1 An Overview of Sendai · 2020-04-14 · According to the 2017 Census of Manufacturers, the value...
3
SENDAI CITY PLANNING 2019 2 City Outline 1 An Overview of Sendai History Climate Municipal Area Population Location and Topography In the year 1600, the feudal lord Date Masamune relocated his castle to Sendai. The choice was based upon several factors, one being that Sendai was located in the middle of his territories and functioned as a center of transportation. Additionally, Sendai had access to a vast plains area and had potential for great development. Ever since the castle was built, Sendai has flourished as one of Japan’s largest castle towns. Sendai was established as a city in 1889. Various regional offices for national government organizations, related to military, judicial, transportation, and communication affairs, came to be located in the city, leading to its reputation as the “Capital of Tohoku (northeast Japan).” The city also came to be known as an “Academic City,” because of the numerous educational institutions found in the city, exemplified by Tohoku Imperial University. After World War II, Sendai's urban development progressed through war reconstruction projects and city planning projects, and numerous national government organizations came to Sendai as the country's economy recovered. During the 1960s, Japan's economic boom expanded the domestic market, and many companies opened branch offices in the city. Sendai significantly increased its role as a core administrative city during this period. In April 1989, Sendai became the 11th designated city (major city) in Japan, and continues to flourish as the center of northeast Japan (the Tohoku region). Sendai City is located around the center of the Tohoku region, at 38°16_05_N, 140°52_11_E (the location of Sendai City Hall). The city's borders are defined by the Ou Mountains in the west and the Pacific Ocean in the east. Its area is 786.30km 2 , and is 50.58km wide (east-west), and 31.20 km long (north-south). The western Ou Mountains contain many 1,000m-class mountains, found in the Zao Quasi-National Park and the Funagata Mountain Range, a prefectural natural park. Approximately 60% of the city is covered by forests. Rolling hills spread to the east of the mountains, and the Hirose River, the Natori River, and the Nanakita River flow through these hills into the Pacific Ocean. Sendai is a city that developed on the river terraces created by these rivers. Although Sendai is located at a relatively high latitude, its temperature extremes are moderate, owing to its maritime climate. Snowfall is light in the city, because of the dry northwestern wind that blows over the Ou Mountains in the winter. The city's average yearly temperature is 12.4 °C, and its yearly precipitation is 1,254.1 mm. 73% of Sendai's yearly precipitation falls in the six months from May to October. Sendai’s area was a mere 17.45km 2 when it was first incorporated on April 1st, 1889. However, the city absorbed surrounding local governments seven times between 1928 and 1988, increasing its area to the present figure of 786.30 km 2 . When Sendai was incorporated, the city had only 86,000 residents. Sendai subsequently absorbed many surrounding local governments, and steadily increased its population over the years, excluding temporary drops related to wars. The city experienced particularly significant growth from the late 1960s to the early 1970s, when it firmly established its role as the center of the Tohoku Region. Although Sendai's growth dropped off after this period, it still continues to grow at a rate higher than other major cities in Japan, and its population exceeded one million in May of 1999. Sendai’s estimated population as of May, 2019 is 1,088,786. ■Sendai’ s Topography ４ 45 286 48 仙 石 線 Nanakita River Tohoku Expressway Tohoku Line S e n s e k i L i n e Senseki Line Tohoku Shinkansen Line S e n z a n L i n e Senzan Line ●Moscow Beijing ● ● Sendai ●London ●Paris ●Rome Melbourne● Los Angeles ● New York ● Washington D.C. ● N 38゜16′05″ E 140°52′11″ ■Sendai’ s Location Hirose River Natori River
Transcript of 1 An Overview of Sendai · 2020-04-14 · According to the 2017 Census of Manufacturers, the value...
