Richard Florida “Who’s Your City?”

　“Who’s Your City?” by Richard Florida. According to the author, in addition doing “what” “with whom,” what is meaningful in life is “where” = place of residence.

　Here are the five points that I found convincing. à are my thoughts.

1)　The world is not becoming flat, but it is rather becoming integrated. Production elements of creativity and innovation are deviated and concentrated in specific regions. In advanced nations, 3/4 of the population lives in urban areas. In the United States, Large urban areas are responsible for more than 90% of the GDP.

à Urban regeneration by integration is a free set of movement and exchange by the development of transportation and communication. I live in the city myself, and the style of securing free movement suits me.

2)　The number one economic production mega region is greater Tokyo area ($2.5 trillion) and the second is Boston/NY/DC area ($2.2 trillion). The scale of these two regions is comparable to the entire country of Germany. “Osaka (Kyoto) Nagoya” ($1.4 trillion) is in 5th place. The economic production of these “regions” surpass “countries” like Italy, Canada, India, South Korea, and Russia.

à The large size of Tokyo area is Japan’s strength. Regional activation policy is in the spotlight once again, but if this is bundled with the weakening of Tokyo area, I think they should rethink it. How can we strengthen Tokyo area and Osaka area? This is more of the modern theme.

3)　When measuring innovation based on the number of patents, Tokyo, NY, and SF stand out. Boston, Paris, and Osaka follow.

à I have lived in Tokyo, Boston, Paris, and Osaka (Kyoto), so I am probably insensitive to the pros of living in other regions. I want to hear the opinions on this book from the people who are involved in the regional activation effort.

4)　There are four mega regions of greater Sapporo, greater Tokyo, Osaka/Nagoya, and Northern Kyushu, but the borders are unclear. Japan may be taking the steps to becoming the world’s first integrated super mega region = a giant single economic area.

à This book suggests the strengthening and connecting of these four large urban areas by activating small-scale regional cities. I want to hear the opinions of people who are involved in regional activation policy on this as well.

5)　There is a great correlation between the population concentration of bohemian (artists) and gay people, and housing price. Sense of beauty, tolerance, and cultural openness that such population has for the environment may be contributing to it.

à Integration of bohemia is also a part of Cool Japan policy. It is the inbound policy of creators. However, favorable treatment policy for gay people has never been discussed before. Who should propose this?