While Japan’s population shrinks, its cities are becoming denser, Tokyo in particular. In 20 years, the city’s 23 wards have added more than 1.2 million residents, bringing the population to 9.8 million. Density now stands at 15,600 people per square kilometer.
The increased density has mostly come in two forms. The first is the construction of residential tower blocks containing dozens, if not hundreds, of units. The second is the subdivision of house-and-garden lots, where a house is knocked down, the garden cleared and two or more new homes are built in its place.
The loss of these gardens can be keenly felt by the surrounding community. A garden is private property but still serves a public function. Anyone who regularly walks by enjoys its dance with the seasons.
The birdlife it attracts is a communal asset.
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