SENDAI CITY PLANNING 2019 SENDAI CITY PLANNING 2019
2 City Outline 3
1
An Overview of Sendai
History Climate
Municipal Area
Population
Location and Topography
Industry
An Overview of Sendai
In the year 1600, the feudal lord Date Masamune relocated his castle to Sendai. Thechoice was based upon several factors, one being that Sendai was located in the middleof his territories and functioned as a center of transportation. Additionally, Sendai hadaccess to a vast plains area and had potential for great development. Ever since thecastle was built, Sendai has flourished as one of Japan’s largest castle towns.Sendai was established as a city in 1889. Various regional offices for national governmentorganizations, related to military, judicial, transportation, and communication affairs, came tobe located in the city, leading to its reputation as the “Capital of Tohoku (northeast Japan).”The city also came to be known as an “Academic City,” because of the numerouseducational institutions found in the city, exemplified by Tohoku Imperial University.After World War II, Sendai's urban development progressed through war reconstructionprojects and city planning projects, and numerous national government organizationscame to Sendai as the country's economy recovered. During the 1960s, Japan'seconomic boom expanded the domestic market, and many companies opened branchoffices in the city. Sendai significantly increased its role as a core administrative city during this period.In April 1989, Sendai became the 11th designated city (major city) in Japan, andcontinues to flourish as the center of northeast Japan (the Tohoku region).
Sendai City is located around the center of the Tohoku region, at 38°16_05_N,140°52_11_E (the location of Sendai City Hall). The city's borders are defined by theOu Mountains in the west and the Pacific Ocean in the east. Its area is 786.30km2, and is 50.58km wide (east-west), and 31.20 km long (north-south). The western Ou Mountains contain many 1,000m-class mountains, found in the Zao Quasi-National Park and the Funagata Mountain Range, a prefectural natural park. Approximately 60% of the city is covered by forests. Rolling hills spread to the east of the mountains, and the Hirose River, the Natori River, and the Nanakita River flow through these hills into the Pacific Ocean. Sendai is a city that developed on the river terraces created by these rivers.
Although Sendai is located at a relatively high latitude, its temperature extremes aremoderate, owing to its maritime climate. Snowfall is light in the city, because of the drynorthwestern wind that blows over the Ou Mountains in the winter. The city's averageyearly temperature is 12.4 °C, and its yearly precipitation is 1,254.1 mm. 73% ofSendai's yearly precipitation falls in the six months from May to October.
Sendai’s area was a mere 17.45km2 when it was first incorporated on April 1st, 1889.However, the city absorbed surrounding local governments seven times between 1928and 1988, increasing its area to the present figure of 786.30 km2.
When Sendai was incorporated, the city had only 86,000 residents. Sendai subsequentlyabsorbed many surrounding local governments, and steadily increased its populationover the years, excluding temporary drops related to wars. The city experiencedparticularly significant growth from the late 1960s to the early 1970s, when it firmlyestablished its role as the center of the Tohoku Region.Although Sendai's growth dropped off after this period, it still continues to grow at a ratehigher than other major cities in Japan, and its population exceeded one million in May of1999. Sendai’s estimated population as of May, 2019 is 1,088,786.
