Compare and contrast the images of kyoto in the immediate past -war era (1950s) - Essay Example

During the World War, Kyoto was fortunately spared of being hit badly by nuclear weapons and arms. However, there have been a number of changes within the city since the past. This paper thus helps to provide an analysis of Kyoto in the year 1950 as compared to present day Kyoto. Taking a look at the demographics within the city, the population of the city has decreased at least three fold in the past fifty years. Before the war, Kyoto held the position of being called the fourth most populated city in Japan however, a present day analysis shows that as compared to the past, the population of Kyoto has fallen bringing the city to a seventh position within Japan.

Culture is a very inherent part of the city and has become one of its testimonials over time. There are a number of temples and shrines all around the city that were built in praise of Japanese emperors for the purpose of praying as well as carrying out festivals, ceremonies and other traditions. In the modern day period, the city is sprawling with a hip urban population, skyscrapers and cultural hotspots as compared to the private houses and rural migrated population that had formed a part of the city.

Old buildings and temples like the Kiyomizudera, Kyoto Imperial Palace and Fushimi Inari have all been restored for the purpose of retaining the cultural past as well as opening up to a level of tourism. (Top 10 Sights of Kyoto, Japan) Change and development thus, in the present has been for the better more than for the worse; more urbanisation has led to better prospects for advancement in the field of information and technology for the city as well. A significant change may also be witnessed in the night life of the city; however, the use of Geishas for entertainment (a very renowned aspect in Japan) still continues to thrive in Kyoto just like it used to in the past.

Of course, the sense of dressing and portraying oneself has undergone a little change keeping in mind the western culture and influx of people from all over the world. The city has been able to attract a great amount of tourism as well because of its famous shrines and temples that were built in the past. Some of them, like the Kamigamo Shrine and the Nijo Castle have gained UNESCO World Heritage Sites status and thus are protected by the UN. The economy of the country has also improved for the better because of a shift towards the tertiary sector.

Most large technology related companies in the world like Nintendo, Intelligent Systems, Rohm and Horiba have formed a part of the skyline of the city with time. These changes have helped the city to boost its growth. However, at the same time, a vast amount of importance has still been kept aside for traditional crafts and the agricultural sector which has seen a lot of improvement since the past due to better equipments and implements in the field of technology and irrigation. The infrastructure of the city has developed a great deal as well; if one was to compare the city on the basis of its looks and image with respect to the post war era in 1950s and present day Kyoto, one would be able to witness a vast amount of change.

Railways and subways have been set up all over with the Kyoto station being the central portal from which lines now connect every city around the country. One of the biggest achievements in the field of transport is also the high speed rails which have changed the look of the city completely. Despite these many changes the city still continues