Tokyo Through the Lens of Generation Z: Discussion on the Now and Future of Tokyo

There are over 2.6 million students attending universities and colleges in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area, the largest ever student population recorded in Japan, according to the "Fundamental Research regarding to Student" conducted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.

As of August 2020, there are 143 universities and colleges in Tokyo, making up to around 20% of the total number of universities and colleges across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Being home to such number of universities and student population, historically, Tokyo's population is always pumped with college students. Among that constant flow of young blood, many are Generation Z, or zoomers, born after mid-90s.

These students play an undeniable role to mega metropolitan like Tokyo. Many of the cultural facilities and events, such as libraries, sport matches, bookstores, cinemas, and concerts would not be the same without these zoomers.

Today, we have gathered students from Keio University (Tokyo) to join us in a virtual panel of their current lives in Tokyo, and what they expect out of Tokyo in the future. Brought to you through their very own voices.

Unexpectedly positive, and well-disciplined

Our student life has turned upside-down since the declaration of the first state of emergency by the central government in the spring of 2020. Universities closed their school campuses and shifted to online class. Meanwhile many stores and restaurants have restricted their business activities and hours.

Nozomi Jinnai, who was raised in Kanagawa prefecture

"Tokyo is the best place for me since it is located with amazing restaurants throughout the city" said Nozomi Jinnai, fourth year student studying Law at Keio University (same university applies hereafter).

For her, who was raised in Kanagawa prefecture, Tokyo was the next-door-city. Now under pandemic, she can no longer commute freely. "I feel stifled, surrounded by a huge barrier around myself." says Jinnai.

As of May 2021, Jinnai has been on the job-hunting period, and tries to face the reality and changes of the pandemic as positively as possible. "Online interviews enable me to stay calm and communicate my thoughts more precisely, while face-to-face interview stresses me somehow."

Miki Araki, from Fukuoka prefecture

Miki Araki, third year Law student, has not been able to do her usual café runs which she loves since the start of COVID-19. She is setting her own rule to adapt in the new normal. "In terms of COVID-19 safety precautions, hotels seem to do better. When I'm desperately craving for tea time, I go to hotel lounges for their afternoon tea."

"If I were to go out for dinner, I would choose the restaurant with thorough safety precaution measures implemented." says Akina Kaneko, third year Law student.

Kazuhito Osawa belongs to a football club and a dance club named "Michael Jackson club"

Kazuhito Osawa, also third year Law student, is an active athlete who is not just a huge soccer fan, but also belongs to a dance club called "Michael Jackson club." "We have adapted to playing while refraining from over-crowding and be considerate of each other's distance spacing." says Osawa, telling us about how the soccer feels safer as hand contact is not needed in soccer, but dancing is different. "Nowadays, the dance club member each take videos of themselves and share among the crew. We have changed how we enjoy dancing." Little by little, the students have adapted and learned new ways of enjoyment.

Of course not all is positive. Akira Wakamatsu, third year Economics student, is suffering under patience. He could no longer enjoy karaoke with his friend, his only option is to stay home. "Because of COVID-19, many of the services have shortened their business hours. We lost all the fun places and things we used to take for granted. Only now I began to realize and appreciate what a fun place Tokyo is." said Wakamatsu in sigh.

We think, share, act, to make Tokyo a better place

A city is often said to be "alive." The changes, the blooms, and the barren of a city are reflections of not just the economic development or environment sustainability, but also of the behavior and perception of people who live here.

What kind of changes do the students want to see in the city of Tokyo, and what do they expect?

"I was deeply touched by the 2019's #KuToo movement on social media which protested against woman being forced to wear high heels" says Jinnai. "I wish for Tokyo to become a city where people can face and stand up for their issues, and then share, act, and improve. I look forward to the day that Tokyo becomes so."