Sendai has a high ratio of tertiary industries, mainly concentrated in commerce andservices. Since many of these business establishments are branch offices, the cityis often called a branch economy city.According to the 2016 Economic Census - Activity Survey, Sendai has 48,419 business establishments, of which 62 (0.1%) are primary industry, 5,851 (12.1%) are secondary industry, and 42,506 (87.8%) are tertiary industry.According to the 2014 Census of Commerce, the city’s annual wholesale sales account for 43.0% and 87.0% of total wholesale sales in the Tohoku region and in Miyagi Prefecture, respectively. The wholesale industry is one of the city’s key industries, playing an intermediary role through the purchase of products from head offices in the Tokyo Metropolitan area and the sale of them to redistributors in Miyagi and other prefectures in the Tohoku region.* Annual wholesale sales 6.6855 Trillion Yen Annual retail sales 1.2333 Trillion YenAccording to the 2017 Census of Manufacturers, the value of product shipments from Sendai’s manufacturers is 875 billion yen, with a high ratio of petroleum and coal products (438.9 billion yen), publishing and printing (78.8 billion yen), and iron and steel (70.9 billion yen). This value also accounts for a high percentage of Miyagi Prefecture’s total manufacturing: 97.4% for petroleum and coal products, 81.2% for publishing and printing, and 47.2% for iron and steel.* Value of manufactured goods shipments, processing fee income, other income
■Monthly Average Temperature and Precipitation
0℃
5℃
10℃
15℃
20℃
25℃
30℃
0mm
50mm
100mm
150mm
200mm
250mm
300mm
350mm
400mm
450mm
500mm[Average Temperature] 2017 Average Year (1981～2010)
[Precipitation] 2017 Average Year (1981～2010)
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
○Primary Industries
■Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries
○Secondary Industries
■Mining etc
■Construction
■Manufacturing
○Tertiary Industries
■Electricity, Gas, Heat Supply, and Water
■Information and Communications
■Transport and Postal Services
■Transportation, Information, and Communication
■Wholesale and Retail Trade
■Finance and Insurance, Rental and Leasing
■Academic Research and Expert/Specialist
■Accommodation, Eating and Drinking Services
■Living-related Services, Amusement Services
■Education/Learning Support
■Medical, Health Care and Welfare
■Compound Services
■Other Services Not Classified Elsewhere
0.6%
0.7%
0.1%0.0%
2.0%
0.4%
0.1%1.8%
0.0％0.1%
9.2%
29.1%
5.8%
7.3%
2.7%2.8%
8.0%3.4%8.2%
6.6%
12.5%
9.5%
3.4%3.4%6.1%
24.1%
4.5%
9.6%
4.1%
3.3%3.2%
4.1%
11.5%
11.7%
〈Private Enterprises〉 Number ofEstablishments
48,419
Number ofEmployees
554,801
20-29 people（4.9％）
30-49 people（3.3％）
50-99 people（2.2％）
■Sendai’s Topography
４
45
286
48
仙石線
Nanakita River
Tohoku ExpresswayTohoku Line
Senseki LineSenseki LineTohoku Shinkansen Line
Senzan LineSenzan Line
●Moscow
Beijing● ● Sendai
●London●Paris
●Rome
Melbourne●
Los Angeles●
New York● Washington D.C.● N 38゜16′05″
E 140°52′11″
■Sendai’s Location
■ Sendai is Established as a City (1889) 17.45 km2
■ First Incorporation (1928) 53.60 km 2 [Natori County] Nagamachi Town [Miyagi County] Haranomachi Town, part of Shichigo Village (Minami-koizumi)
■ Second Incorporation (1931) 70.73km2 [Miyagi County] Part of Nanakita Village (Aramaki, Kitane)
■ Third Incorporation (1932) 87.86 km 2 [Natori County] Nishitaga Village
■ Fourth Incorporation (1941) 188.21 km 2 [Natori County] Nakada Village, Rokugo Village [Miyagi County] Shichigo Village, Takasago Village, Iwakiri Village
■ Seventh Incorporation (1988) 788.03 km 2
2
Izumi City[Natori County] Akiu TownLand Reclamation 788.08 km2
Gamo Aza MachiBoundary Adjustment 785.85 km2
Tagajo City, Natori CityChange in Area Measuring Method 786.30km
■ Fifth Incorporation (1956) 236.85 km 2
[Natori County] Oide VillageBoundary Adjustment 236.88 km2
[Miyagi County] Izumi TownLand Reclamation 237.05 km 2
Nakano Aza Takamatsu
N
Miyagi
Akiu
Izumi
Iwakiri
Takasago
Shichigo
RokugoNakada
NishitagaOide Nagamachi
Haranomachi,Minamikoizumi
Aramaki,Kitane
Sendai is Establishedas a City
■Changes to Sendai’s Municipal Area
■ Sixth Incorporation (1987) 495.98 km 2
[Miyagi County] Miyagi Town
■Establishments and Employees by Industry (2016)
