Chiikisoui ( “Layers” of land utilization) of the Shibuya Region, Tokyo

本論は，ある時代の主要な地理的事象の配置を地域層とし，各地域層の重層的な重なりを地域層位と表現して，渋谷駅を中心とする地域を事例にその特性を考察したものである．時代を8区分し，それぞれの地域層の特性と地域層間での変化を明らかにした．渋谷川を中心に，それに沿う低地とその両側に広がる坂，さらにその東西に延びる二つの台地という比較的単調な対称性が，各地域層の特色を生み，さらに地域層位に興味ある変化を生じさせた．特に東西の台地上の空間的変化は，近世以降の都心力の増強・拡大が深く関わっており，近代以降の変化は武家屋敷跡という広大な空間が，それらを受容した結果であった．一方，渋谷川に沿う低地の変化が南北軸の変化を生み，さらに坂から台地という東西の変化にも関わったことが，この地域の地域層位を複雑で特色あるものとした．

This paper will explain the Chiikisoui (“Layers” of land utilization) of the Shibuya region. To express as “layers” like stratum the historical changes of each era is an interesting method in geography. The Shibuya region is made up from three topographical features: a strip of lowland along the Shibuya River, two slopes along both sides of the lowland, and diluvial uplands-namely the East-Shibuya upland and the West-Shibuya upland. The Chiikisoui is formed of eight “layers” and the features of each layer are as follows: Primitive and Pre-middle Ages: There were primitive hunting and gathering societies scattered across the area. During the Pre-middle Ages toms were built on the uplands. Middle Ages: This region was ruled by a powerful family clan which used Shibuya as their family name. They built a castle on the edge of the east upland. Dogen Owada, who was a subject of the Shibuya family, lived on the hilltop of the west-side slope for several years. The Dogen-zaka slope road took his name. Modern Age: The east upland was designated as the west-side defense zone for Edo castle by the Tokugawa shogunate, and many daimyo (Japanese feudal lords) residences and temples with extensive gardens were built there as a defense measure. In the west upland area irrigation canals were built and forests were felled to create farmland. In the lowland area rice farming was extensively carried on, many water mills were built along the Shibuya River, and river branches and irrigation canals were opened. Meiji and Taisho Ages: Nihon Railway (the present Yamanote Line) was laid nearby the Shibuya River. In the lowland urbanization spread rapidly and factories were built there. At the time of the Meiji Restoration in 1868 daimyo residences were turned over to the private sector or confiscated by the Meiji government and Imperial Household. On the east-side upland universities, hospitals and military bases spread to these grounds with the general urbanization of the times. On the west-side upland Meiji Jingu (Shrine) was built on the former site of the Ii daimyo residence by the Imperial Household. The sites of the Suwa, Mizuno and Okabe daimyo residences and the nearby area were consolidated into the Yoyogi Drill Ground. But this area was completely destroyed in the Kanto Earthquake in 1923 like the other regions of Tokyo and Kanagawa prefectures. Pre-war Showa Age: During the reconstruction after the earthquake private railways and a subway system were started. The Toyoko (the present Tokyu) Department Store was built near Shibuya station and the station area grew to become one of the subcenters of Tokyo. Following this, the western parts of the Shibuya region were gradually urbanized. However, Shibuya and the neighboring areas were reduced to ashes by the U. S. bombings during World War II. Post-war Showa Age: The Yoyogi Drill Ground was taken over and converted into the Washington Heights apartment complex, and the area was gradually reconstructed. Washington Heights was later returned to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and changed to the site of the main stadium and living quarters for the athletes during the Tokyo Olympic Games in 1964. A southwest part of the area became the site of the NHK Broadcasting Center. During the high economic growth period, new railways and subways were opened, existing railways and subways were extended, and many new stores including department stores were built along the main streets and alleys. After the Tokyo Olympic Games the athletes' living quarters were changed to the National Olympic Memorial Youth Center and stadiums were changed to the Yoyogi National Stadium and other sports arenas. The remaining land was maintained as Yoyogi Park. Present Day: In recent years, multiple high-rise buildings have been built in this area. Furthermore, due to the rapid growth of the fashion, information and service industries not only Shibuya, but also the surrounding areas of Harajuku, Omotesando, Aoyama, Roppongi and Daikanyama have rapidly developed. These areas are now linked with Shibuya station and the surrounding area.

論説