
Tokyo
A city highlighted as a booming tech hub and an increasingly popular destination for American tech expatriates who are leaving the US in response to 'the great confiscation'.
First Mentioned
11/16/2025, 11:33:00 PM
Last Updated
11/16/2025, 11:46:40 PM
Research Retrieved
11/16/2025, 11:35:53 PM
Summary
Tokyo, officially the Tokyo Metropolis, is the capital and most populous city in Japan, serving as the nation's economic and governmental center. Originally known as Edo, it became the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate in 1603 and was renamed Tokyo in 1868 after the imperial capital moved there. The city has undergone significant reconstruction following the 1923 Great Kantō earthquake and World War II bombing, leading to its rapid expansion and role in Japan's economic miracle. As of 2023, Tokyo's city proper has over 14 million residents, and the Greater Tokyo Area is the world's most populous metropolitan area with 41 million residents in 2024. It is a major global financial hub, hosting numerous large companies, and has twice hosted the Summer Olympics and Paralympics. Tokyo is also recognized as one of the safest cities globally and is increasingly a destination for wealthy Americans seeking international havens.
Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
Type
Capital and most populous city in Japan, prefecture-like governing structure, Alpha+ city
Location
Head of Tokyo Bay, Kantō region, central coast of Honshu, Japan
Coordinates
35.689444444, 139.691666666
Headquarters
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Official Name
Tokyo Metropolis
Previous Name
Edo
Safety Ranking
Safest city globally in multiple international surveys
Nominal GDP (FY2021)
113.7 trillion yen (US$1.04 trillion)
World's Tallest Tower
Tokyo Skytree
Metropolitan Economy (2022)
US$2.08 trillion (second-largest metropolitan economy globally)
City Proper Population (2023)
Over 14 million residents
World's Busiest Train Station
Shinjuku Station
Global Livability Ranking (2024)
14th
Fortune Global 500 Companies (2023)
29 (second highest number of any city)
Greater Tokyo Area Population (2024)
41 million residents (world's most populous metropolitan area)
Oldest Underground Metro Line in Asia
Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
Timeline
- Edo (Tokyo's original name) became the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate, rising to political prominence. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia, Web Search)
1603
- By the mid-18th century, Edo evolved into one of the world's largest cities, with a population surpassing one million. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia, Web Search)
1750
- Following the Meiji Restoration, the imperial capital moved from Kyoto to Edo, and the city was renamed Tokyo ('Eastern Capital'). (Source: Summary, Wikipedia, Wikidata, Web Search)
1868-09-06
- Tokyo was greatly damaged by the Great Kantō earthquake. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia, Web Search)
1923
- The Tokyo Metro Ginza Line opened, becoming the oldest underground metro line in Asia. (Source: Wikipedia)
1927
- Tokyo suffered significant damage from Allied bombing raids during World War II. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia, Web Search)
1945
- From the late 1940s, Tokyo underwent rapid reconstruction and expansion, fueling the Japanese economic miracle. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia)
1940s
- Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympics and Paralympics, becoming the first city in Asia to do so. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia)
1964
- Tokyo hosted a G7 summit. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia)
1979
- Tokyo hosted a G7 summit. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia)
1986
- Tokyo hosted a G7 summit. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia)
1993
- Tokyo's status as a leading global financial hub diminished with the Lost Decades, leading to a decline in the Tokyo Stock Exchange's global ranking. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia)
1990s
- Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympics and Paralympics for the second time. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia)
2021
- Tokyo's nominal gross domestic output was 113.7 trillion yen (US$1.04 trillion) in FY2021. (Source: Wikipedia)
2021