(Source: Census of Manufacturers / Total Value of Product Shipments: 8,750.57 Billion Yen)
■Value of Product Shipments by Industry (2017)
■Establishments by Persons Engaged (2016)
【Economic Census - Activity Survey】
Petroleum and Coal Products
（50.2％）
（4.7%）
Machinery, Electronics, etc Other
（11.5％）
Iron and Steel
（8.1％） Publishing and Printing
（9.0％）
1-4 people（50.9％）
10-19 people （14.2％）
5-9 people（22.4％）
Groceries （7.5％）
Beverages,Tobacco and Food
（6.3%）
More than 100 people （1.3%） Other
（0.8％）
Ceramics, Clay/Stone Products（2.7%）
Hirose River
Natori River
SENDAI CITY PLANNING 2019 SENDAI CITY PLANNING 2019
2 City Outline 3
1
An Overview of Sendai
History Climate
Municipal Area
Population
Location and Topography
Industry
An Overview of Sendai
In the year 1600, the feudal lord Date Masamune relocated his castle to Sendai. Thechoice was based upon several factors, one being that Sendai was located in the middleof his territories and functioned as a center of transportation. Additionally, Sendai hadaccess to a vast plains area and had potential for great development. Ever since thecastle was built, Sendai has flourished as one of Japan’s largest castle towns.Sendai was established as a city in 1889. Various regional offices for national governmentorganizations, related to military, judicial, transportation, and communication affairs, came tobe located in the city, leading to its reputation as the “Capital of Tohoku (northeast Japan).”The city also came to be known as an “Academic City,” because of the numerouseducational institutions found in the city, exemplified by Tohoku Imperial University.After World War II, Sendai's urban development progressed through war reconstructionprojects and city planning projects, and numerous national government organizationscame to Sendai as the country's economy recovered. During the 1960s, Japan'seconomic boom expanded the domestic market, and many companies opened branchoffices in the city. Sendai significantly increased its role as a core administrative city during this period.In April 1989, Sendai became the 11th designated city (major city) in Japan, andcontinues to flourish as the center of northeast Japan (the Tohoku region).
Sendai City is located around the center of the Tohoku region, at 38°16_05_N,140°52_11_E (the location of Sendai City Hall). The city's borders are defined by theOu Mountains in the west and the Pacific Ocean in the east. Its area is 786.30km2, and is 50.58km wide (east-west), and 31.20 km long (north-south). The western Ou Mountains contain many 1,000m-class mountains, found in the Zao Quasi-National Park and the Funagata Mountain Range, a prefectural natural park. Approximately 60% of the city is covered by forests. Rolling hills spread to the east of the mountains, and the Hirose River, the Natori River, and the Nanakita River flow through these hills into the Pacific Ocean. Sendai is a city that developed on the river terraces created by these rivers.
Although Sendai is located at a relatively high latitude, its temperature extremes aremoderate, owing to its maritime climate. Snowfall is light in the city, because of the drynorthwestern wind that blows over the Ou Mountains in the winter. The city's averageyearly temperature is 12.4 °C, and its yearly precipitation is 1,254.1 mm. 73% ofSendai's yearly precipitation falls in the six months from May to October.
Sendai’s area was a mere 17.45km2 when it was first incorporated on April 1st, 1889.However, the city absorbed surrounding local governments seven times between 1928and 1988, increasing its area to the present figure of 786.30 km2.
When Sendai was incorporated, the city had only 86,000 residents. Sendai subsequentlyabsorbed many surrounding local governments, and steadily increased its populationover the years, excluding temporary drops related to wars. The city experiencedparticularly significant growth from the late 1960s to the early 1970s, when it firmlyestablished its role as the center of the Tohoku Region.Although Sendai's growth dropped off after this period, it still continues to grow at a ratehigher than other major cities in Japan, and its population exceeded one million in May of1999. Sendai’s estimated population as of May, 2019 is 1,088,786.
Sendai has a high ratio of tertiary industries, mainly concentrated in commerce andservices. Since many of these business establishments are branch offices, the cityis often called a branch economy city.According to the 2016 Economic Census - Activity Survey, Sendai has 48,419 business establishments, of which 62 (0.1%) are primary industry, 5,851 (12.1%) are secondary industry, and 42,506 (87.8%) are tertiary industry.According to the 2014 Census of Commerce, the city’s annual wholesale sales account for 43.0% and 87.0% of total wholesale sales in the Tohoku region and in Miyagi Prefecture, respectively. The wholesale industry is one of the city’s key industries, playing an intermediary role through the purchase of products from head offices in the Tokyo Metropolitan area and the sale of them to redistributors in Miyagi and other prefectures in the Tohoku region.* Annual wholesale sales 6.6855 Trillion Yen Annual retail sales 1.2333 Trillion YenAccording to the 2017 Census of Manufacturers, the value of product shipments from Sendai’s manufacturers is 875 billion yen, with a high ratio of petroleum and coal products (438.9 billion yen), publishing and printing (78.8 billion yen), and iron and steel (70.9 billion yen). This value also accounts for a high percentage of Miyagi Prefecture’s total manufacturing: 97.4% for petroleum and coal products, 81.2% for publishing and printing, and 47.2% for iron and steel.* Value of manufactured goods shipments, processing fee income, other income
■Monthly Average Temperature and Precipitation
0℃
5℃
10℃
15℃
20℃
25℃
30℃
0mm
50mm
100mm
150mm
200mm
250mm
300mm
350mm
400mm
450mm
500mm[Average Temperature] 2017 Average Year (1981～2010)
[Precipitation] 2017 Average Year (1981～2010)
Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
○Primary Industries
■Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries
○Secondary Industries
■Mining etc
■Construction
■Manufacturing
○Tertiary Industries
■Electricity, Gas, Heat Supply, and Water
■Information and Communications
■Transport and Postal Services
■Transportation, Information, and Communication
■Wholesale and Retail Trade
■Finance and Insurance, Rental and Leasing
■Academic Research and Expert/Specialist
■Accommodation, Eating and Drinking Services
■Living-related Services, Amusement Services
■Education/Learning Support
■Medical, Health Care and Welfare
■Compound Services
■Other Services Not Classified Elsewhere
0.6%
0.7%
0.1%0.0%
2.0%
0.4%
0.1%1.8%
0.0％0.1%
9.2%
29.1%
5.8%
7.3%
2.7%2.8%
8.0%3.4%8.2%
6.6%
12.5%
9.5%
3.4%3.4%6.1%
24.1%
4.5%
9.6%
4.1%
3.3%3.2%
4.1%
11.5%
11.7%
〈Private Enterprises〉 Number ofEstablishments
48,419
Number ofEmployees
554,801
20-29 people（4.9％）
30-49 people（3.3％）
50-99 people（2.2％）
■Sendai’s Topography
４
45
286
48
仙石線
Nanakita River
Tohoku ExpresswayTohoku Line
Senseki LineSenseki LineTohoku Shinkansen Line
Senzan LineSenzan Line
●Moscow
Beijing● ● Sendai
●London●Paris
●Rome
Melbourne●
Los Angeles●
New York● Washington D.C.● N 38゜16′05″
E 140°52′11″
■Sendai’s Location
■ Sendai is Established as a City (1889) 17.45 km2
■ First Incorporation (1928) 53.60 km 2 [Natori County] Nagamachi Town [Miyagi County] Haranomachi Town, part of Shichigo Village (Minami-koizumi)
■ Second Incorporation (1931) 70.73km2 [Miyagi County] Part of Nanakita Village (Aramaki, Kitane)
■ Third Incorporation (1932) 87.86 km 2 [Natori County] Nishitaga Village
■ Fourth Incorporation (1941) 188.21 km 2 [Natori County] Nakada Village, Rokugo Village [Miyagi County] Shichigo Village, Takasago Village, Iwakiri Village
■ Seventh Incorporation (1988) 788.03 km 2
2
Izumi City[Natori County] Akiu TownLand Reclamation 788.08 km2
Gamo Aza MachiBoundary Adjustment 785.85 km2
Tagajo City, Natori CityChange in Area Measuring Method 786.30km
■ Fifth Incorporation (1956) 236.85 km 2
[Natori County] Oide VillageBoundary Adjustment 236.88 km2
[Miyagi County] Izumi TownLand Reclamation 237.05 km 2
Nakano Aza Takamatsu
N
Miyagi
Akiu
Izumi
Iwakiri
Takasago
Shichigo
RokugoNakada
NishitagaOide Nagamachi
Haranomachi,Minamikoizumi
Aramaki,Kitane
Sendai is Establishedas a City
■Changes to Sendai’s Municipal Area
■ Sixth Incorporation (1987) 495.98 km 2
[Miyagi County] Miyagi Town
■Establishments and Employees by Industry (2016)
