Abstract
The evolution of kashi from the point of view of land use and ownership in Nihonbashi, specifically in reference to Ura-kashi, Nishi-kashi and Yokkaichi-kashi, as seen from a historical perspective is the focus of this study. To fully understand the diversity of each kashi, kashichi maps from 1882 and official kashichi license documents from 1882 and 1889 were the main reference sources used. Kashi can be historically divided into four distinct periods from the pre-Shikukaisei and post-Shikukaisei periods through the aftermath of the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 to the modern post-WWII era.These kashi took an important role in connecting the river to the city. Each had different functions dependent upon the rear of these areas. They have decreased influenced by the adjacent land uses. From the point of view of land ownership, kashichi remained in the public sector until 1973 with the exception of two cases. Kashi was thus considered to be a very important part of the open spaces of the Tokyo urban landscape. Thirty years ago, though, this unique 350-year-old system collapsed and the areal characteristics of the riverside vanished. It is important to recognize that the disappearance of kashi was deeply connected to various laws and ordinances.
