Toukyou (Tokyo) — A City of Contrasts and the Echoes of Childhood Songs
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Toukyou (Tokyo) is Japan’s capital and one of the most dynamic metropolises in the world, home to over 14 million people. It functions as the nation’s political, economic, and cultural epicenter, drawing tourists and professionals from around the globe. Beneath its modern skyline lies a deep-rooted historical identity that continues to shape its unique character.
Originally known as Edo, the city once held the largest population of any urban area in the world during the 18th and 19th centuries. The remnants of this vibrant past still echo through its traditional neighborhoods, ancient shrines, and cultural institutions.
From Mount Takao in the west to Toukyou (Tokyo) Bay in the east, the city presents a beautiful fusion of nature and urbanism. Skyscrapers in Shinjuku the pop-culture mecca of Akihabara, fashionable Harajuku, and the historic charm of Asakusa and Ueno together reflect Toukyou (Tokyo)’s layered identity. It is a city of many faces and many voices, coexisting in a harmony only Toukyou (Tokyo) can achieve.
tokyo takao-san
tokyo akihabara maid
harajyuku takeshita doori
asakusa kaminarimon
In Ueno, visitors can explore the National Museum of Western Art, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site designed by world-renowned architect Le Corbusier, offering a rare encounter between architectural mastery and fine art. Beyond the city proper, Toukyou(Tokyo) also includes the Izu Islands and the Ogasawara Islands, the latter designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. These remote islands harbor rich marine ecosystems and distinct cultural traditions, presenting a completely different side of Toukyou(Tokyo) that captivates nature lovers and adventurers alike.
National Museum of Western Art
Chichijima, Ogasawara Islands By Anagounagi – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Toukyou (Tokyo) is also a cultural and artistic hub. Theaters, live venues, art museums, and literary centers line its streets. Traditional performing arts and seasonal festivals remain a vital part of the city’s life, creating an interplay between the old and the new that continues to inspire creatives around the world.
kichijyouji harmonika yokochou
Asakusa sanjya matsuri
Among the countless nostalgic tunes associated with Toukyou (Tokyo) is “Hana,” written by TAKESHIMA Hagoromo and composed by TAKI Rentarou. The line “Haru no urara no Sumidagawa” paints a vivid image of cherry blossoms blooming along the Sumida River — a poetic tribute to the capital’s spring scenery.
sumida-gawa sakura hotaruna
“Haru no ogawa” is believed to be based on the former Kouhone-gawa stream in Shibuya, now an underground waterway with a commemorative monument. “Yuuyake koyake,” a beloved song of dusk and childhood written by NAKAMURA Ukou, hails from Hachioji City in western Toukyou (Tokyo).
Other notable songs like “Jyuugoya Otsukisan” and “Aka tomdo” are connected through lyricist NOGUCHI Ujyou, whose life and work were based in Toukyou (Tokyo). These timeless melodies carry the warmth, softness, and familiarity that still resonate in the city’s quieter corners.
ramen jirou (mashimashi)
old-fashioned tokyo ramen
