In the last 100 years, Japan has experienced a big transformation, from large wars followed by reconstruction and economic growth to the burst of the bubble.

Can’t you feel just how large this transformation was by comparing photos from present and past in this article?

Things changed, things unchanged.

What do you think?

Ikebukuro

Even streets lined with skyscrapers were once undeveloped countryside.

Japanese notation：池袋

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Shinagawa station

Now bustling with bullet train traffic, back then a tiny train station.

Japanese notation：品川駅

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Tokyo station

Tokyo Station, remaining as a symbol even today.

Japanese notation：東京駅

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Nihonbashi

Home to lots of traffic even back in the day.

Japanese notation：日本橋

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Shibuya

Japan’s leading merchant town, where young people gather.

Japanese notation：渋谷

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Harajuku

A town for adult visits, glittering today as back then.

Beacon of kawaii culture with a surprisingly modest train station

Japanese notation：原宿

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Sinjuku kabukicho

Japanese notation：新宿歌舞伎町

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Ginza

Representing Japan, a fancy neighborhood and cultural influence since days past

Japanese notation：銀座

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The Metropolitan Police Department

An urban center underpinning Japan’s public safety

Japanese notation：警視庁

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Akihabara

Now famous for its otakus, but known in the past as Electric Town.

Japanese notation：秋葉原

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Ueno

Famous for the zoo and Ameyoko shopping street.

Japanese notation：上野

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Asakusa

A popular tourist destination for Japanese and foreigners alike, famous for its Kaminarimon (“Thunder Gate”).

Japanese notation：浅草

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Astonishingly transformed Japan.

What changes will the next 100 years bring?

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