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What Tokyo looked like in the 1980s Through these Spectacular Photos

During the 1980s, Tokyo experienced an economic boom, as its unemployment rate was only 4.9%, compared to higher numbers in the succeeding decade. The city also experienced a massive increase in urban land prices. High-rises and skyscrapers were built in business districts; large department stores surrounded by public squares thrived near mid-range railway stations. Modern concrete buildings gradually replaced old wooden houses in residential areas. Despite tight controls by the public authorities, the modernization process resulted in an unruly collection of skyscrapers that overwhelmed the city’s streets and exacerbated parking problems. During this era, anime and manga flourished and the television industry. As a result, the Japanese entertainment industry was a significant force to be reckoned with in years to come.

The following decade would see Japan’s economic decline substantially, giving rise to the Lost Decade’s name. During the 1980s, the birth rate in Japan continued to drop significantly, dropping from about 14 to about ten births per thousand. In the late 1980s, the aging of the population was already evident in the aging labor force and the shortage of young workers, which could impact employment practices, wages, benefits, and the role of women in the workforce.

Below are stunning photos that will take you back to the 1980s in Tokyo.

#5 People walk the Spain zaka in Shibuya, Tokyo, 1984

#6 People evacuate inundated area as Typhoon Judy hit, Tokyo, 1982

#7 The strange building with the “8” in front is Capsule Hotel Eight, located near the big Ueno railroad station in Tokyo.

#8 A general view of the Nihon Gekijo, aka Nichigeki Theatre, is seen prior to its closure, Tokyo, 1981

#41 A general view on day fifteen of the Grand Sumo Autumn Tournament at Kuramae Kokugikan, Tokyo, 1984

#42 An Arakawa line tram approaches to Machiya Station, Tokyo, 1984

#43 Endan (Metro) Ginza line train approaches to Shibuya Staiton, Tokyo, 1983

#48 An Arakawa line tram approaches to Machiya Station, Tokyo, 1984

#49 Street restaurants in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo, 1984

#50 The Ferris Wheel of Yomiuri Land is seen, Tokyo, 1981

#51 School children show off their calligraphies 1/5 in a New Year’s brush-writing contest attended by nearly 5,000 kindergarten tots to grown-up adults at Tokyo’s Budokan Hall.

#52 Runners start on day one of the 57th Hakone Ekiden, Tokyo, 1981

#53 Competitors of Tokyo International Women’s Marathon, 1980s

#54 In the Imperial Reserve ‘Shinama’, the Spanish Kings Juan Carlos and Sofia and the Crown Princes Akihito and Michiko loose some pigeons, Tokyo, 1980.

#56 People visit Shibamata Taishakuten temple, Tokyo, 1982

#73 A general view on day fifteen of the Grand Sumo Autumn Tournament at Kuramae Kokugikan, Tokyo, 1984

#77 The Hibiya Theater and Yuraku-za Theater are seen, Tokyo, 1984

#78 Travelers waiting for the train at Ueno station in Tokyo, 1984

#79 Advertising posters in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo, 1984

#85 Emperor And Empress Visit Hachijojima And Miyakejima Islands, 1982

#86 Cars run at Shuto Expressway No.6 near Nihonbashi Kakigaracho area, Tokyo, 1983

#87 A slope next to Ebisu Station falls as Typhoon Judy hit, Tokyo, 1982

#88 People evacuate inundated area as Typhoon Judy hit, Tokyo, 1982

#89 People evacuate inundated area as Typhoon Judy hit, Tokyo, 1982

#94 View of a crossroads from the terrace of a restaurant in Tokyo, 1981.

#95 Marunouchi Business District

Marunouchi Business District

A general view of the Marunouchi business district, Tokyo, 1980s

#99 Billboards and Pedestrians with Umbrellas on Tokyo Street, 1980s

#101 Ginza on Broadway; The signs on Broadway near Bellview Avenue, 1981

Ginza on Broadway; The signs on Broadway near Bellview Avenue, 1981

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Written by Aung Budhh

Husband + Father + librarian + Poet + Traveler + Proud Buddhist. I love you with the breath, the smiles and the tears of all my life.

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