii (cute) veryone says, “Tokyo has changed.” In many ways, it has. But in an equal fashion. She gathered the illustrations and E number of ways, it has retained its intrinsic traditions and culture. This knowledge into a book called Kimono Bancho, and people started calling her feeling of old meets new is evident in all aspects of life here, including in the kimono bancho. realms of cuisine, architecture, business, and fashion. Hiramatsu, by contrast, has been working his way up within a tra- Perhaps one of the most obvious and quintessentially Japanese examples ditional Japanese company that has been tailor-making kimonos for of how the city—and the country, no less—has kept its essence alive is in the over 100 years. While the main clientele of the tailor has historically fact that we still see kimono on the streets, not to mention on the catwalks. been largely female, in 2012 they noticed an increase in male custom- Naturally, as everyday style has modernized, this form of attire is not as prev- ers, so they decided to launch a store selling a special collection for men. alent as it once was. It is also perhaps looked upon by the youth as out of date Located right next to Kanda Myojin Shrine, one of Tokyo’s oldest and most and difficult to wear, taking hours to put on for the unaccustomed. important shrines, designated to watch over 108 neighborhoods in central But deep down, whether they are young or old, and whether they will Tokyo, including Nihonbashi, Akihabara, and Marunouchi, the store has a openly admit it or not, all Japanese love and respect their history and deep cul- most auspicious location. ture. So instead of simply giving in to the hurdles of integrating the past into A seasoned textile designer, Hiramatsu says that while his tailoring is contemporary lifestyles, Tokyo is bustling with creative minds continuously based on tradition, he enjoys playing with coordination and encourages peo- coming up with ways to let the two worlds meet. Two people in particular are ple to pair their kimono or haori (traditional Japanese jacket) with casual working hard to inspire a fresh generation of kimono and yukata wearers. clothing such as jeans and a T-shirt. His mission is to update Japanese culture Writer, illustrator, and kimono bancho (boss) Matsuda Megumi and designer to the present day, and with 10 percent of his clientele now international, it for a bespoke kimono tailor Hiramatsu Gen may have different backgrounds seems he is well on his way to achieving this goal. and skills, but they are both dedicated to changing the way people view and Although their styles may differ, one thing that Matsuda and the kimono wear the traditional garment of Japan. tailor where Hiramatsu works have in common is their effective use of the Growing up, Matsuda says, she internet and social media for attracting new readers and customers. As a enjoyed ukiyo-e (woodblock print art) but result, both have fans from around the world and of varying ages, from 20 up was not too aware of other Japanese cul- to 70. A quick glance at Matsuda’s Instagram account conveys her sense of tural traditions. After traveling abroad to playfulness. For example, she favors bright, bold hues and candy colored jew- study as a teen, she realized that her foreign elry; she might recommend using a scarf that your mother used when you friends often took the time to learn more were young as an obi-age (a kimono accessory that is used to help keep the about Japan and its traditions than she did. upper part of the obi belt knot in place). The kimono tailor where Hiramatsu So she began to observe, look, and listen, works, on the other hand, presents a more subdued approach with chic tones and immerse herself in cultural activities of navy, sky blue, black, gray, and beige taking center stage. © Matsuda Megumi For both creatives, it is clear that they are highly respectful of kimono Kimono Bancho © Matsuda Megumi traditions, enjoying the age-old allure of the unseen, or the features of which Kimono Bancho we can only catch a glimpse. At the same time, they understand that the key to A light summer kimono styled with Kimono bancho (boss) Sandals and record shaped earrings complete a marine theme. Matsuda Megumi. updating the look lies in the accessories—and perhaps, ultimately, the attitude. the rock themed styling of this yukata.

27 28 Tokyo Basics

Population Location Area Total Population of Tokyo (2019) 2,194.07 13,953,972 sq. kilometers

Population Age Structure by Gender (2019)

Men (2019) Women (2019) 6,860,527 7,093,445

Average Life Expectancy (2015) Average Life Expectancy (2015) 81.07 87.26

Foreign Residents (2019) People Over 100 Years Old (2019) 569,822 5,892

Average Monthly Temperature and Rainfall Sister and Friendship Cities/States* Annual Foreign Tourists (2018)

① New York (USA)

Average Annual Temperature ② Beijing (China) ③ Paris (France) 15.4 °C ④ New South Wales* (Australia) (59.7 °F) ⑤ Seoul (South Korea) ⑥ Jakarta (Indonesia) ⑦ São Paulo* (Brazil) ⑧ Cairo (Egypt) 14.2 Average Annual Rainfall ⑨ Moscow (Russia) million ⑩ Berlin (Germany) mm A 3.4% increase over 2017 Source: Japan Meteorological Agency,1981–2010 = Average temperature = Average rainfall 1,528.8 ⑪ Rome (Italy) ⑫ London (UK)

Tokyo’s GMP 1 (Nominal) as a Share of Japan’s GDP (FY2017) Tokyo’s Budget (Initial FY2018) Symbols

Japan ¥547.4 trillion 19.4% of Japan’s GDP Tokyo ¥106.2 trillion2 The somei yoshino cherry tree was developed in Ginkgo biloba is a deciduous tree with distinctive The yurikamome gull has a vermillion bill and ¥14,959 the late Edo period to early Meiji era (late 1800s) fan-shaped leaves that change from light green legs. It comes south to Tokyo in late October billion* by crossbreeding wild cherry trees. The light- to bright yellow in autumn. The ginkgo tree every year and sojourns at the surrounding ports 1 GMP: Gross Metropolitan Product pink blossoms in full bloom and the falling petals is commonly found along Tokyo’s streets and and rivers until the following April. A favorite 2 $958.8 billion * $136 billion scattering in the wind are a magnificent sight avenues and is highly resistant to pollution theme of poets and painters, it is also called 2017 annual average conversion rate ¥1 = $0.0090 ¥1 = $0.0091 (Bloomberg, January 10, 2020) to behold. and fire. miyakodori (bird of the capital).

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