Waterscape and Water Transportation in Nihombashi River

Nihombashi district, which is located in a heart of Tokyo Metropolitan area, has been flourished as a Japanese economic and cultural center since Tokyo was developed as a capital. Nihombashi district has still remained the Edo idea of stylishness since the government of Edo was established in 1603. During Edo period, population of Edo (former name of Tokyo) reached one million. Edo became one of big city around the world. Nihombashi district has been transformed as economical, financial and cultural center, along with modern transformation of Tokyo. During high economic growth (1955-1975), Nihombashi Bridge and River, which used to a symbol of Tokyo, have been covered with elevated highways. The river was polluted whereas the river does not have any relationship with people's daily activities. Since Japan has focused on environment concern in 80's, people and companies in Nihombashi district and Nihombashi River also requested to restore Nihombashi district and Nihombashi River. There are a lot of projects going on related to regenerate the river and the community, such as to remove highways covered with the river, restore river environment and run water navigation. This article mentioned to introduce the project of Nihombashi River and Nihombashi district that regenerate the community to capitalize history and geographic characteristics in Nihombashi district, to run water navigation through the river, and to review outcomes through various projects.