Look at Tokyo!
Preface of the weekly essay
Yoshie Iimori
March 10, 2001
It was about two years ago when I commenced Tokyo Strolling Society, "Tokyo Sanpo no Kai". Since then, I have spent much time walking around. Although I was born and brought up in Tokyo, I was not much fascinated by this sprawling city. But I love any city atmosphere where many people from all walks of life and culture mingle freely. When I was a university student, my interests were towards Europe, especially Britain. I made several trips to learn the British and European culture. My first job in Japan was editing an Asian business magazine and I was proud of it, interviewing many Asian business leaders and ambassadors. As I acquired a deeper understanding about foreign countries, I got a subtle feeling that I could enjoy Tokyo more. I might have lost an excitement by ignoring our capital and that was the reason to start this Strolling Society.
To look around ourselves more carefully and to pay attention to our local landscape and buildings are present trends. When one goes to a bookstore, one can find many magazines and guidebooks to show Tokyo's streets and quite a few groups or local offices organize walking tours, too. There is also a movement to review our city planning.
Shinjuku ward selected 13 special sites which had been all nominated by Shinjuku citizens. The selection of those spots shows how this ward has historical diversity. Many people may only imagine entertainment areas near Shinjuku station. However the Shinjuku area is quite big and has many faces. Of course one can enjoy walking and shopping through busy streets and feel how one is metropolitan, but one should experience more before judging Shinjuku. Tokyo was largely destroyed by the Great Kanto earthquake and again in World War II, but fortunately several old temples and historical buildings still stand.
One of the residential areas, Shimo-Ochiai is exclusive and you will see big old houses which are still lived in. The local towns' names in the Ushigome area, where small traditional shops in narrow streets remain, are very old and they represent Edo geography and show who lived there.
Our philosophy is by walking around Tokyo, we can better realise and digest its wonderful mixture of traditional Japanese character together with its contemporary and international flavour. One may use subway or train to move in Tokyo, one probably just got the tip of the iceberg. If one is busy doing one's job and goes through life, one will get nothing out of it. If one walks, one can see, smell, hear and feel and one will get something new. I will write about exciting things I discovered and I would like to share my joy.
* We in T.S.S. organise walking tours once a season. We are interested in the city, architecture, art, history, theatre and everything cultural. This spring, we are planning to explore a temple and buildings which were designed by a great modern Japanese architect Chuta Ito. We sometimes go out of Tokyo. Everyone will be welcomed.
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