Includes bibliographical references and index

Urban Spaces in Japan explores the workings of power, money and public interest in the planning and design of Japanese space. Through a set of vivid case studies of well-known Japanese cities including Tokyo, Kobe and Kyoto, this book examine the potential of civil society in contemporary planning debates. Further, it addresses the implications of Japan's biggest social problem - the demographic decline - for Japanese cities, and demonstrates the serious challenges and exciting possibilities that result from the impending end of Japan's urban growth

Presenting a synthetic approach that reflects both the physical aspects and the social significance of urban spaces, this book scrutinises the precise patterns of urban expansion and shrinkage. In doing so, it also summarises current theories of public space, urban space and the body in space which are relevant to both Japan and the wider international debate

With detailed case studies and more general reflections from a broad range of disciplines, this collection of essays demonstrates the value of cross-disciplinary cooperation. As such, it is of interest to students and of geography and urban planning as well as history, anthropology and cultural studies. Book jacket