- The gross metropolitan product of the Greater Tokyo Area was estimated at US$2.08 trillion. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia)
2022
- Tokyo's city proper population exceeded 14 million residents and was home to 29 of the world's 500 largest companies. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia)
2023
- The Greater Tokyo Area reached a population of 41 million residents, and Tokyo ranked 14th in the Global Livability Ranking. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia)
2024
Wikipedia
View on WikipediaTokyo
Tokyo, officially the Tokyo Metropolis, is the capital and most populous city in Japan. With a population of over 14 million in the city proper in 2023, it is one of the most populous urban areas in the world. The Greater Tokyo Area, which includes Tokyo and parts of six neighboring prefectures, is the most populous metropolitan area in the world, with 41 million residents as of 2024. Lying at the head of Tokyo Bay, Tokyo is part of the Kantō region, on the central coast of Honshu, Japan's largest island. It is Japan's economic center and the seat of the Japanese government and the Emperor of Japan. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government administers Tokyo's central 23 special wards, which formerly made up Tokyo City; various commuter towns and suburbs in its western area; and two outlying island chains, the Tokyo Islands. Although most of the world recognizes Tokyo as a city, since 1943 its governing structure has been more akin to that of a prefecture, with an accompanying Governor and Assembly taking precedence over the smaller municipal governments that make up the metropolis. Special wards in Tokyo include Chiyoda, the site of the National Diet Building and the Tokyo Imperial Palace; Shinjuku, the city's administrative center; and Shibuya, a hub of commerce and business. Tokyo, originally known as Edo, rose to political prominence in 1603 when it became the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate, and by the mid-18th century, Edo had evolved from a small fishing village into one of the largest cities in the world, with a population surpassing one million. After the Meiji Restoration (1868), the imperial capital in Kyoto was moved to Edo, and the city was renamed Tokyo (lit. 'Eastern Capital'). Tokyo was greatly damaged by the 1923 Great Kantō earthquake and by allied bombing raids during World War II. From the late 1940s, Tokyo underwent rapid reconstruction and expansion, which fueled the Japanese economic miracle, in which Japan's economy became the second-largest in the world at the time, behind that of the United States. As of 2023, Tokyo is home to 29 of the world's 500 largest companies, as listed in the annual Fortune Global 500—the second highest number of any city. Tokyo was the first city in Asia to host the Summer Olympics and Paralympics, in 1964 and then in 2021. It also hosted three G7 summits, in 1979, 1986, and 1993. Tokyo is an international hub of research and development and an academic center, with several major universities, including the University of Tokyo, the top-ranking university in Japan. Tokyo Station is the central hub for the Shinkansen, the country's high-speed railway network; and the city's Shinjuku Station is the world's busiest train station. Tokyo Skytree is the world's tallest tower. The Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, which opened in 1927, is the oldest underground metro line in Asia. Tokyo's nominal gross domestic output was 113.7 trillion yen (US$1.04 trillion) in FY2021 and accounted for 20.7% of Japan's economic output, which converts to 8.07 million yen or US$73,820 per capita. Including the Greater Tokyo Area, Tokyo is the second-largest metropolitan economy in the world after New York, with a 2022 gross metropolitan product estimated at US$2.08 trillion. Although Tokyo's status as a leading global financial hub has diminished with the Lost Decades since the 1990s, when the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) was the world's largest, with a market capitalization about 1.5 times that of the NYSE, Tokyo is still a leading financial hub, and the TSE remains among the world's top five major stock exchanges. Tokyo is categorized as an Alpha+ city by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network. It ranked 14th in the 2024 edition of the Global Livability Ranking, and has been ranked as the safest city in the world in multiple international surveys.
