Tokyo-to

The Prefecture of Tokyo is a conglomeration of the 23 central Ku`s as well as a hand full of islands in the Pacific Ocean, and a score of cities such as Chofu, Fuchu and Hachioji, to the west of the downtown area.

It is the most populated of Japan`s prefectures, with the national capital Tokyo as the center peice.

The prefectural government has long favoured business interests in the globalization of the Japanese economy, keeping corporate taxes low to favour companys` competitive edge and so the city and prefecture has the dubious distinction of being dubbed an ugly city, badly planned, poorly maintained, chaotic at best, although it remains one of the most economically valuable and competitive cities in the world.

Tokyo is expected to be the most populated city in the world as soon as 2015, with an expected population of 35 to 36 million, as the government implements massive imigration policies as well as improving family support services which will boost the lagging birth rate. The prefectural government has now in place a plan to maintain Tokyo`s position as the hub of Asian economies as they emerge, including a plan to expand the city skyline outwards radially from the traditional 23 ku`s to create satellite like developed centers in outlying cities to help accomodate the massive expansion.

The Tokyo envisioned for tomorrow, including large parts of the 150 km wide Kanto plain, looks more like a futuristic film, than the present day city.