Why Tokyo Is Designed Almost Perfectly

About this video

• Video Title: Why Tokyo Is Designed Almost Perfectly
• Channel: Behind Asia
• Speakers: None explicitly named
• Duration: 00:21:48

Overview

This video explores the intricate design principles that contribute to Tokyo's remarkable functionality and livability as the world's most populous city. It examines how the city's success is a result of three interconnected layers: its extensive and efficient rail transit network (arteries), its human-scaled, mixed-use neighborhoods (cells), and its underlying cultural norms and social etiquette (code).

Key takeaways

• Efficient Rail Network: Tokyo's vast and integrated rail system, operated by numerous public and private companies, is the city's circulatory system, handling an immense daily ridership with exceptional punctuality.
• Human-Scaled Neighborhoods: The city's neighborhoods are designed for walkability and self-sufficiency, with mixed-use zoning allowing daily necessities to be within a short walk, fostering a strong sense of community.
• Cultural Norms: The Japanese concept of "Maywaku" (avoiding bothering others) and a collective mindset of consideration and responsibility are crucial to Tokyo's smooth functioning, contributing to its safety and serene atmosphere despite its density.
• Interconnected Design: Tokyo's physical infrastructure (rails, neighborhoods) and its social operating system (cultural norms) work in tandem, creating a harmonious and efficient urban environment that prioritizes human experience.