This preliminary report was written in collaboration with ISEP Research Intern and Columbia Laidlaw Scholar, Krishan Rai.
June 4, 2024
Amy Stulman
Krishan Rai
Topic: Visit to Yashio, Shinagawa-ku 140-0033
Observations:
On first arriving to the area we were struck with the walkability of the area and the greenery that surrounds areas for pedestrians walking. There are distinct measures that have been taken that show that this area was designed with safety of its people as a priority. The walking paths are a safe and comfortable distance away from any cars and there are railings on many of the walkways to protect pedestrians from traffic. In some areas the ground seemed to be made of synthetic materials that made walking very comfortable.
Additionally, the colour scheme of the buildings was very distinctive to us. We couldn’t believe it had been designed in the seventies and eighties, looked much more modern with the well maintained bricks and shiny white facades of the housing units. It seemed it could be comparable, visually at least, to one of those sustainable new developments in Europe nowadays, and not to the concrete housing developments of some areas of development during the 1970s and 1980s in the United States. Unlike developments in the United States, this development presented no signs of “urban sprawl” and rather, an accessible, tight-knit, and community-oriented area.
Throughout the area, there is an emphasis on bike paths. They run along the water offering scenic views of the canal as well as through shaded forested areas. As a foreigner, it seemed like it would be a great place to get exercise and cycle or run, although it may be hard to get to the island in the first place if coming from a more touristy area. I can also imagine especially digital nomads or younger tourists enjoying getting exercise in the area, as it is relatively uncrowded. We saw one sign for a bike/green path by Shoji park, and were wondering if the area was possibly part of a larger pedestrian/cycling network. Throughout these green spaces, we noticed that there was a lack of trash cans/ recycling bins which could pose an issue for an influx of visitors who do not reside on the island.
The gardens were really special, and showed a high degree of community care, with all the flowers carefully planted and wooden birdhouses attached to trees. Paired with the gardens were elements of public art such as larger statues, signs, and small garden decorations. They add an air of familiarity to the community– letting the personality of the area and the residents be felt by those who visit. These garden spaces were few and far between, though, and often difficult to find—they had to be stumbled upon.
We saw plentiful evidence that historically, this was an area that was designed to promote families. We saw many playgrounds throughout the island, as well as schools that were designed to facilitate activities like basketball, baseball, and recess. As we were walking we saw students exiting school and in comparison with the American student dismissal process, the students were both granted and exhibited a remarkable amount of independence.
Furthermore, as we surveyed the different buildings of the district, there was a conspicuous lack of local businesses and shops that would be attractive to those outside of the ages of young children and senior citizens. We noticed a lack of cafes, restaurants and stores that could cater to the population. We thought that this could, in particular, create a sense of monotony for teenagers or young adults looking to socialize with their communities. As many teenagers are young adults finding entry-level employment at these establishments, we found a tangible lack of these opportunities. Similarly, employment on the island was generally limited to sectors such as childcare, education, and service sector employment– leaving other employment opportunities only available on the mainland.