Background/ Synopsis

In cities in Asia we can observe that global geographies are being played out with profound spatial and social repercussions. In the case of Japan, which has undergone a rapid urbanization in the 20th century and faces recently new, complex urban challenge (as an aging society, rising social segregation, gentrification etc.) Responses to these changes are being reflected in the emergence of new social movements, diverse historical/ cultural revivals or the forging of unknown, hybrid realities. However, these changes all occur in public space and are basically about public space itself. The workshop will focus on the contemporary role of public space in cities in Japan and argues that Tokyo’s positioning as global city has caused many discussions, but seldom it is directly focused on the urban life at the bottom edge and inside the small scale, urban streets, which still make up the urban fabric of the city. Taking the case of the inner-city neighbourhood like YANESEN (Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi) and similar cases (Tsukudajima, Kagurazaka, etc.), the workshop will draw on different perspectives asking how recent redevelopments has changed the local lifestyle and to which degree the everyday life pattern and access to these traditional public space are marginalized by the emergence and effects of the new High-Rise developments. Program
Opening Workshop
Session 1 “Approaching the Research topic”
09.30 Introduction 1 Prof. Jinnai Hidenobu, Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan
10.00 Presentation 2 Prof. Darko Radovic, cSUR, University of Tokyo, Japan
10.30 Presentation 3 Prof. Evelyn Schulz, Japan Centre, Ludwig Maximillian University Munich, Germany Short Break
11.15 Presentation 4 Prof. Andre Sorensen, Toronto University, Canada
Session Summary

12.00-13.00 Lunch Break

Session 2 “Different Research Approaches and Case Studies”
13.00 Presentation 1 Heike Rahmann, University of Tokyo, , Japan
13.30 Presentation 2 Dr. Hitoshi Nakamura, cSUR, University of Tokyo, , Japan
14.00 Presentation 3 Wimonrart Issarathumnoon, University of Tokyo, Japan
Short Break
14.45 Presentation 4 NGO -Yanaka Gakko Group (yet to be confirmed)
15.15 Presentation 5 Students, Prof. Hideki Koizumi, University of Tokyo, Japan
15.45 Presentation 6 Marieluise Jonas, University of Tokyo, Japan
16.15 Presentation 7 Heide Jaeger, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK
16.45 Summary and Discussion
from 17.30 Walking tour around the area

Registration:
It is no registration required
Organizers/ Contact Information supported by:
Prof Hidenobu Jinnai, Hosei University, and Prof. Darko Radovic, University of Tokyo, initiated by:
Heide Jaeger
PhD Candidate, Manchester Metropolitan University, Research Fellow Hosei University, Tokyo

For further information, please email to heide.jaeger@gmx.net http://rojiresearchyanesen.twoday.net/

Access/ Venue
Date: 11th November 2007,
Place: University of Tokyo, Hongo Campus, Building 14, Room 141 Access to Hongo Campus http://www.utokyo.ac.jp/campusmap/map01_02_e.html