Tokyo

The Tokugawa Shogunate was established in Edo, present-day Tokyo, by Tokugawa Ieyasu on March 24, 1603. This event marked the beginning of the Edo period, characterized by over 250 years of relative peace, stability, and isolation for Japan. Edo became the political center of Japan as the shogunate established a feudal regime. This period was significant for its contributions to cultural development, infrastructure, and the urbanization of Edo, setting a foundation for Tokyo’s later transformation into a modern metropolis.

In 1868, Edo was renamed Tokyo, meaning 'Eastern Capital', marking a significant moment in Japanese history. The city had been a center of power during the Tokugawa Shogunate, but after the Meiji Restoration, during which the emperor was restored to power, the capital was moved to Tokyo. This change symbolized the end of the shogunate and the beginning of the Meiji era, representing modernization and opening Japan to western ideas and technologies. It was a crucial moment that set the stage for Tokyo to become a leading world city.

The Great Kantō earthquake struck the Kantō Plain on the Japanese main island of Honshū at 11:58 A.M. on September 1, 1923. It had a magnitude of 7.9 and lasted between 4 and 10 minutes. The earthquake caused widespread destruction throughout the Kantō region, including in Tokyo. Fires broke out and spread rapidly due to wooden structures and high winds from a typhoon near Tokyo Bay. The disaster killed an estimated 140,000 people and left more than half of Tokyo's population homeless, with over 570,000 homes destroyed. The devastation led to significant rebuilding efforts under the vision of a modern Tokyo.

Operation Meetinghouse was a bombing raid by the United States on Tokyo on the night of March 9–10, 1945. It was one of the most destructive bombing raids in history. 279 American B-29 bombers dropped 1,665 tons of incendiary bombs over the course of three hours, resulting in a firestorm that destroyed large portions of the city and killed at least 100,000 people, making it the deadliest air raid in history. The bombing targeted the city's densely populated working-class districts, resulting in the destruction of 16 square miles of Tokyo.

The formal surrender of Japan on September 2, 1945, aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, marked the end of World War II. The ceremony was attended by representatives from numerous Allied nations. The event was significant in that it ended the Pacific War and led to the formal occupation and reconstruction of Japan under Allied, primarily U.S., supervision. Tokyo, as the capital, became a central focus of reconstruction efforts and post-war reform, eventually transforming into a symbol of recovery and modernization in Japan’s post-war era.

The 1964 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVIII Olympiad, were held in Tokyo, Japan from October 10 to October 24, 1964. This marked the first time the Olympic Games were held in Asia. The opening ceremony was a grand event, featuring performances that showcased Japanese culture and technology, including a display of Japan's technological advancements with the lighting of the Olympic flame by Yoshinori Sakai, who was born in Hiroshima on the day the atomic bomb was dropped, symbolizing Japan's post-war reconstruction and peace.

On May 15, 1972, the United States formally returned control of Okinawa back to Japan after 27 years of American administration following World War II. Although the primary action took place in Okinawa, the event had significant implications for Tokyo, marking the end of post-war American occupation in Japan and restoring full Japanese sovereignty. The reversion of Okinawa was accompanied by negotiations over the status of military bases and brought about changes in Japan's domestic policy towards Okinawa, reflected in Tokyo’s relations with the island region and Japan's standing on the global stage.

The 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami struck Japan on March 11, 2011, and was one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded, with a magnitude of 9.0–9.1. The earthquake caused massive damage and triggered a tsunami that devastated several coastal areas in northeastern Japan. In Tokyo, although many buildings shook, strict building codes helped prevent extensive damage. The disaster led to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, as the tsunami knocked out power to the cooling systems of the nuclear plant, leading to radiation leaks. The aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami had long-lasting impacts on Tokyo's infrastructure and policies, especially related to energy and disaster prevention.

The decision to award the 2020 Summer Olympics to Tokyo was made on September 7, 2013, by the International Olympic Committee. However, the official announcement of the schedule took place on July 24, 2019. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics were expected to showcase the resilience and dynamism of Tokyo, particularly highlighting innovations in technology. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Olympics were postponed to 2021, and many international and domestic efforts had to focus on adjustments and safety protocols, making it a significant historical event for Tokyo due to these unprecedented changes.

The opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games took place on July 23, 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic after being postponed for a year. The event was held at the newly rebuilt Japan National Stadium and was notable for its adherence to COVID-19 protocols, including no spectators in attendance. It symbolized resilience and adaptability amidst global challenges. The Games proceeded with various safety measures, showcasing athletes from around the world. Despite the circumstances, the Games celebrated athleticism and global unity.