Web Search Results
- Tokyo
Tokyo, officially the Tokyo Metropolis, is the capital and most populous city in Japan. With a population of over 14 million in the city proper in 2023, it is one of the most populous urban areas in the world. The Greater Tokyo Area, which includes Tokyo and parts of six neighboring prefectures, is the most populous metropolitan area in the world, with 41 million residents as of 2024( [...] Tokyo was the first city in Asia to host the Summer Olympics and Paralympics, in 1964 and then in 2021. It also hosted three G7 summits, in 1979, 1986, and 1993. Tokyo is an international hub of research and development and an academic center, with several major universities, including the University of Tokyo, the top-ranking university in Japan. Tokyo Station is the central hub for the Shinkansen, the country's high-speed railway network; and the city's Shinjuku Station is the world's busiest [...] Tokyo, originally known as Edo, rose to political prominence in 1603 when it became the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate, and by the mid-18th century, Edo had evolved from a small fishing village into one of the largest cities in the world, with a population surpassing one million. After the Meiji Restoration (1868), the imperial capital in Kyoto was moved to Edo, and the city was renamed Tokyo (lit. 'Eastern Capital'). Tokyo was greatly damaged by the 1923 Great Kantō earthquake and by allied
- What to do in Tokyo
Tokyo (東京, Tōkyō) is Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis. It is also one of Japan's 47 prefectures, consisting of 23 central city wards and multiple cities, towns and villages west of the city center. The Izu and Ogasawara Islands are also part of Tokyo. [...] Prior to 1868, Tokyo was known as Edo. Previously a small castle town, Edo became Japan's political center in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu established his feudal government there. A few decades later, Edo had grown into one of the world's largest cities. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, the emperor and capital moved from Kyoto to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo ("Eastern Capital"). Large parts of Tokyo were destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the air raids of 1945. [...] Today, Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, culture and dining to its visitors. The city's history can be appreciated in districts such as Asakusa and in many excellent museums, historic temples and gardens. Contrary to common perception, Tokyo also offers a number of attractive green spaces in the city center and within relatively short train rides at its outskirts. Top attractions in Tokyo Sort by: Recommended
- Tokyo Facts: Discovering the World's Largest Metropolis
Tokyo, the vibrant capital of Japan, is a city that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with cutting-edge technology. As one of the world's largest and most populous metropolitan areas, Tokyo offers a fascinating mix of history, culture, and modernity. From its humble beginnings as a small fishing village called Edo to its current status as a global economic powerhouse, Tokyo has undergone remarkable transformations over the centuries. In this article, we'll explore some intriguing facts about [...] Key industries in Tokyo include information technology, electronics, publishing, and broadcasting. The city is also a major center for research and development, with numerous universities and corporate R&D centers. Tokyo's Akihabara district, known as "Electric Town," is famous for its concentration of electronics and tech-related businesses. [...] The pivotal moment in Tokyo's history came in 1868 with the Meiji Restoration. The imperial capital was moved from Kyoto to Edo, and the city was renamed Tokyo, meaning "Eastern Capital." This marked the beginning of Tokyo's role as the political and economic center of Japan.
- Tokyo | Kanto | Destinations
Tokyo is located on Tokyo Bay in the Kanto region of Honshu, Japan’s largest island. The closest airport airports are Haneda officially known as Tokyo International Airport, and Narita Airport, Japan's largest international airport. Tokyo is known for its fashion and shopping, from the trendy shopping districts of Harajuku and Shibuya, to the luxury flagships of Ginza. [...] Shinjuku is the thriving business district; a mix of gleaming skyscrapers and atmospheric back streets with tiny bars. Asakusa is the heart of Tokyo’s downtown, with ancient temples and traditional stores. Tokyo is a foodie paradise with more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world, along with hundreds of cheap and delicious ramen shops. Tokyo Weather [...] Tokyo has mild spring weather, followed by hot and humid summers punctuated with typhoons. Autumn in Tokyo is cool and fresh, followed by cold, dry winters. Snow is rare but has been known to fall in the first few months of the year. The one week forecast for Tokyo is an accurate guide to the weather for the coming week.
- Tokyo | Japan, Population, Map, History, & Facts
Tokyo is the chief transportation hub for Japan, as well as an important international traffic centre. It is served by a dense network of electric railways, subways, bus lines, and highways. Tokyo station is the central railroad terminal for all of Japan, including the high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains from western Japan. Ueno Station is the terminus for rail lines running to northern Japan, and Shinjuku station is the terminus for trains from central Honshu and Tokyo’s western suburbs. [...] Tokyo, city and capital of Tokyo to (metropolis) and of Japan. It is located at the head of Tokyo Bay on the Pacific coast of central Honshu. It is the focus of the vast metropolitan area often called Greater Tokyo, the largest urban and industrial agglomeration in Japan. A brief treatment of Tokyo follows. For full treatment, see Tokyo-Yokohama metropolitan area. [...] The site of Tokyo has been inhabited since ancient times; the small fishing village of Edo existed there for centuries. Edo’s development into a city did not occur until the Tokugawa period (1603–1867), when it became the capital of the Tokugawa shogunate. During this period, however, the imperial family remained in Kyōto, the ancient imperial capital. With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, which ended the shogunate, the capital was moved to Edo. The city was renamed Tokyo, meaning “eastern
Wikidata
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Country
Located In
Instance Of
Population
14,264,798Coordinates
Headquarters
Inception Date
9/6/1868
DBPedia
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