Comprehensive planning in Japanese large cities. (2nd January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Edgington, David W.
• Is Part Of: Planning perspectives. Volume 34:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 115
• Page End: 132
• Publication Date: 2019-01-02
• Subjects: Japan -- large cities -- comprehensive planning; City planning -- Periodicals; Land use -- Planning -- Periodicals; Planning -- Periodicals; 711.09005
• DOI: 10.1080/02665433.2017.1389655
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-5433

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Comprehensive planning has been a key activity of local governments in Japan. This paper discusses the history of the comprehensive planning concept and argues that the purpose of comprehensive planning in large Japanese cities ( dai-toshi ) differs from that in Western cities. Specifically, Japanese comprehensive plans reflect Japan's distinctive planning and political culture, such as the country's history of granting gradually increased local autonomy to its cities under the Local Government Act, and the implementation of top-down plans prepared and implemented by powerful mayors and bureaucracies. Since year 2000 comprehensive plans for Japanese large cities have begun to change due to lower rates of economic growth, population stability, and ageing, alongside the challenges of introducing more efficiency and effectiveness into the planning process.