Why Tokyo Works

The draw of big cities, like New York, London, LA, or Tokyo is that they are made of a series of distinct, colorful neighborhoods, each with their own identity, vibe, and demographic. What makes them different are the small, local, mom-and-pop shops—not the chains of identical mass retail stores.

The prime directive in Japanese society is “thou shalt not discomfit thy neighbor.” Ever. Even on trivial things. Prosocial behavior is a totalizing ideology. People take it seriously. A blanket taboo bans any behavior that might create any inconvenience to people around you, let alone—heaven forbid—open conflict. Kids get this ethos drilled into t... See more

At first glance, the Tokyo subway system appears overwhelming, but once you discover all the navigational aids, it’s impossible to get lost. Besides identifying each subway line with a color and number, there are also color-coded guided paths painted on the floor you can simply follow until you get to your train. And once you’re there, there’s a di

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