Recently, the Mori Memorial Foundation, a think tank under the Mori Building Corporation, released the “2024 World Cities Comprehensive Strength Ranking”.
The list evaluates the overall strength of major cities based on 70 specific indicators in six areas, including economy, research and development, culture, housing, environment, and transportation.
Among them, three major cities in Japan, namely Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka, made the list with their unique advantages!
01
Tokyo
Strongest overall strength
Tokyo has been ranked third in the ranking for nine consecutive years, behind only London (UK) and New York (US), and is the strongest city in Japan in terms of overall strength.
Tokyo's rankings by field are as follows:
★ Research and Development: No. 3
★ Culture: No. 3
★ Livability: No. 3
★ Transportation: 5th place
★ Economy: 10th
★ Environment: 18th
In terms of research and development, Tokyo is home to a large number of researchers and has a large number of patent registrations, both of which received top ratings.
In terms of cultural exchange, Tokyo is full of theaters, concert halls, art galleries, and museums, and hosts a large number of cultural events each year, making it very artistic.
In terms of shopping and dining, Tokyo tops the list in terms of attractiveness.
Tokyo has the advantage of being a very livable city, with a high quality of life due to a well-ordered society, low frequency of natural disasters, a wide range of large shopping malls to small retail stores, and a well-developed and convenient public transportation system.
In addition, Tokyo is home to many Fortune 500 companies, which provide a wealth of job opportunities.
Overall, Tokyo is an ideal place to settle for those who are looking for the bustle, vibrancy, and convenience of a big city, as well as a wealth of career opportunities and platforms for growth.
02
Osaka
Cost-effective choice
Osaka, the center of the Kinki metropolitan area and Japan's second-largest city, is ranked 35th in this ranking and is also the second-largest city in Japan after Tokyo.
Osaka is ranked in the following areas:
★ Livability: 7th
★ Research and Development: 18th
★ Culture: 23rd
★ Transportation: 32nd
★ Economy: 38th
★ Environment: 39th
Osaka is highly rated for livability, especially in terms of housing rents, which are more affordable than in Tokyo, a well-organized and safe society, excellent air quality, and a convenient public transportation system.
As a major metropolitan area in Japan, Osaka has attracted many companies and offers a wealth of job opportunities. However, compared to Tokyo, