A Critical Review of the Japanese Urban Planning System

Abstract

This paper critically reviews the current legal system of Japanese urban planning and suggests the desirable planning system. For this purpose three analyses are carried out. First, the problems in the planning system are verified. Second, the case of Setagaya-ku is investigated whereby it is shown how the local government makes efforts to deal with the above problem. Third, the characteristics of the planning system of western countries are examined. Through the above examinations, we make suggestions on the refinement of the current planning system, which may lead to a more desirable system in the future.