Abstract
This paper evaluates the status of Tokyo among major cities of Japan and compares Tokyo with major cities of the world in terms of head and branch offices. First, the paper analyzes major cities of Japan from the standpoint of the head offices and branch offices of large private firms. The main focus of this analysis of Japan is the period from 1950 to 2010. Clearly, the largest number of head offices is found in Tokyo. This is followed by Osaka. However, it should be noted that in recent years, more and more firms have adopted the system of having multiple head offices. Including such firms, the number of private firms with head offices in Tokyo is steadily increasing. Tokyo houses the large number of branch offices, as well. As is the case for head offices, the city with the second largest number of branch offices is Osaka. The difference in status between Tokyo and other cities, particularly Osaka, has increased in recent times. The status of Tokyo has become more elevated with Osaka losing ground.
Second, the paper compares the situation in Tokyo with major cities of Korea, France, the United Kingdom, Thailand, The United States of America, Germany, and India. Tokyo, Seoul, Paris, Bangkok, and London gravitate to the same category in that these capital cities are strong in terms of office locations. On the other hand, within The United States of America, Germany, and India, capital cities are not so strong in terms of numbers.
The important factor affecting these results is the political system. Namely, in the cases of federated states, the status of capital cities is not as high. On the other hand, in the cases of non-federated states, the status of capital cities is very high.
