Urban Geography in Postwar Japan

Abstract

The postwar development of Japanese urban geography is divided into four peri ods. The amount of research in urban geography has increased, expanding study targets and analytical methods. With an increase in studies of urbanization in the 1950s, heated debate ensued and stimulated urban geographers, leading to the subsequent development of urban geography. There are two approaches, to regard a city as a specific point or as an area. The former is represented by studies on the central place and the urban system, while the latter is represented by studies on the internal structure of a city. These two have been dealt with almost equally by Japanese urban geographers. The trends of urban geography comprise the following points: an emphasis on the functional aspects; the introduction of more quantitative approaches; and an increase in the number of studies of foreign cities. Two points are indispensable for the further development of Japanese urban geography: controversy and theorization. The implications of the former are evident, judging from the role that debate played in the initial urbanization controversy. Clearly, progress cannot be made without dispute and debate. Theorization is equally important. Quantitative geography was originally oriented toward theory, although theorization can be accomplished without the use of a quantitative approach. Whether quantitative or nonquantitative approaches are taken de pends on the attitude of researchers, but both provide Japanese urban geography, which has traditionally depended on imported foreign accomplishments for its development, with an opportunity to transmit information internationally.

Research Trends in Japanese Urban Geography since 1980

“…As stated at the beginning, there are undeniably some omissions and inconsistencies in some fields, but it should still provide a general understanding of the current trends in Japanese urban geography. There is also a change in study trends from 'of the city' to 'in the city' as pointed out by Abe, K. 1996a .…”