By Xiong Hongru, Research Team on “A Comparative Study on the Development and Governance of Typical Capital Cities”, DRC

Research Report, Special Issue, No 25, 2016 (Total NO 1500) 2016-06-27

Abstract: The Tokyo megalopolis is one of the very few big megalopolises worldwide, whose long established development model and governance experience can offer substantial reference to China. This study, based on a review and analysis of the development characteristics of Tokyo megalopolis in different historical periods, sums up the development of megalopolises transforming from “concentration on one pole model” to a “multi-core with diversified spatial layout form”. It points out that Tokyo megalopolis has experienced a number of regional planning through administrative coordination and has gained relevant experience for city governance. With regard to the development demand of Beijing and the contiguous areas, we can draw some policy implications from Japan. First, we should refer to the megalopolis development model to optimize the spatial structure and function layout of Beijing and the surrounding areas and pursue an integrated regional development, so as to orderly disperse those non-capital functions beyond Beijing; second, we should formulate scientific, appropriate and dynamically-adjusted overall regional plans and make corresponding institutional arrangements in order to promote synergic development of the megalopolis; and third, to enhance complementary regional cooperation, we should form an inter-regional mechanism for administrative coordination in a flexible, effective and suitable manner and in light of China’s conditions.

Key words: Tokyo megalopolis, development model, governance experience