As a former graphic designer, I really appreciate the consistent design and subtle colors of the area. Tokyo can look like a giant pack of Starburst exploded in places. When everything tries to pop, it all bleeds together and you get an eyesore. This might make some things a bit harder to stand out, but that also means people are forced to really look at their surroundings and maybe find some hidden gems along the way.
Yeah, I have a friend who lives in Osaka, and whenever I go over to visit him, I find myself thoroughly overwhelmed by all the visual bombardment that Japan has on offer. And I could have sworn I was going to start screeching when we took a shortcut through a pachinko parlour. As a result, I was absolutely delighted by the lack of visual noise on our first trip to Kyoto and we've made a commitment to visit when I'm over there every time since.
On the other hand, I feel it all looks grey and dull, lifeless, stuck in the past. You are right, about Tokyo as well but there has to be a middle ground somewhere where people and companies can express themselves, to be who they want to be instead of having to conform to something the local government thinks they should be.
@@Hans-gb4mv Why do companies need to express themselves? It's not their city, it belongs to the residents, whose elected representatives decided that preserving the city's unique character was more important than some company's superfluous signage. If your business is good you don't even need the advertising, as your business will speak for itself and word will get around. And there's been plenty of time to elect new people who would reverse the bylaw, so clearly the city supports it enough to keep it around. If you think the city looks dull, you're free to get your eyes blasted in Tokyo, but no company has any right to advertise in a way that the city's residents don't approve of, and there are many tourists including myself who specifically seek out Kyoto for its historical character and lack of ocular assault.
@@mezmerya5130 Kyoto was largely fine when I went in last November, and both the friend I was visiting and everyone I spoke to said that the lack of tourists hadn't been as bad as they'd expected. A lot of people and businesses in Kyoto/Osaka that I spoke to said that the inability/unwillingness to travel abroad combined with the lack of tourists meant that an unprecedented number of Japanese people were going on trips around Japan, which had been helping to keep businesses afloat. On our way back from Nagasaki, we tried to visit the torii on Miyajima Island, but had to give up and turn back because we were just driving around in circles for an hour unable to find a park, because so many Japanese people were in town for the weekend to visit it themselves. The businesses that _had_ been having more of a hard time were the rural ones, which Japanese people weren't as interested in visiting for various reasons, and which usually made most of the annual revenue from tourists in the summer. But large cities like Kyoto and popular hotspots that Japanese people were usually hedged out of were doing fine in the scheme of things. I barely even saw anything that closed down, which is more than I can say for my own city in New Zealand-except, of course, for the arcades, though my friend said most of the lots were already abandoned even before the pandemic because only a few old ladies still visit them. A Japanese-fusion burger joint I visited said they'd been surprised at how many Japanese people had come to try their burgers once it wasn't packed full of tourists, and they hoped that those new customers wouldn't all be scared away when the tourists returned. And it's not like the crowds were full of newly arrived tourists just because the borders had recently opened up-nearly everyone on my flight over was a Japanese person returning home, and most of the places we visited had barely a tourist in sight. We went on a fully booked tour of Gunkan-jima, and the only other foreign tourists on the whole tour were an American couple who nervously asked if we had any idea what the Japanese tour guide was saying and whether we could translate for them. So yeah, as far as I could see, Kyoto was doing just fine-especially compared to many other tourist destinations in the world-and I can only image things will get better as more tourists start returning in a couple of months.
It's definitely interesting because advertisements will naturally optimize for visibility and their ability to draw attention, rather than any kind of aesthetic "niceness". So it's neat to see what happens in an area where they put limitations on that.
It’s actually a great exercise for designers-can you do it without relying on being the biggest, loudest, most in your face advertisement? Leads to some very aesthetically pleasing solutions I think…
Everything still functions, businesses still operate and the sky didn't fall in, which is not what the parasites in the advertising industry would have you believe. Imagine central Paris painted scarlet, yellow, sky blue and lime green as is the much of the commercial real estate here in NZ.
I agree. So many signs and advertisements are the visual equivalent of someone shouting at the top of their lungs while standing inches from your ear. While the Kyoto regulations feel more like someone is calmly talking at arm's length.
Ads that you have no way to escape from in daily life should definitely be restricted. I like Kyoto's rules as they treat the citizens with respect and remove the power of companies to abuse the landscape and ruin the aesthetics for the people who live there.
