Tokyo, officially the Tokyo Metropolis, serves as the capital and most
populous city of Japan. With a population exceeding 14 million within the city
proper as of 2023, it ranks among the most populous urban centers worldwide.
The Greater Tokyo Area, encompassing neighboring prefectures, is the world's
largest metropolitan area, home to 41 million residents in 2024. Situated on
the central coast of Honshu, Japan's largest island, Tokyo is the nation's
economic, governmental, and imperial heart.
Historically known as Edo, Tokyo rose to political prominence in 1603 as the
seat of the Tokugawa shogunate. By the mid-18th century, it was among the
world's largest cities. Following the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the imperial
capital was relocated from Kyoto to Edo, which was subsequently renamed Tokyo,
meaning "Eastern Capital." Despite suffering significant damage from
the Great Kantō earthquake in 1923 and Allied bombing during World War II,
Tokyo underwent rapid post-war reconstruction and economic expansion.
Tokyo holds the distinction of being the first Asian city to host the Summer
Olympics and Paralympics. Its infrastructure is notable for its extensive and
efficient public transportation, including Shinjuku Station, recognized as the
world's busiest. The city is also home to the Tokyo Skytree, the world's
tallest tower, and boasts a rich academic environment with prominent
institutions like the University of Tokyo.
