The planning history of Japan in a world history planning perspective

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis is an edited version of my keynote address given at the opening session of the 18th International Planning History Society (IPHS) conference in Yokohama, Japan in July 2018. The aims of the conference were to appreciate the diversity of planning histories, to deepen mutual understanding among planning historians in the world, and to look into the world history of planning, with the common goal of making our cities more humane. First, this paper discusses the necessity and difficulty of mutual understanding between different planning cultures. Secondly, it traces the planning history of Japan focussing on connections with China and the western countries, and on specific features from ancient to modern times. Finally, it reviews the points put forth by world historians today and emphasizes the importance of the quest for transnational planning history on the basis of mutual understanding between different planning cultures.