The object of this study is to clarify the current issues of arcades in Japan. The typical examples of arcades constructed after the World War II in East Japan were analyzed by historical practice. The following four phases about development of arcades were focused on: firstly, the phase of invention (silver awning and silver arcade); secondly, the phase of fashion (the arcade of the various types); thirdly, the phase of expansion (the arcade of the louver type); finally, the phase of maturity (the arcade of the vault type). Moreover, the social conditions, which had changed the role and design of modern arcades, were investigated. The factors influenced the appearance and transformation of arcades were considered.
