Welcome to a new series exploring the incredible story of how Tokyo, a world-class metropolis, was built from nothing.
I’ve spent years traveling the globe and living in Japan, and I’m consistently amazed at the city’s sophisticated infrastructure and meticulous design.
But what many people don’t realize is that the foundation for this modern marvel was laid centuries ago by the great shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, in a city he called Edo.
This fact is often overlooked, even by the Japanese. Yet, understanding the deep history of Tokyo is crucial for anyone—Japanese or not—who wants to truly appreciate this country.
I’ve spent a year researching the roots of this city, and in this series, I’ll share what I’ve learned about the secrets of Edo.
In this first installment, we’ll go back to the beginning to answer a fundamental question: Why did Tokugawa Ieyasu choose the sleepy, insignificant village of Edo as the center of his new government?
1 A Masterstroke, or a Mean-Spirited Plot?
