Future Scenario of Tokyo - Urban Livability for Foreigners in Tokyo through Mobile Technologies and AR

Tsubouchi, Yu

4. term

Urban Design, Master

2024

2024-05-31

71

Denne afhandling undersøger, hvordan nye mobile teknologier – fra smartphoneapps til udvidet virkelighed (AR) – kan gøre Tokyo mere imødekommende for udenlandske besøgende og beboere. Udgangspunktet er at finde ud af, om og hvordan Tokyo kan bruge disse teknologier til at styrke gæstfriheden, samt hvordan en strategisk fremtid for byen kunne se ud. Projektet gennemgår globale eksempler på mobile teknologier i byer og vurderer muligheder, effekter og udfordringer i en Tokyo-kontekst. Samtidig indsamles langsigtede ønsker og behov fra udlændinge i Tokyo for at kunne indarbejde deres perspektiver i planlægning og byudvikling. Resultaterne viser, at smartphones i dag er uundværlige til navigation og sprogoversættelse. Tokyo opleves som ren og tryg, men også meget tæt befolket og vanskelig at finde rundt i for ikke-japansktalende, især på grund af komplekse transportsystemer. Fremadrettet forventes teknologier, der især forbedrer navigation og kommunikation/deltagelse. For år 2035 peges et levevenligt by-scenarie som det mest ønskelige, fordi det virker gennemførligt og passer til Japans bymønster med et stærkt transit-orienteret system (byudvikling centreret om offentlig transport) og passende grønne områder. Brug af AR-briller i byen bør tilpasses konkrete situationer og forbedre brugeroplevelser uden at erstatte menneskelig interaktion; eksempelvis kan AR-understøttede fællesrum skabe nye mødesteder. Samlet set kan målrettede strategier med mobile teknologier gøre byrum mere inkluderende og behagelige for udlændinge og gøre Tokyo endnu mere attraktivt som rejse- og bosted.

This thesis examines how new mobile technologies—from smartphone apps to augmented reality (AR) glasses—can make Tokyo more welcoming for foreign visitors and residents. It asks whether, and in what ways, Tokyo can use these tools to improve hospitality, and what a strategic future for the city might look like. The study reviews global urban examples of mobile technologies and assesses their opportunities, impacts, and challenges in Tokyo. It also gathers long-term perspectives and needs from foreigners in Tokyo to inform planning and development. Findings show that smartphones are currently essential for navigation and language translation. Tokyo is widely seen as clean and safe, yet very crowded and difficult to navigate for non-Japanese speakers because of complex transport networks. Looking ahead, people expect technologies that especially improve wayfinding and communication/engagement. For 2035, a Livable City scenario is viewed as the most desirable option because it is feasible and aligns with Japan’s urban form, which is highly transit-oriented (development organized around public transport) and has adequate green spaces. Future use of AR glasses should be tailored to specific settings and enhance experiences without replacing human interaction; for example, AR-enabled community spaces can serve as shared meeting points. Overall, targeted strategies that apply mobile technologies can make urban spaces more inclusive and enjoyable for foreigners, helping Tokyo become an even more comfortable and attractive place to visit and live.

[This summary has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]

Tokyo ; Future Scenario ; Mobile Technology ; Augumented Reality ; Urban Design ; Mobility ; Mobilities ; Japan ; IoT ; Smart City ; Scenario ; Foreigners ; Studying Future ; Human Centered Design ; Urban Development ; Urban Planning ; AR ; Metaverse ; Livability

Download
View record in AAU Student Projects