Beginning in the eighteenth century during that time, Japan was ruled by a series of military governments (shogunates) from different parts of the country. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the Kamakura shogunate, based in the Kanto region (where Tokyo is located), ruled the country. In the beginning of the 17th century, power shifted to the Tokugawa shogunate, which had its headquarters in Edo (today's Tokyo). Through all of these changes, Kyoto remained the Capital.

In 1869, Tokyo officially became the capital and the central government organizations such as administrative offices, embassies, the Diet, and Supreme Court, were centered there. Many banks and companies also have their headquarters in Tokyo, and the Keihin area (Tokyo-Yokohama) boasts the country's highest concentration of industry.

However, it is not only the fact that the city is the nation's political, economic, and industrial hub that has brought so many people to Tokyo. It is also a center for culture and education. Since the Meiji Era (1868-1912), Tokyo has attracted a large number of first-rate museums, libraries, and other cultual facilities. Furthermore, over 20% of the country's four-year colleges are located there. Because Tokyo is so densely populated, people fear that an earthquake or other natural disaster would have a devastating impact. For this reason, there have been several proposals to move some of the many functions now concentrated in Tokyo away from the city.

Photo courtesy of Tokyo Metropolitan Government.