How is urbanism socially constructed? An examination of Japan’s post stations

Abstract

This research explores the spatial and historical origins of urbanism typical during Japan’s Tokugawa period (1603–1868). Urbanism will be shown through three overarching thematic categories: natural features, built form, and the uses and activities of Tōkaidō’s post stations. Post stations (or shukuba) were towns and villages established at regular intervals for the convenience of travellers who often journeyed along the Tōkaidō great road. The intent of the research method is to act as a ‘prism’ to reveal the way of life, seen through the eyes of Ando Hiroshige’s Tōkaidō series of woodblock prints (ukiyo-e or the ‘floating world’). The results of the content analysis reveal the fundamental role of transportation/movement networks in sustaining the social and cultural vitality of the post stations and the alignment of this urban model with Green Urbanism, Transit-Oriented Urbanism and Urban Spectacle theories in contemporary urban design and planning.