Futuristic Buildings [From the Past].

Perhaps more than any place in the world, Tokyo creatively exhibits ways to maximize space. Tokyo's Nakagin Capsule Apartment Building by Kisho Kurokawa (1971) was the world's first building to take on capsule living. Each apartment measures approximately three meters by five meters square, meaning that the bed takes up most of the space. Additionaly, each of these detachable capsules can be attached to a concrete core by four high-tension bolts. The capsules are pre-assembled offsite and come with necessary appliances already built-in.

Though extreme to outsiders, this mode of living is more realistic in Tokyo where shopping streets, restaurants, and public places are considered an extension of your living space. Visitors to Tokyo can experience this kind of living by staying at a capsule hotel.

Below is the Shizuoka Press & Broadcasting Building by Kenzo Tange (1967) near Ginza.

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More Vegas than Vegas.

In 1853, the man-made island of Odaiba was built in Tokyo Bay to protect Tokyo from attack by sea. After Expo '85, developers were throwing money at Odaiba to develop it as a futuristic entertainment complex. After the bubble burst in the late '80s, development slowed down, and its success is dubious at best.

Collage City.
This image appears as a collage of icons from around the world. You're looking at another Statue of Liberty (which was a gift from France in 2000), the Rainbow Bridge, and the brilliantly illuminatedTokyo Tower (which was built to emulate and surpass the height of the Eiffel Tower).

Sphere Lodged.
Because every good building needs a sphere lodged in it... Designed by Kenzo Tange, Fuji TV Studios features an observation deck in the titanium sphere.

Another Boardwalk.
Beyond the white sand beach and Tokyo Bay is the mainland.

Desolation Rows.
Build it, and they will come... Or not.

Hotel Lonely.

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