ABSTRACT
Based on an analysis of the historical evolution and structure of the urban system in Japan, this chapter considers contemporary patterns of settlement and the changing functions of urban and rural places. It provides a basic understanding of urban and regional governance arrangements and identifies the most important processes determining urban and rural change in the 21st century. Trends of urbanization, suburbanization and re-urbanization are analysed by looking more specifically at the unipolar concentration and global city phenomena, urban renewal and waterfront development projects. The chapter closes with an assessment of urban and regional policy debate and the scope for urban and regional policy change.
