Tokyo

by Eiko Maruko Siniawer

From sleepy fishing village to samurai capital to vibrant global metropolis, Eiko Maruko Siniawer takes readers through Tokyo's rich history, revealing four centuries of transformation deeply woven into its fabric. This accessible guide introduces a world of shoguns and Kabuki theater, riots and earthquakes, wartime devastation and reconstruction, booms and busts, bright lights and skyscrapers, all viewed through the lived experiences of those who have inhabited and shaped a city of distinctive neighborhoods and different personalities. Emphasizing the city's human heart, Siniawer conveys a vivid sense of time, culture, and place through ten moments that have shaped Tokyo's many lives.

Genres: Audiobook, Japan, Nonfiction

284 pages, Paperback

Published February 27, 2025

Reviews

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book on the history of Tokyo. Siniawer takes us on a journey from the city’s founding at the close of the Sengoku period (and slightly before), to the modern day Tokyo Olympics. She does this by framing the book in 10 ‘snapshots’; moments in time that she uses to tell the reader about how the city and its people were. For example, chapter 2 uses a scandal between a senior lady in the Shogun’s palace and a Kabuki Actor to zoom out and look at the advances in literacy, arts, and popular culture that happened during the Edo period, and another chapter (7 or 8 if I recall correctly) uses Crown Prince Akihito’s (later Emperor Heisei) visit to a new housing development to showcase Tokyo’s economic recovery during the 50s, 60s and 70s.

One thing that this book is not is a travel guide, or things to do in Tokyo! This is a well written and researched, incredibly readable history of one of the most interesting cities in the world. My only criticisms, tiny as they are, is that for one I wish that the book was a bit longer. Siniawer’s writing style is engaging and makes it hard to put down, I easily could have read another 10 snapshots, and two, I wish that there was perhaps more discussion about the outskirts/peripheries of the City (this might be my bias though as I used to live in one of those peripheries, Chiba represent!)

All in all, 5 stars. I’ve been waiting for this book to come out for some months now and it absolutely did not disappoint. I now know that this is a Cambridge series, and I definitely will be keeping my eye out for more of them, the format is great.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

It may almost be obligatory to write this, but if there’s one thing we don’t have a supply issue with, it’s books on Japan. So do we really need another? And one focused on its most well known, populous city? It’s the capital after all. Most everyone flying in starts or ends there. Too many books, perhaps, so why another? And a history one? Tell me how many history books there are about Japan. Endless, surely!

But this one has a different mission and due to its full title, Ten Moments That Shaped Tokyo, my interest was piqued. What’s more, this is no regular travel book and surely no pop history book either. The author, Eiko Maruko Siniawer, has impressive credentials and last I heard, Cambridge University Press was not publishing pop culture and pocket-sized history books. This one thus is different and I believe the magic can be found in the title for just how can one select only ten episodes in the history of such a city to fully define it? Absolutely possible? Doubtful, but can ten occurrences—and ones perhaps your average non-Japanese may be unfamiliar with—paint a lush picture of Tokyo perhaps better than larger tomes?

Already off the bat, this is an interesting concept:

“Structured around ten evocative moments in a city's past, these concise and engaging volumes allow readers to discover the rich histories of cities around the world. Our expert authors combine vivid historical detail and insightful analyses to tell the story of each city in an accessible and compelling manner.” (series blurb quoted from Cambridge University Press’s site)

And again, it’s that on one hand, this is not a big book. On the other, it’s written by a true expert in their field. And why not—on one more hand, in spite of avoiding being too encompassing, we get a book that through a unique selection process tells a tale where less actually feels (in a good way, mind you) like more. Ten episodes, ten occurrences, that even for those who know a lot about Japan will almost certainly leave knowing even more. But how? Easy: for the most part, each chapter seems to start by talking about some event that may be ‘common knowledge’, but rather than stay on a familiar track, seems to shift gears and lead the reader to new way stations. Perry, a known name for Japan buffs, but his relation to catfish art? New to me. How about you?

From start to finish, this was a fun book to tackle though Japan fans and residents alike be warned: the last two chapters probably are not going to feel like much more than a slightly academically oriented look at things you all probably are quite familiar with already. Besides that, as both a gateway book into Japanese history with a Tokyo focus (of course) and in a format that’s both quick yet more educational than it may seem, this is a book you can’t go wrong with. Hopefully Cambridge continues to push out books in other cities both in Japan and beyond.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting and accessible history of Tokyo. Would definitely recommend.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very pleasant, actual history book. Learned a lot. Calling it a page turner isn't quite right, but very easy to read.

[Wei Guang · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good and detailed book about the history of Tokyo from the Edo period to present day

[Ale Tapia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book