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The Making of Urban Japan

Cities and Planning from Edo to the Twenty First Century

André Sorensen author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:22nd Jul '04

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The Making of Urban Japan cover

During the twentieth century, Japan was transformed from a poor, primarily rural country into one of the world's largest industrial powers and most highly urbanised countries. Interestingly, while Japanese governments and planners borrowed carefully from the planning ideas and methods of many other countries, Japanese urban planning, urban governance and cities developed very differently from those of other developed countries. Japan's distinctive patterns of urbanisation are partly a product of the highly developed urban system, urban traditions and material culture of the pre-modern period, which remained influential until well after the Pacific War. A second key influence has been the dominance of central government in urban affairs, and its consistent prioritisation of economic growth over the public welfare or urban quality of life. André Sorensen examines Japan's urban trajectory from the mid-nineteenth century to the present, paying particular attention to the weak development of Japanese civil society, local governments, and land development and planning regulations.

'Meticulously researched and impressively presented ... a tremendous resource for the serious scholar.' - Geographical Association

'This book should establish itself as the first port of call for both students and scholars embarking on a study of Japanese urbanism and planning history ... a highly sophisticated work' - Environment and Planning/Government & Policy

'A very well written work' - Urban Studies

'This book is extremely well researched, very well written, clearly focused and up to date.' - Geography


'Meticulously researched and impressively presented ... a tremendous resource for the serious scholar.' - Geographical Association

'This book should establish itself as the first port of call for both students and scholars embarking on a study of Japanese urbanism and planning history ... a highly sophisticated work' - Environment and Planning/Government & Policy

ISBN: 9780415354226

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 750g

404 pages