(Source: Census of Manufacturers / Total Value of Product Shipments: 8,750.57 Billion Yen)
■Value of Product Shipments by Industry (2017)
■Establishments by Persons Engaged (2016)
【Economic Census - Activity Survey】
Petroleum and Coal Products
（50.2％）
（4.7%）
Machinery, Electronics, etc Other
（11.5％）
Iron and Steel
（8.1％） Publishing and Printing
（9.0％）
1-4 people（50.9％）
10-19 people （14.2％）
5-9 people（22.4％）
Groceries （7.5％）
Beverages,Tobacco and Food
（6.3%）
More than 100 people （1.3%） Other
（0.8％）
Ceramics, Clay/Stone Products（2.7%）
Hirose River
Natori River
SENDAI CITY PLANNING 2019 SENDAI CITY PLANNING 2019
4 5
Sendai City Comprehensive Plan
■Diagram of Sendai Castle Town in 1868
■Old City Planning Road Network (planned in 1927)
City Outline An Overview of Sendai
2
The Evolution of Sendai s City Planning
5An Overview of Sendai
Development before the City Planning Law
Sendai's city planning is based upon the gridlocked layout Date Masamune chose when he began to build Sendai Castle in 1960. The layout is based on two base lines. The Omachi line runs east-northeast from the Otemae area, located on a river terrace on the left bank of the Hirose-gawa River. The Kokubuncho-Minamimachi line runs perpendicular to the Omachi line, and the two lines intersect at the Basho no Tsuji crossroads.Until the middle of the Meiji Period, the Kokubuncho/Omachi area around the Basho no Tsuji crossroads prospered with many well-established merchants, government offices, companies, and as a post station. However, the Kokubuncho post station was abandoned in 1887, when a railway began operations between Ueno, Sendai, and Shiogama. New merchants began to prosper as stores opened along the Nakakecho/Shintenmachi and Mototerakoji streets, which connected Sendai Station with the city center.
Pre-war City Planning
In 1923, the national government named Sendai as a city that would be subject to the old City Planning Law. Sendai's city planning area, 53.88km2 wide, was determined in 1925. The city planning area included the Sendai City as a whole, and sprawled across one city, and three towns and villages. This was the first time that Sendai's development was based upon a city plan. Areas considered for development were located within 30 to 40 minutes from downtown, basically within a 3.5km circle centered at the Basho no Tsuji crossroads. The limits of urban development were areas such as Dianohara and Aramaki, and future industrial areas were to be developed in the east and south. Sendai continued to develop its city plans by planning 38 city planning roads in 1927, determining urban building law-related land use zones in 1929, and designating 8 scenic zones in 1933.
Postwar City Planning
○ The Postwar Reconstruction PlanDuring World War II, political and commercial centers located west of Sendai Station received heavy damage, along with surrounding residential areas. The Special City Planning Law was enacted in 1946, and became the basis for the reconstruction land readjustment area (291.1 ha), 25 city planning roads, and 13 city planning parks/greenery areas that were determined to start Sendai's postwar reconstruction. The reconstruction project created wide roads in Sendai, as a result, wide roads, such as Aobadori Avenue, Jozenjidori Avenue, and Higashi-nibanchodori Avenue, along with Kotodai Park, and Nishi Park were improved. Furthermore, downtown Sendai became a modernized urban area while keeping the traditional aspect of a castle town. During this period, trees were planted and utility poles were removed along major roads in the city, which lead to the basic look of present-day Sendai.○ Postwar Revisions to City PlanningPostwar changes to Japan's society and Sendai's growth made it necessary to revise land usage in the city. The Building Standard Law was introduced in 1950, which made it necessary to specify fire protection zones in 1953 (quasi-fire protection zones were specified in 1948 to comply with Ministry of Construction regulations). The city revised its land use zones in 1955, after examining its urban area distribution plan and land use plan.71 city planning roads, which total 193,177m, were proposed in a 1954 revision plan. This plan proposed a road network that combined grid and spoke road layouts (which are considered to be ideal road network forms) with ring roads.
