Tokyo: Rapid Renewal and Reinvention

The first international flights in 1960 have brought the new possibilities to discover the region in a new perspective, Kunakorn Vanichviroon told the stories of Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Kolkata in the ‘Tales of Four Cities’.

When THAI launched flights to Tokyo, Japan was experiencing an economic boom. Just fifteen years after World War II, Tokyo was rapidly modernizing in preparation for the 1964 Olympic Games. The following years, Kyu Sakamoto released his legendary “Sukiyaki” in the United States. Defining the spirit of Japan, the song rose to the top of global music charts. Its lyrics, describing a steadfast march forward, captured the tireless work ethic of the Japanese during the post-war period. The newly completed Tokyo Tower stood as a beacon of the nation’s resurgence. Bullet trains and expressways were under construction, signaling Japan’s push toward becoming a global economic powerhouse.

Today, Tokyo is a high-tech metropolis, but its historical essence remains intact. Shinjuku and Shibuya pulsate with neon lights and cutting-edge fashion, while districts like Asakusa and Yanaka retain a nostalgic charm. The rebuilt Hotel Okura pays homage to its original 1960s design, preserving its iconic lobby and timeless elegance.

One of Tokyo’s most enduring architectural marvels is the Yoyogi National Gymnasium, designed by the renowned Kenzo Tange for the 1964 Olympics. With its sweeping roof and futuristic form, it remains an iconic landmark in the city’s skyline. Meanwhile, the Imperial Hotel, originally designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, once stood as a masterpiece of modern architecture. Though the original structure was demolished in 1967, sections of it have been preserved at the Meiji-Mura Museum near Nagoya, allowing visitors to admire Wright’s vision firsthand.

Dream to discover Tokyo? Fly to Tokyo with Thai Airways!