I actually like Kyoto's choice here. I think historical towns are important, even if they adopt modern businesses and update the architecture for safety or other similar reasons... obviously it would be terrible if every single city worked this way, but it's nice from both a historical and artistic perspective for cities like this to maintain at least a significant district with such rules. Savannah, Georgia's historical district is one I've visited in the states and it's very beautiful if you ever get the chance to visit.
I live in a big city in Mexico and although it has infrastructure such as skyscrapers, subway and others. there is a street near the center that remains preserved as if it were the time of the viceroyalty or independence I like the street and the contrast it makes with the huge buildings that are close or can be seen from there
Man this could be a whole 1hr long documentary. As a former graphic design student obsessed with Japanese design this incredibly interesting to me. Would love to know how initially this affected tourism and if it had any effect on foot traffic or the perceived tone of certain established brands.
If you don't point that out, most people wouldn't even notice that. It makes the city so calm and peaceful, without all these multi color, in your face sign boards, fighting for your attention. That's why Kyoto is my favorite place to visit. It is all these little things that make a big difference.
It isn't just Kyoto, it's a standard rule in historical areas. I do really like how Kyoto expanded it into the downtown core, though. I was actually at the Gion Matsuri in 2008 and was pretty surprised when visiting the area a few years later. More cities should follow suit, ads are gaudy af.
i really like the culture-conscious approach and wish more places did it maybe it's just due to me getting older, but i feel like a "return to form" (in terms of architecture and aesthetic), at least in designated areas, would go a long way toward keeping us connected to our history/ancestors/etc it's a tragedy that destruction has been so common place for so long in most places. my mind goes to the Parthenon (which is where my heritage is); imagine what it would've been like if it wasn't near obliterated multiple times progression and newness is one thing, but it's not worth it at the cost of what got us here (imo)
In all fairness western countries, especially European ones, are doing a much better job at maintaining historical architecture and aesthetic then Japan. Destruction is far more common in Japan where they only seem interested in the very old, knocking down anything even remotely modern losing that wonderful architecture, Compared to the wonderful selection of different decades and centuries that is possible to see across the UK for example. Bath is full of beautiful Georgian architecture and in certain parts has a similar rule about signs on stores having to follow strict guidelines allowing you to see big brands with simple toned down signs. People need to remember that what is 'historical culture' today was modern and progressive at the time. In hundreds of years People will want a 'return to form' of what we live today. We need to preserve it all, both the old and the new.
@@DavidCruickshank I'm not sure but that might have something to do with many older Japanese buildings being unable to withstand earthquakes. So they are often replaced by modern earthquake-resistant architecture.
never knew this was a thing, but it should be enforced everywhere in the world - we are giving up way to much in terms of design and space for agressive corporate advertisement
I just came back from a week and a half long trip to Kyoto and Tokyo and had no idea about these regulations beforehand. But after seeing the comparison first hand in such a close time frame I can honestly say this was the best decison Kyoto made. I couldn't quite put my finger on what exactly felt so calming, serene and relaxing about Kyoto's streets (esp in comparison to when I was last there in 2007 as a teen) but it was such a refreshing experience. Of course, the life there in general is much slower paced than in Tokyo but the general city facade really does invoke that historical feel so well, my friends and I couldn't stop commenting on it! Pontocho in particular was breath-taking, I took so many pictures and videos and just found myself stopping to take in the various alleyways and nooks along our walk, my friends got annoyed that I kept stopping to just stare. I noticed the lights were more warm and orange than in other places and it just made everything look that much more magical. Watching this video makes me want to go back right now! From a tourist perspective, the city has definitely done a lot in the way of making the experience of exploring the city a joy to do. Great video as always! Thanks for making me long for a place I just returned from 😅
This is done elsewhere in historically or culturally significant areas in Japan as well. While riding through Nasu Kōgen last summer I stopped at a Lawson with a brown and white sign instead of the usual bright blue and white sign. I realized that it was some sorry of “historical city rule” but now I have such a deeper understanding of what’s going on with these altered storefronts and so on. Great video 👍👍
I had thought for a while that Kyoto's modern buildings had a cozy feel that I hadn't seen elsewhere in Japan, but I had never been able to put my finger on why. Thank you for highlighting and explaining this!
Its really beautiful. I love kyoto and how they organized the location to make sure that natural landscape and man made landscape can be aligned. Blinding lights are really irritating and makes you uncomfortable so its one of the reasons why this is a brilliant implementation
This is a wonderful video! When I went to Japan, I remember thinking and telling people it felt like Tokyo "conquered" nature, whereas Kyoto lived more in harmony with it. Learning about how much effort they made into preserving their skyline and everything really puts into perspective why I felt that way.