Haruki Kadotani

Haruki Kadotani, third year Law student, who experienced living outside Japan, emphasizes the importance of how Tokyo should be more open for diversified voices. "Because Tokyo is the place where a variety of talents from all over Japan gathers, we should always try to bring what has been created here to overseas" says Kadotani. "What concerns me is that when comparing Japanese universities with American universities, people who aspire for a global career would choose America. This situation would most likely accelerate after COVID-19, and Japan would lose the elite talents. We should confront this issue together to avoid it from happening, and think about what actions can and should we take." (Kadotani)

Hiroki Hatoyama is a fashion maniac

Hiroki Hatoyama, who majors in Literature, proposes that people living in Tokyo can try more to enrich their life utilizing great resource that Tokyo offers.

"We, who are living in Tokyo, should raise more voices about now and future of the city. The philosopher Hannah Arendt (1906-1975) once emphasized the importance of each having their own political opinion and exchanging those. I'm constantly reminded of her message." continues Hatoyama with passion.

Wakamatsu, third year Economy student, also widened her own world view. "COVID-19 accelerated online communication, which enabled communication with people from different countries and backgrounds. Even a student like me can provide opinions in an open atmosphere."

As the stage expands, the next question would be what we do and for what purpose. "In an environment like Tokyo, where there are countless opportunities, we have to focus on what actions we take. As we proceed, we will begin to realize the need for a real location that online is no match for. Tokyo would be an ideal location." (Wakamatsu).

Gen Wakamatsu

Osawa, (third year Law), who has experienced considerable change in Tokyo, now wishes the city to stay being a gratified space. "Redevelopment of Shibuya makes me think that Tokyo is becoming prettier, but it is actually becoming different from the Tokyo I am used to. Maybe this is not appropriate, but I hope Tokyo to be a city with acceptance for all type of people, where even the homeless won't be chased away. That is the Tokyo I loved and want to bring back."

On the other hand, Jinnai (fourth year Law) and Araki (third year Law) both expect Tokyo to be more secured and cleaner. Tokyo is perceived to be a safe city among the world, but it seems that not all people are 100% satisfied.

Araki was raised in Fukuoka (part of Kyushu Island, located in south of Japan), a beautiful city where urban and nature intertwine perfectly. "When it rains in Shibuya, sewage water would ooze out from manholes" which stamped an impression of brushing dirt under the rug about Tokyo for her. She reckons Tokyo to be cleaner and more beautiful by getting rid of those.

Akina Kaneko, who lives in Saitama, used to commute to Keio university in Tokyo

Akina Kaneko, third year Law student, who is also enrolled in classes of private professional school for her future specialized license qualification, says "In place like Saitama city (adjacent to the northern border of Tokyo), where I live, I would have only one school to choose from. While people living in Tokyo can choose from many options depending on their lifestyles. Accessibility and convenience are the biggest fascination of Tokyo."

On the other hand, she is also concerned about all type of the functions converging within Tokyo for just convenience. "I think we should better start thinking about separating metropolitan functions into several areas in consideration of natural disaster risks and depopulation of countryside as well."

Akina Kaneko, third year Law student, who is also enrolled in classes of private professional school for her future specialized license qualification, says "In place like Saitama city (adjacent to the northern border of Tokyo), where I live, I would have only one school to choose from. While people living in Tokyo can choose from many options depending on their lifestyles. Accessibility and convenience are the biggest fascination of Tokyo."

On the other hand, she is also concerned about all type of the functions converging within Tokyo for just convenience. "I think we should better start thinking about separating metropolitan functions into several areas in consideration of natural disaster risks and depopulation of countryside as well."

"Zoomers" from the world of diversity changing Tokyo with their positive power

"Zoomers" are surrounded by digital technology from their birth. For many, their first mobile phone is the smartphone. It was pleasantly shocking, that they find value in Tokyo as a "physical space."

There are huge potential in how they express their views on the future of Tokyo from a global perspective and with no reservation. One has to say that it would be the positive power of this generation, different from the other generations, who were raised watching TV programs collectively and simultaneously.

Interviewed and written by Fumio Ogawa