Abstract
This paper analyzes the relation between a city and its transportation in modern Japan through Tokyo station as an example of an ambiguous space. Tokyo station had been constructed in 1914 as a “terminal station” and center for a nationwide train transportation system. But in terms of Tokyo it became just one of many “through stations” in 1920s. This ambiguous character was manifest in the fact that while the capital city was made the center of the transportation system, that center was difficult for the masses to understand. It brought together too many people, things and signs and as a result compelled people to act mechanically.
