ABSTRACT
Introduction Awareness of importance and consideration of landscape in Japan has existed since ancient times, but its modern history began in the early twentieth century when the City Planning and Zoning Act was enacted in 1919. A heightened consciousness and consideration of the value of the landscape have risen in recent years. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Japan was one of the small, late-start countries on the edge of the Far East. It was a stage of development for the country when rapid modernization and economical development were valued most. Under the slogan “wealthy nation and strong army” Japan tried to catch up with the levels of development, wealth and military strength of other countries in Europe. The purpose of the City Planning and Zoning Act at that time was to ensure functional urban development, not preservation of landscape.
