ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the relationship between regional urban forms and quality of life in Japanese cities. Japan has three mega city regions: Tokyo with 30 million inhabitants; Osaka with 15 million; Nagoya with 8 million. Today, Japan is characterised by a declining population, and one that is rapidly ageing with a commensurate decline in birth-rates. Although the pattern is not uniform in every region, the changes may lead to a different form of urbanized society in Japan. The trend is for people to move from the countryside, small cities and suburbs into mega- or large-cities, and to inner city or central areas. Recently, Japanese central government has developed a new policy for urban regeneration aiming to achieve urban compaction and the revitalization of city centres. Many policy makers and planners are concerned with the relationship between urban form, sustainability and quality of life. It is clear that urban forms and regional spatial structures are transforming under new policies and conditions in Japan.
