Exploring Urban Liveability at the 3rd G-NETS Meeting and beyond in Tokyo

Executive Director Hugh Lim led a delegation from CLC in an exploratory research study trip to Tokyo in May. The delegation represented Singapore at the 3^rd Global City Network for Sustainability (G-NETS) Meeting and further engaged with Tokyo urban experts on the topic of the Future of Urban Liveability through a series of meetings and site visits.

Key Highlights from G-NETS Meeting

Hugh giving his Keynote Speech

Formed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 2022, G-NETS is a collaborative network where city leaders and representatives engage in multifaceted discussions from different perspectives to address global challenges. This year’s Meeting was segmented into two themes - "Responding to Climate Change" and "Promoting Well-being” and brought together representatives from 61 global cities including New York, Paris, Shanghai and Melbourne to discuss urban sustainability initiatives and solutions.

G-NETS Senior Officials Meeting Theme 1: Responding to Climate Change

The discussion focused on three main environmental themes across various global cities:

1. net-zero emissions initiatives

2. disaster resilience measures

3. environmental conservation efforts

At this session, cities showcased initiatives that demonstrate diverse approaches to addressing climate change and environmental challenges, from Seoul's electric bus fleet conversion to Paris's urban forest initiative and Tokyo's comprehensive disaster preparedness programmes.

G-NETS Senior Officials Meeting Theme 2: Promoting Well-being

The discussion explored three key areas of urban development:

1. digital technologies

2. child- and senior-oriented policies

3. promotion of culture and sports.

These themes demonstrated how cities worldwide are leveraging technology, implementing inclusive policies for different age groups, and using sports and culture to build more connected communities, with notable examples including Shanghai's smart city initiatives, Tokyo's multi-generational community centres, and Amsterdam's comprehensive sports infrastructure.

Hugh gave a Keynote presentation at this session on “Child and Senior-oriented Policies” on Singapore’s initiatives to address ageing population and falling fertility rates, by focusing on senior-friendly initiatives such as AgeWell SG and Queenstown Health District, while continually striving for high liveability.

The Future of Urban Liveability

The CLC delegation also met up with counterparts in Tokyo to further discuss on the topic of the Future of Urban Liveability, specifically on Tokyo’s zoning and urban planning practices.

Key learning points:

The meetings with various Japanese organisations revealed Tokyo's comprehensive approach to urban development, anchored by the Metropolitan Government's "Grand Design for Urban Development" vision for the 2040s. While Tokyo employs a relatively flexible zoning framework, it maintains urban competitiveness through strategic development incentives, where developers like Tokyu Corporation and Mori can receive zoning relaxations in exchange for public amenities.

Unlike Singapore, Tokyo doesn't practice land value capture but relies on rental adjustments and land bidding. The city's development process involves extensive stakeholder engagement, as demonstrated by projects like Azabudai Hills, and emphasises improving connectivity and liveability, particularly through transit-oriented development. This is complemented by smart city initiatives, as showcased by the University of Tokyo's research on mobility patterns and built environment interactions, highlighting Tokyo's blend of practical urban planning with technological innovation.

Site Visits:

The delegation visited Tokyo neighbourhoods - Daikanyama, Kamimeguro, Shimo-kitazawa, Setagaya-Daita and Umegaoka - to study exemplary models of walkable and liveable urban design.

Some insights gleaned below -

Tokyo's urban design demonstrates innovative approaches to space utilisation and connectivity, particularly evident in its creative use of under-viaduct spaces for retail and F&B, contrasting with Singapore's more restrictive temporary occupation licensing.

The city's fine-grained mixed-use development pattern distributes amenities evenly throughout residential areas, supported by flexible zoning regulations that permit diverse business operations within neighbourhoods, though this success partly stems from strong civic consciousness. The urban fabric is enhanced by comprehensive multi-level pedestrian and cycling networks, exemplified by Tokyu Corporation's developments, while maintaining exceptionally well-kept public spaces, despite lacking Singapore's all-weather pedestrian network.

Contributed by Kikuzawa Yuichi, Assistant Director, Research and Bert Wee, Senior Assistant Director, Research