I think what makes Kyoto's approach distinct is that the design makes exploring relaxing and welcoming while balancing the blend between landscape and structure. Im so intrigued.
I think every city needs to do this with their historical areas. Places like Tokyo are associated with color and lights so that makes sense. Even though it is overstimulating to me.
I have been to Kyoto so many times and never knew that there were laws in place regulating these types of things. Next time I go, I will be much more aware of how these different architectural features relate to one another. Thanks so much!!
I love it. I don't think it is necessary everywhere, but in particular culturally significant cities, or even just certain city districts, such changes are great in my oppinion. The ambiance and atmosphere of the place is calm, natural and refreshing. You are still in a city, but without the clutter.
I visited Kyoto nineteen years ago and I remember I was amazed by the old parts of Kyoto. Such an amazing experience, felt like going back to the past centuries ago.
I live in Arizona, US and the city of Sedona has similar aesthetic restrictions due to the importance of tourism on their economy. The regulation's most famous effect is a McDonald's whose exterior "M" sign is sky blue instead of the typical yellow, which has become a tourist attraction in its own right.
thank you for this! it's only through your video that i FINALLY realised why i somehow just preferred kyoto but never actually realised it was the muted and calm colours that was a MAJOR factor in that. absolutely good decision imo!
Really interesting seeing the before and after and Tokyo comparisons. I was a Planning Commissioner in an historic California town. We had restrictions in the historic core and fought with big corporations about signage including KFC, H and R Block and others. The reduced signage did not affect patronage but it sure delayed project completions. Moral to the story- apply for an exception but if not granted, re-evaluate and be flexible. I wish we had specific guidelines such as the chroma grids and sign placement rules- it would have saved time and confusion on all sides.
We are currently amending sign regulations in my (US) city, and I found this video super helpful to see how to communicate these kinds of regulations in a clearer way. My city limits things like logos/copy on directional signs and quantity of colors used for others. It also requires sign design plans for multi-tenant buildings. I don’t personally find most of our regulations very effective, but the overall color palette rules seem like they work very well for Kyoto.
I admire what kyoto did for their city❤ truly. I hope it inspires other places around the world to try some of these ideas not to limit freedom, but to preserve places of history and heritage so they don’t get covered up or forgotten ❤
We loved Kyoto but it was surprising to see how compared to Tokyo and Kanazawa it was much more toned down visually. Walking around and finding a small café on some side street was very charming. That said, it was just as much fun taking a taxi over to the more lively commercial area and walk around the Nishiki market (which was SO BUSY!). I highly recommend visiting Kyoto when vacationing in Japan to get a much different experience from the other big cities.
I live that they have limited advertising outdoors, I felt this strongly in Norway and Iceland as well and the sense of serenity it brought was a big part of the restoration that I felt after those trips.
I love that different regions of Japan are unique from each other. I always thought Japan values art and aesthetic more than some other countries. I remember the first time I was in Japan and notice how beautiful and unique the manhole covers were. I don’t know any other country that actually would make unique beautiful manhole covers. (Maybe you should make a video on that too, if you haven’t already 😊).
I currently live in Tokyo but I've always preferred Kyoto to Tokyo. I don't know what it is about Kyoto but I definitely like it much better, I lived there for a month and I would love to go back and live there for a bit longer. I think that after watching this video I realise that probably the reason I prefer the way Kyoto looks is probably because of their established "aesthetic" all throughout the city. Tokyo at times becomes too much in my opinion, it can be a bit of an eye sore at times, while Kyoto's consistent aesthetic is extremely pleasing in my opinion.
I prefer the more classic landscaping. All big cities are similar. To get the feel of a country you need to see the non tourist areas. Your video presents Kyoto is such a manner. I would love to visit Kyoto and rural Japan one day.
Advertisement has become useful to attract the eye, and for that it can be useful and helpful to identify. But I must say, as an American, it’s sooo peaceful to see a town that looks traditional and soothing to the mind and not overwhelming. The city blends into the world and naturally feels quieter
I love this. It gives cities their individuality - something that's long gone the world over. Go to London, and with regard to the shops, you could be anywhere - because so many franchises have made all cities so standardized.
thanks for the great video! i think there's no need for comments showing the location of the place, since you pre-trained us to differentiate between the two places in the intro chapter.
as someone who preferred darker and warmer colors even before i got migraines, i love this idea. my old room was painted dark forest green. i wish more places did this.