■Diagram of Sendai Castle Town in 1868 ■Old City Planning Road Network (planned in 1927)
SENDAI CITY PLANNING 2010
Four Important Policies for Realizing the Ideal Vision as a City❶Create a city where learning leads to diverse energetic activities<Direction of the policy>- Promote—in cooperation with citizens—the development of a “museum city” and create diverse energies. A city where residents and visitors can enjoy learning through various, organically connected resources, facilities and events in Sendai and spend a fulfilling time in the city. - Further increase the accumulation of intellectual resources in this academic city, Sendai, and make the most of research results and human resources for a variety of purposes, including industrial development, urban development, and resolution of local issues. - Nurture children’s “power to live,” and create an environment that allows children to become aware of the significance and joy of learning, and experience the pleasure of learning in their local community.
❷Create a mutually supportive and mentally fulfilling society<Direction of the policy>- Aim to promote regional ties among individuals and households to prevent isolation, and create a regional society in which people respect each other and live together. In addition, proceeding to develop a system that allows everyone to continue to live energetically in a community they find comfortable to live in. - Develop an environment in which everyone who desires to give birth and raise a child can do so, in addition to encouraging the entire community to support child-rearing families and the growth of children. - Make Sendai City resilient against disasters, and further improve the crisis management system to control the spread of infections. Also, address issues such as crime and traffic accidents, all in order to assure the safety and peace of mind in citizens’ lives.
❸Create a sustainable city in harmony with nature<Direction of the policy>- Develop a mechanism to create a city with low-carbon and resource-recycling plans. - Promote the use of land that brings harmony between the natural environment and urban functions based on the proper division of land use which takes advantage of the topography of Sendai, the “City of Trees.” - Aim to enhance the integration of urban functions within the urban zone, while particularly in the suburbs, promoting the improvement of living environments according to the characteristics and issues of each community through community revitalization. - Develop a transport network centering on public transport that is friendly to the elderly and people with disabilities, while strengthening the city’s transport hub function to connect with the rest of the Tohoku region and the world. In addition, establish a transport infrastructure that reduces maintenance costs and environmental impact and will ensure the safety of people living in each region and the growth of the city.
❹Build on Sendai’s charm and vitality to attract people<Direction of the policy>- Support small and medium-sized enterprises in terms of management innovation and improvement of technological capabilities, in addition to improving and strengthening their management foundation in order to ensure stable employment as well as the growth and increased competitiveness of local industry. - Make effort to combine tourism, sport, culture and art, and various other areas in cooperation with the rest of the Tohoku region to strategically attract visitors to the region. -Aim to secure stable employment and ensure the independent and log-term development of this city’s regional economy by attracting and nurturing industries that are most likely to enhance the vitality of the city. -Establish strategic priority area along the Tozai Subway Line, a new transport axis in the city, and promote the development, functional concentration and vitalization of these areas in line with the characteristics of the region.
The Sendai City Basic Concept, made as part of “The City of Trees, where people can shine - Sendai Comprehensive Plan 2020” formulated in March 2011, presents four ideal visions as a city which should be achieved by the mid-21st century. The city also created the Basic Plan, which defines the basic direction of measures to be undertaken by the city to realize the visions for the next 10 years (by 2020). Sendai’s Ideal Vision as a City○ An academic city that creates a better future– An academic city that continues to create diverse values and individual qualities leading to a bright future○ A mutually supportive and healthy city of harmony.– A safe and healthy city that supports a peaceful and spiritually enriching life○ A sustainable city in harmony with nature and full of greenery – An attractive and comfortable City of Trees to live in, with low-carbon urban systems○ Dynamic city that supports the Tohoku region and actively expands its relations with the world– A city central to the region with charm and vigor, serving as a connection to the world
■Population Projection The population of Sendai City continues to rise. According to the city’s estimates, the
population will peak around 2020, which is the final year of the city’s basic plan, after which it is expected to shift to a moderate decline.
