The Urban Planetary and Tokyo Modernity: Dwelling in Passing

The Urban Planetary and Tokyo Modernity: Dwelling in Passing explores how urban literature and urban ethnography in Tokyo during the 1910s and 1920s grappled with an emerging planetary situation characterized by ongoing movement and intensified local experiences. It suggests that modern urban experiences are primarily about dwelling, rather than alienation, consumerism, or national life, and proposes a speculative genealogy of local responses to this planetary situation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 282 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

The Urban Planetary and Tokyo Modernity: Dwelling in Passing delves into the intricate tapestry of everyday experiences in Tokyo during the vibrant 1910s and 1920s. It explores the profound ways in which urban literature and urban ethnography grappled with the emerging global context characterized by relentless movement and a heightened sense of local encounters. This thought-provoking book posits that modern urban experiences transcend the realms of alienation, consumerism, and national identity, instead centering around the fundamental concept of dwelling. In particular, it emphasizes the importance of understanding "a dwelling in passing," a notion that captures the transient and fleeting nature of human existence within the ever-changing urban landscape.

To delve deeper into this exploration, Christophe Thouny takes us on a captivating journey through the works of the Japanese urban ethnographer Kon Wajirō. By juxtaposing these ethnographic accounts with early 20th-century literary mappings of Tokyo, such as Mori Ōgais's 1912 novel Youth to Tayama Katais's 1916 The Tokyo Near-Suburb, Thouny compellingly argues for the need to reassess these texts within the framework of a speculative genealogy of local responses to an unwavering planetary predicament.

Through his meticulous analysis, Thouny reveals how these literary narratives, while initially perceived as mere representations of the city, hold the potential to unlock a deeper understanding of Tokyo's urbanity. He highlights the ways in which these texts imaginatively engage with the challenges and complexities of the urban environment, offering localized solutions and alternative perspectives that challenge the dominant narratives of modernity.

One of the key insights Thouny draws from his study is the recognition that modern urban experiences are not solely shaped by external forces or global trends but are also deeply rooted in the local context. He argues that cities, as dynamic and interconnected systems, are capable of generating their own unique responses to global challenges. By studying the specific ways in which Tokyo responded to the pressures of urbanization and globalization during the 1910s and 1920s, Thouny sheds light on the complex interplay between global forces and local realities, highlighting the importance of a nuanced and localized understanding of urban life.

Furthermore, Thouny's work challenges the notion that modern urban experiences are solely characterized by alienation, consumerism, and a loss of connection to the natural world. Instead, he suggests that cities can be spaces of resilience, creativity, and cultural richness. He explores how individuals and communities in Tokyo navigated the rapidly changing urban landscape, finding ways to adapt, thrive, and create meaningful connections within the urban fabric.

Through his thoughtful and engaging analysis, Christophe Thouny invites us to reimagine our understanding of modern urban experiences. He encourages us to look beyond the surface level of urbanization and consumerism, recognizing the profound significance of dwelling, both as a physical space and as a state of mind. By exploring the rich tapestry of everyday experiences in Tokyo during the 1910s and 1920s, Thouny offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of urbanity and the complex ways in which cities shape our lives.

In conclusion, The Urban Planetary and Tokyo Modernity: Dwelling in Passing is a groundbreaking work that delves into the intricate relationship between urbanity, globalization, and the human experience. Through its thoughtful analysis and engaging narrative, it offers a fresh perspective on modern urban life, challenging us to reimagine our understanding of cities as spaces of dwelling, resilience, and cultural richness. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of urban life and the ways in which they shape our world.

Weight: 588g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666929300