It is visually pleasing and it's becomming it's own unique style. There's similar rules around the world, like a town in Norway where every house has to be painted in a certain hue of blue, or towns in Mediterrean where only certain colours are allowed, like some white Greek villages. Having the rule only affect advertisments shows how innundated modern cities have become with adds. It's worth reflecting on.
I was in Kyoto last month, and can agree with their rules, its seems to go in line with the ancient temples and buildings spared destruction; I felt like I was in some old Shogun era city. Much like Philadelphia's historic district, rules are made covering this area to maintain the look of the 1770s, to support the look Independence Hall.
To honor and cherish our history, archeitecture, costumes saved from earlier times - these awaken the heart of a people. Colonized peoples like mine had very little left by the time Independence came. For us what we cherish is the landscape and the literature - they could not appropriate that....although our entire country was practically deforested and our literature pawned off as "Scottish" in the 18th century.....never mind I admire Japanese commitment to A not being colonized in the first place and B preserving the atmosphere of special places like Kyoto. Places for growth and where new trends can emerge yes we all need that too. Thanks for another fun beautiful and thought provoking video....
There is a wide field of study regarding the interaction of public space and human psychology. I took a course about this waaay back in the early '70s. Unfortunately, most of the applications involve manipulating people's behavior for commercial or institutional purposes, rather than designing city spaces that improve well-being and social interactions. No doubt one of the contributing factors to wide-spread urban unrest and violence today. Very interesting to see one city actually thinking about how it wants to present itself to both visitors and residents.
As an American, I am very impressed by how Kyoto looks. Actually I'd say jealous is a better word. I just wish that some of the late 19th century city designs we had were preserved better into the future.
I like the somewhat consistent design and color choices it forces commercial operations to use. It makes the statement that this is a place to live and be a part of rather than the overcommercailzied colors and eye-catching shenanigans of the more "modern" cities. The people are the city's color and vitality rather than being the product to be advertised to with the big commercial ugly signs in modern cities. In many ways Kyoto would be more modern in terms of design language and coherent structure. It follows a design language that leads to consistency, beauty, and form. It's almost like there are hidden gems I need to find which make the city fun rather than an being inundated with signs and colors.
I like that they keep it classy. A milder version of this could be a good change in a lot of places. Especially blinking lights are super annoying - some stores even use them when they are already closed. I do not think that our public space needs to foremost serve advertisement.
I think these are some great ideas that should be implemented in all residential areas of every city, especially the ad limitations, it must be exhausting to live under constant noise and bright lights.
I could not imagine post boxes being anything but brightly coloured. Though I live in Australia where the bright red box with the white post logo is part of the gothic.
Very fascinating, I can’t think of anywhere in the U. S. where such a concept would exist, but I’m not that well traveled. However, I can appreciate that due to its small size this is something that the Japanese created to preserve their image and heritage. Very cool! 👍🏻
There are other aspects of why it's so much nicer to walk around Kyoto that I only recently realized having been to Paris many many times. Aside from the grand axes and overall logic of how the city is laid out--Kyoto follows the same fung shui of the Forbidden City in Beijing--all the buildings in the city center are a maximum of 4 or 5 stories tall (except for churches). This creates a human-scale perspective. It never feels like you're walking through a canyon. The north of France and Paris in particular use a soothing cream-colored stone (except Places des Vosges). Kyoto uses wood. No flashy or obtrusive signs in Paris either. I think the muted color palette is a great idea.
I've lived in Kyoto for many years, and it definitely has a small and calm city atmosphere. You don't think about how everything looks different until you see the side by side comparison.
Heritage and mental health are important, this approach helps to enhance both. More cities in more nations should find their own ways to implement similar civic protocols. 👍
Even with the tiny streets, Kyoto feels comfortable and like home. Tokyo seems more like a fun destination to vacation to, but not stay in for long periods of time. I guess that outlook comes with age, though. When I was younger, Tokyo was it for me and I thought Kyoto was rather boring. Now, I find Tokyo to be way too overstimulating to want to spend much time there, lmao. But, I've also come to very much prefer seeing non-tourist trap areas. Take me somewhere rural or somewhere that only locals frequent and I'll be much happier.
Small to medium scale urban communities around the world should take heed of Kyoto's actions and follow in their footsteps - do not let the march of modernization and progress of postmodernism overshadow history of culture of any land or nation or especially people
I bet with minimal lighting on a snowy or cloudy rainy day, Kyoto would have the best backdrop and perfect setting scenery for an intense horror themed movie ..
