Uncovering Tokyo: A City That Never Stops Evolving

A Legacy of Passion for Japan

Born in Toranomon Hospital in 1985 to an English father and a Japanese mother, Harry Sugiyama's roots in Tokyo run deep. His father, Henry Scott-Stokes, was a journalist who arrived in Japan in 1964 and quickly developed a lifelong fascination with the country.

"My father was more Japanese than the average Japanese. He fell in love with Japan and dedicated his life to sharing Japan's beauty with the world," Harry recalls fondly.

Despite an international upbringing—moving to the United Kingdom at age 11 for schooling and later studying Chinese and Korean at SOAS University of London (School of Oriental and African Studies)—Harry was drawn back to Japan. Returning as an adult, he saw Tokyo in ways he had never noticed before. "Only then did I realize the true beauty of Tokyo," he admits.

Today, as a Tokyo Tourism Ambassador, he continues his father's mission by introducing Tokyo's multifaceted charm to a global audience. In this role, he joins a network of ambassadors dedicated to promoting Tokyo through various public relations initiatives, highlighting the city's diverse attractions both in Japan and abroad.

Rediscovering Tokyo: A City of Contrasts and Endless Discovery

For Harry, Tokyo's uniqueness lies in its constant evolution and its blend of past and future, both qualities he finds endlessly fascinating.

"There's an incredible mixture of ancient arts and history with a digitalized future," he says. Despite having lived in the city for almost two decades now, he is still discovering new layers, untold stories, and hidden gems. "I'd like to call myself a Tokyo expert, but I can't because there's just so much to discover. Tokyo is constantly evolving."

One of Harry's many hobbies, running, has become his favorite way to make these discoveries. His passion for the sport traces back to a childhood memory with his father. When they were in a hurry, his father would jog ahead along the streets of Tokyo, leaving young Harry lagging behind but motivated to catch up. That spark grew stronger when he returned to Japan, where running became his way of learning more about the city.

For example, jogging along the Imperial Palace running route, he observed Tokyo's unique contrasting landscape. "You see skyscrapers in one direction, and in another, remnants of the Edo period (1603-1868) and the Tokugawa shogunate, like ishigaki (stone walls), kokuin (crests carved into the stone as proof of a shogun's work and to prevent other lords from using their stones), and work left by shokunin (craftsmen) from that time. It's an incredible display of history."

Harry believes this is the leading characteristic of Tokyo that gleams to the international audience. "It made me wonder what Tokyo is all about. It's such a mixture of the future and the past, which is a total juxtaposition that I love."

Beyond famous landmarks, the unexpected discoveries make Tokyo exciting for Harry. From a small ozōni (soup made with rice cakes traditionally made during New Year) restaurant in Ginza, where a dish traditionally enjoyed only once a year is available year-round, to a deep, spice-rich curry shop in the shitamachi (old town) areas, the city is full of surprises. One such place is Hikarigaoka Park—once a residential area called Grant Heights for American expats after World War II, it has since transformed into a park where families and elderly locals gather and play.

Harry's Role as a Tokyo Tourism Ambassador

As a Tokyo Tourism Ambassador, Harry takes great pride in sharing the city's richness through events, social media, TV programs, and forums. Through initiatives like Tokyo GOOD!, a program that highlights both well-known and overlooked parts of the city, he hopes to inspire visitors to explore beyond the typical tourist spots.

"My father dedicated his life to sharing Japan with the West. It's my passion to be able to do this. I really love it. This is my life's work and what I live for," he shares passionately.

Harry is also determined to showcase Tokyo's unique and evolving identity. He has witnessed how the world's perception of Japan has shifted in recent years, with Japanese culture gaining global recognition. "When I was in boarding school in the UK, Japan just meant sumo wrestlers and sushi and Nakata Hidetoshi (a former Japanese soccer player). But now, it's not just anime and subculture—people recognize Japan and Tokyo in its own identity instead of mixing it with other countries."

Tokyo's identity is multifaceted—steeped in history but constantly evolving. "What I've recently started to enjoy is the appearance of diverse faces in everyday life," Harry says. "I think society here has become very international and multicultural." This increasing diversity adds a new dimension to the city's character while still paying homage to its cultural heritage.

Still, beyond its history, food, and attractions, it is the people of Tokyo who define the city for Harry. "Everyday people on the street are the true faces of Tokyo," Harry reflects. "They know the city inside out." But what stands out most to him is their warmth. "Japanese people all have this way of welcoming people, in a very Japanese way. It's not full-on, but it's with warmth. The Japanese word is nukumori—warmth you can feel through your skin."

Despite Tokyo's rapid modernization, Harry believes this warmth has never faded. "The warmth of the people hasn't changed since 1964 when my dad first came. It hasn't changed now, and it shall always be there." To him, this is the heart of Tokyo—its quiet yet undeniable kindness.

Harry's Message to the World: Tokyo Awaits You

Harry remains deeply committed to representing Tokyo, sharing its distinct beauty, and forging stronger connections with other international cities. His love for Tokyo is personal—it is the city he calls home, the place where he continues his father's legacy, and where he discovers new wonders each day.

To Harry, Tokyo is more than just a tourist destination; it is a city where people can feel a true sense of belonging too. He says, "We welcome you with open minds and open hearts." 

Harry Sugiyama

Born in Tokyo, 1985. Moved to the UK aged 11 and having graduated from Winchester College, started a career in M&A. He went on to study SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies), as well as Beijing Normal University, and upon returning to Japan, started his career as a talent. His father is the former Tokyo branch Head/Asia Bureau Chief of the New York Times. Multilingual in Japanese, English, Chinese, and French.