As for the population structure, the ratio of younger people is expected to drop further, while the proportion of the elderly population will rise, making it necessary to promote policies that will contribute to the maintenance and expansion of the population, including the non-resident population.
■Changes of Sendai City’s Three Population Groups
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
Uncertain age
918
657
175
80
971
707
158
105
1,008
728
147
133
1,025
718
140
162
1,046
703
137
192
1,082
675
129
234
1,096
693
129
274
2025
1,095
682
122
292
2030
1,086
665
113
308
2035
1,068
636
106
326
Youth population Working age population Elderly population
In thousands
*2015 figures and earlier are based on the national census. 2020 figures and later are estimates.
As a result, the reconstruction project created wide roads in Sendai, such as Aoba-dori Avenue, Jozenji-dori Avenue, and Higashi-Nibancho-dori Avenue, along with improving Kotodai Park and Nishi Park. In this way, downtown Sendai became a modernized urban area while keeping the traditional aspect of a castle town. During this period, trees were planted and utility poles were removed along major roads in the city, which lead to the basic look of present-day Sendai.○ Postwar Revisions to City PlanningPostwar changes to Japan's society and Sendai's growth made it necessary to revise land usage in the city. The Building Standard Law was introduced in 1950, which made it necessary to specify fire protection zones in 1953 (quasi-fire protection zones were specified in 1948 to comply with Ministry of Construction regulations). The city revised its land use zones in 1955, after examining its urban area distribution plan and land use plan.71 city planning roads, which total 193,177m, were proposed in a 1954 revision plan. This plan proposed a road network that combined grid and spoke road layouts ( which are considered to be ideal road network forms) with ring roads.
Development before the City Planning Law
Pre-war City Planning
Post-war City Planning
Sendai's city planning is based upon the grid layout Date Masamune, the feudal lord, chose when he began to build Sendai Castle in 1600. The layout is based on two base lines. The Omachi line runs east-northeast from the Otemae area, located on a river terrace on the left bank of the Hirose River. The Kokubuncho-Minamimachi line runs perpendicular to the Omachi line, and the two lines intersect at the Basho no Tsuji crossroads.Until the middle of the Meiji Era, the Kokubuncho/Omachi area around the Basho no Tsuji crossroads prospered with many well-established merchants, government offices, companies, and as a station. However, the Kokubuncho station was abandoned in 1887, when a railway began operations between Ueno, Sendai, and Shiogama. New merchants began to prosper as stores opened along the Nakakecho/Shintenmachi and Motoderakoji streets, which connected Sendai Station with the city center.
In 1923, the national government named Sendai as a city that would be subject to the old City Planning Law. Sendai's city planning area, 52.88km2 in size, was determined in 1925. The city planning area included Sendai City as a whole, and sprawled across one city, and three towns and villages. This was the first time that Sendai's development was based upon a city plan. Areas considered for development were located within 30 to 40 minutes from downtown, basically within a 3.5km radius circle centered at the Basho no Tsuji crossroads. The limits of urban development were areas such as Dianohara and Aramaki, and future industrial areas were to be developed in the east and south. Sendai continued to develop its city plans by planning 38 city planning roads in 1927, determining urban building law-related land use zones in 1929, and designating 8 scenic zones in 1933.
○ The Postwar Reconstruction PlanDuring World War II, political and commercial centers located west of Sendai Station received heavy damage, along with surrounding residential areas. The Special City Planning Law was enacted in 1946, and became the basis for the reconstruction land readjustment area (291.1 ha), 25 city planning roads, and 13 city planning parks/greenery areas that were determined to start Sendai's postwar reconstruction.
