The Japanese Experience: The Rise of the Minimal Car Use Megalopolis

Abstract

We discuss the Japanese approach to planning in contrast to the American approach. We provide a historical explanation of the evolution of Japanese cities and their planning from the Tokugawa Era to the present day. Although very large, cities in Japan are not that dense. Like in America, the majority of the population live in single-family houses located in the suburbs. However, Japanese planning allows for mixed use by default and forbids on street parking nation-wide. As a result, railways are the main mode of transportation for longer distances within the city, while most errands can be solved by walking or cycling to either a corner shop or the larger commercial and service areas surrounding railway stations. Although with faults and problems of its own, we argue that the more laissez-faire, simple approach to planning in Japan is an example to follow that would result in a more efficient, less segregated and sustainable city form.