Journalist Alex K.T. Martin discusses his exploration of Tokyo's underground world, revealing hidden rivers, ancient artifacts, and infrastructure challenges. Topics include climate change impact, disappearing cities, and the fascinating underground spaces like shopping streets and markets. Discover the city beneath our feet and its hidden wonders.
Discovering hidden rivers beneath Tokyo reveals its rich historical past.
Exploring Tokyo's underground infrastructure is essential for managing flood risks caused by climate change.
Deep dives
Exploring Tokyo's Underground Passageways
Tokyo and other major cities in Japan have underground passageways to facilitate commuting in the heat, such as the Asakusa Underground Shopping Street. This underground street, constructed in 1955, connects the Ginza line to Nakamise Street and faces challenges due to aging infrastructure and insufficient sewer systems.
Tokyo's Diverse Underground Environments
Tokyo's underground spaces vary from older passageways like the Asakusa Underground Shopping Street to modern complexes under stations like Ikebukuro, showcasing a mix of businesses from eateries to department stores. The extensive Tokyo Underground Arcade, the largest in the capital, accommodates millions daily and contributes to the active lifestyle in Tokyo.
Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel
The Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel in Kasukabe is a massive flood prevention facility constructed underground with shafts collecting rainwater from rivers. The facility, resembling a football field with a control center and a large cathedral-like tunnel, serves as a crucial infrastructure to mitigate flood-related damages in the region.
On this week’s Deep Dive, we speak to Alex K.T. Martin who has done a series of pieces exploring what lies beneath the surface of Tokyo. Hidden rivers, ancient artifacts and crumbling infrastructure are just a few of the discoveries he made during his reporting. And while it’s important to know how we’re going to manage these things as climate change — or more importantly, the possible flooding that comes with it — worsens, sometimes it’s just fascinating to learn about the city beneath our feet.
Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez.
Get in touch: Send us feedback at deepdive@japantimes.co.jp. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on X!
Photo: A person walks among thegiant columns supporting the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel in Saitama Prefecture. | JOHAN BROOKS
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