Historical Dictionary of Tokyo

Tokyo is an enormous city with nearly 12 million residents and an area of 837 square miles. Its history spans more than five centuries and covers disparate periods from its beginning as a small castle town (1457), to the powerful capital of the Tokugawa shoguns (1603-1868), then a western-faced industrial center beginning in the Meiji Period (1868-1912), to today's global economic capital. Although much literature exists on the history, culture and economy of Japan in general, there are few detailed resources on Tokyo itself. The Historical Dictionary of Tokyo fulfills this need for a centralized location in which to find essential facts, figures, dates and descriptions about one of the most important cities in the world. Containing more than 250 entries, the dictionary is a reference source to the city's most influential leaders, both past and present, most important districts, and landmark historical events. Also featured are an introductory essay about Tokyo, a chronology of historic events, a table of population an geographic area for each of the wards, cities, towns and villages that comprise Tokyo Metropolis, and lists of the city's previous mayors and other chief executives, its tallest buildings and other information. Although the literature on Tokyo in English is limited, a detailed bibliography which includes information on atlases, guidebooks, urban design, and cultural life provides the reader with resources for further research. Includes maps and photos.