This paper examines the roles and meanings of arcades in Japan. The so-called arcade, to some extent resembles the roofed galleries and shophouses that exist in East Asia and Southeast Asia. In Taiwan, roofed galleries are characterized by a continuous pavement and are known as Tingtsuzao . In Japan, there are not any shophouses, however there are roofed galleries in which European style store fronts (passages) are a common feature. The style that covered a shopping street with an arcade has been usual for a business revitalization in Japan. That is, Japanese arcades were developed with the intention of revitalizing the economy. Such arcades also, happily, facilitate easy human relationships between merchants, sales personnel and customers. The paper considers the revitalizations and its realities of the shopping streets in Japanese inner-city, through showing the realities of many Japan's shopping arcades.
Table of Contents
Roofed galleries and Shophouses
Arcades in Japan
1. Origin of the Arcade in Japan
2. Purpose of the Construction of Shopping Arcades
Arcade as a Space for Developing Positive Human Relationships
Risks Faced by Shopping Arcades and the Process of Removal
Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines the socio-economic roles and cultural significance of shopping arcades in Japan, exploring their history as urban revitalization tools and their function as community hubs. The central research focus is to analyze how these structures influence local business prosperity, human relationships, and the modern challenges associated with their maintenance or removal in contemporary urban planning.
- Historical evolution of roofed galleries and shophouses in East and Southeast Asia
- Economic and social functions of Japanese shopping arcades
- Development of human relationships between merchants and customers within arcades
- Impact of urban planning policies and modernization on the survival of traditional arcades
Excerpt from the Book
Arcade as a Space for Developing Positive Human Relationships
The construction of an arcade involves an enormous financial cost as can be seen in the case of Kawasaki Ginryugai. Therefore, many storekeeper's associations have relied on government funds. For example, in recent years the Japanese Government has offered subsidies in order to support the revitalization of central urban districts. The storekeeper's associations have used these loans in order to modernize or upgrade shopping streets. The use and return of loans by storekeeper's associations require power, strong will, business ability and cohesion. Generally though, there is a degree of rivalry and jealousy that exists between shops, and this results in the decrease in cohesion within a storekeeper's association and a shopping street. So, it is important that a storekeeper's association and a shopping street work together to strengthen their cohesion and cooperation. It follows that the arcade functions as a venue for the development of human relationships between storekeepers.
In addition, human relationships between customers and the shops grow to become much more than just simple acquaintances. This is the result of customers repeatedly purchasing goods at shops in an arcade. On April 27th 2007, Hama Market, Isogo Ward, Yokohama was set on fire and was partially destroyed (as shown the right photo). A local guitarist, Shinozaki Yoko, wrote a song in order to uplift the community and express hope for the reconstruction of Hama Market. Shinozaki has been a frequent visitor to the arcade over a period of about 20 years and points out that she enjoys the warm human relationships that exist between customers and shops.
Summary of Chapters
Roofed galleries and Shophouses: Provides a cross-cultural overview of roofed street structures in East and Southeast Asia, tracing their origins and architectural functions as a response to environmental and urban renewal needs.
Arcades in Japan: Details the specific history of Japanese shopping arcades, differentiating between their ancient origins in sheltered merchant districts and their modern implementation for business revitalization.
Arcade as a Space for Developing Positive Human Relationships: Analyzes how the physical infrastructure of arcades fosters cooperation among merchants and strengthens social bonds between shopkeepers and local customers.
Risks Faced by Shopping Arcades and the Process of Removal: Discusses the decline of older, neglected arcades and the contemporary trend of removing these structures in favor of alternative urban development models.
Conclusion: Synthesizes the role of arcades as vital parts of Japanese inner-city culture and emphasizes the necessity of integrated government support and effective city planning for their sustainable future.
Keywords
Arcade, Shopping Street, Urban Revitalization, Japan, Shophouse, Roofed Gallery, Business Culture, Human Relationships, Storekeeper’s Association, Urban Planning, Community, Modernization, Local Economy, Infrastructure, Social Interaction
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper explores the cultural and economic significance of shopping arcades in Japan, examining how they have been used historically for business revitalization and how they foster community relationships.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
Key themes include the architectural history of roofed galleries in Asia, the economic function of arcades in Japanese cities, the social dynamics between merchants and customers, and the challenges of maintaining these spaces in modern urban environments.
What is the main objective of the research?
The objective is to consider the realities of Japanese shopping streets and analyze how their revitalization affects both the local economy and the social fabric of the inner-city.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author uses a qualitative approach, combining historical observation of architectural styles across Asia with case studies of specific Japanese shopping arcades to assess their success and current status.
What is addressed in the main body of the paper?
The main body covers the architectural origins of arcades, their economic purpose for storekeepers, the social role they play in community building, and the contemporary risks leading to the removal of these structures.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Essential keywords include Arcade, Urban Revitalization, Business Culture, Community, Social Interaction, and Urban Planning.
How do Japanese arcades differ from historical shophouses in Southeast Asia?
While sharing the concept of a sheltered passage, Japanese arcades are primarily modern instruments for business revitalization and protection against weather, whereas shophouses in regions like Taiwan or Singapore have deeper historical roots tied to specific, uniform building designs.
Why is the removal of arcade roofs a significant topic in the paper?
The removal of roof structures is analyzed as a response to the aging of these facilities and the desire of many storekeeper's associations to modernize their environments, often reflecting the struggle to remain competitive against supermarkets and department stores.
What role does the government play in the life of these arcades?
The government provides necessary subsidies and loans for the modernization of these streets; however, the paper argues that local government support is a critical success factor for the future of these traditional areas.
What is the author's final verdict on the future of Japanese arcades?
The author suggests that while arcades remain an important part of traditional culture, their survival depends on cohesion among storekeepers and, crucially, proactive city planning by local governments to adapt to modern competition.
- Quote paper
- Kazutaka Hashimoto (Author), 2014, Arcade as Japanese Traditional Shopping and Business Culture, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/283267
