Abstract. Advancements in information and communication technologies enable us to trace human activities through digital media; networks of fixed or mobile sensors, such as smartphones, global positioning systems, and travel cards, can monitor the timing and locations of human behavior throughout the day. These new sources of geospatial data provide the possibility of analyzing high-resolution big data to capture patterns of human spatial behavior across space and time. Online photo-sharing services are comprised of such sources. This study analyzes the geocoded photos from a photo-sharing service to make a comparison of the varying spatial patterns of tourist attractions in Tokyo as differentiated between those taken by Japanese and foreign visitors. We selected three places (Shinjuku, Asakusa, and Ginza) as study districts from the five top places frequently visited by foreigners based on the 2014 Survey Report of Foreigner Behavior. The data were downloaded from Flickr, one of the most popular online platforms for people to share their travel experiences by uploading photos. We used the data of geocoded photos from 2014, taken within 1 km from Shinjuku, Ginza, and Asakusa stations. Information on the nationality of contributors recorded in the Flickr data was used to compare the tourist spots of Japanese and foreign visitors. To identify the tourist spot, we employed a hotspot analysis using geographic information systems. The obtained results showed some tourist spots common to Japanese and foreign visitors in three study areas, namely, places close to railroad stations. However, the distribution of foreigners’ photographs showed a higher spatial concentration than those taken by Japanese tourists. This tendency is consistent with the findings obtained by Suzuki and Wakabayashi (2008), wherein they compared photos of tourist attractions in guide books of Tokyo. This comparative difference can be explained by the accessibility of railroad stations; in other words, foreigners rely more on public transportation during their comparatively short stays. Spatial patterns of tourist spots varied with the study district in question. In Shinjuku and Ginza, there are differences in tourist spots between Asians and Europeans. Particularly, European tourists’ hot spots tend to be more scattered than Asians. However, such differences are not observed in Asakusa, where tourists’ hot spots are concentrated around Sensoji Temple and Tokyo Sky Tree. The reason for this is that tourist attractions are concentrated in and around specific facilities in the Asakusa district. Hence, the variations of tourist spots obtained by analyzing the geotagged photographs on Flickr can be explained by the difference in behavior and interest of foreign tourists between countries, as well as the spatial distribution of tourist attractions.
Abstract. Since the end of the 20th century, the widespread availability of information and communications technology (ICT) has led to an increased use of web-based maps that have supposedly changed the use of geospatial information. Although previous studies focused on the conceptual or technical aspects of web maps, few studies have conducted an empirical analysis of the diversity of map usage. In particular, intergenerational differences in the use of digital maps have apparently expanded owing to the generation gap in the skills needed to use ICT devices. In this study, I examined variations in map usage by paying attention to the characteristics of the millennial generation. An online survey of 624 people who signed up for participation was conducted with a research company in 2018. They were sampled equally by gender and age group and were from the Tokyo metropolitan area. A questionnaire was designed to gather data about their current state of map use, their usage of ICT devices, their degree of geospatial awareness, and demographic attributes. The difference in map usage patterns between generational groups was examined using statistical methods. Analysis of the data revealed that most people use web maps while conventional paper maps are still widely used by the middle-aged and the elderly. In particular, intergenerational differences in map usage were observed: younger people prefer using web maps with mobile devices for checking locations but older people are still using conventional paper maps. Among the web maps available, Google Maps was used by the majority of respondents, especially by the younger age group. The next most frequently used was Yahoo! Maps, which was mainly used by the middle-aged and older people while Apple Maps was also preferred by younger people. More than 80% of web map users browse the map with a smartphone; however, middle-aged and older groups tended to use maps with PCs. An analysis of conventional map use revealed many people use tourist maps, maps on signboards, and in-car navigation systems. However, some intergenerational differences were observed. Young people use fewer road maps and in-car navigation systems while elderly people use more housing maps and topographic maps. An analysis of the relationship between map use and geospatial literacy revealed that younger respondents preferred digital maps to paper maps and tended not to ask someone else for directions but relied on ICT tools to find their way. Since some studies have pointed out that the accustomed use of navigation tools may have negative effects on people’s geospatial awareness, young people’s dependence on web maps may reduce their concern with maps and geography, which is characteristic of the millennial generation.
This study examines the change in the spatial patterns of demographic structure in central Tokyo since the period of the bubble economy in the late 1980s. To this end, we analyze grid square data suitable for time-series analysis between 1985 and 2005, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). After selecting major indicators representing three dimensions of the social area analysis – family status, socio-economic status, and ethnic status – we map each indicator and make quantitative comparisons between zones of distance and direction from Tokyo's city center. Focusing on the spatial pattern of population change in the 23 wards between 1985 and 2005, analysis reveals that central Tokyo experienced a population recovery from the latter half of the 1990s, having previously faced a continuing population decline until 1995. On the basis of this population change trend, we examine the spatial pattern of each indicator in the social atlas. Concerning age and household composition, their spatial distribution has gradually shifted from a zonal pattern to a sectoral one, due to the migration of younger nuclear families to the area surrounding the city center. The spatial distribution of socio-economic status, represented by the occupational structure, maintained a sectoral pattern characterized by the contrast between the eastern and western parts of Tokyo, although this distinction has blurred. In particular, the number of managers and officials in the 23 wards has decreased and its distribution shifted to a zonal pattern, indicating the polarization of white-collar workers. The distribution of foreigners shows a zonal pattern, in which the highest value appeared in the area surrounding the city center. However, spatial autocorrelation analysis of the distribution of four major nationalities reveals a clustered pattern, supporting the findings of previous studies in Western countries.
Abstract. This paper introduces the contents of the report "Challenges for the national standardisation of geographical names in Japan", prepared by the Toponymy Subcommittee under IGU Working Group of the Planetary Science Committee, Science Council of Japan. The report suggests the establishment of a national geographical names board in Japan. It first indicates the growing awareness in the world on the importance of geographical names, including the activities of UNGEGN. This is followed by a description of current issues Japan is facing on geographical names, such as discrepancies of names used in the media and those used in textbooks, naming disputes at local authority mergers, and commercialisation of geographical names. It also described currently how the various government administration bodies deal with these issues, and points out some problems, mainly due to lack of overarching principles and coordination between agencies. Some examples of systems of other countries with a national geographical names board is shown, and finally some concrete recommendations, including an establishment of an inter-ministrial body that deals comprehensively with geographical names issues, awareness raising of society on the functions and importance of geographical names, development of human resources, and active participation in the international forum on geographical names.
