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Japan's futurist image is left over from the 80s. Tokyo architecture doesn't hold a candle to Singapore and many other cities around S.E. Asia. Kuala Lumpur is

Japan's futurist image is left over from the 80s. Tokyo architecture doesn't hold a candle to Singapore and many other cities around S.E. Asia. Kuala Lumpur is full of buildings that surpass anything in Tokyo in terms of looking out of a Sci-Fi movie. Cities like Hong Kong and even Hangzhou from the right locations look way more like "Neo Tokyo" than Tokyo itself has ever looked.

harpratap 6y ago
Isn't it obvious though? Why would a country keep spending on new and modern infra when what they have works just fine? Time will come when Singapore and HK will start looking old in comparison to new metropolis emerging in Africa and India.
- asiachick 6y ago
  Yes, I totally agree. It's only that the AFAICT the "image" of Tokyo doesn't fit reality and I find that interesting. The image is left over. I'm curious when the image itself will change to reflect the new reality. On the other hand 14 new buildings 20 stories or higher have been going into Shibuya and there are many more planned.
  - harpratap 6y ago
    I think it is the way it is because Tokyo was one of the first metropolis to transform like that "overnight" and the image stuck. Like if you go to London or New york they still have plenty of old architecture lingering around. Singapore & HK feels more like Tokyo 2.0 than London 2.0 or NY 2.0
JSavageOne 6y ago
I agree on Singapore and would maybe throw in Seoul as well, but completely disagree on Kuala Lumpur. The architecture in Kuala Lumpur is nothing special and feels relatively dated.
nmfisher 6y ago
You’re totally right, but as a complete aside, Tokyo’s architecture still feels nice. It seems to strike the right balance between density and sunlight, cars and pedestrians, aesthetics and practicality. Having relocated to Singapore earlier in the year, I rarely feel “comforted” by its design - like I could walk around for hours enjoying the ambience of the streets. Could also be the oppressive heat and humidity though.
- pezezin 6y ago
  Everyone has a different taste, but for me Japanese architecture is horrid. Sure, old temples, shrines and castles are beautiful, but other than that... The tiny streets everywhere, the buildings with only a few centimetres of separation between them, the cheap plastic look of many buildings... Everything feels cramped and chaotic.

harpratap 6y ago

Isn't it obvious though? Why would a country keep spending on new and modern infra when what they have works just fine? Time will come when Singapore and HK will start looking old in comparison to new metropolis emerging in Africa and India.

asiachick 6y ago
Yes, I totally agree. It's only that the AFAICT the "image" of Tokyo doesn't fit reality and I find that interesting. The image is left over. I'm curious when the image itself will change to reflect the new reality. On the other hand 14 new buildings 20 stories or higher have been going into Shibuya and there are many more planned.
- harpratap 6y ago
  I think it is the way it is because Tokyo was one of the first metropolis to transform like that "overnight" and the image stuck. Like if you go to London or New york they still have plenty of old architecture lingering around. Singapore & HK feels more like Tokyo 2.0 than London 2.0 or NY 2.0

JSavageOne 6y ago

I agree on Singapore and would maybe throw in Seoul as well, but completely disagree on Kuala Lumpur. The architecture in Kuala Lumpur is nothing special and feels relatively dated.

nmfisher 6y ago

You’re totally right, but as a complete aside, Tokyo’s architecture still feels nice. It seems to strike the right balance between density and sunlight, cars and pedestrians, aesthetics and practicality. Having relocated to Singapore earlier in the year, I rarely feel “comforted” by its design - like I could walk around for hours enjoying the ambience of the streets. Could also be the oppressive heat and humidity though.

pezezin 6y ago
Everyone has a different taste, but for me Japanese architecture is horrid. Sure, old temples, shrines and castles are beautiful, but other than that... The tiny streets everywhere, the buildings with only a few centimetres of separation between them, the cheap plastic look of many buildings... Everything feels cramped and chaotic.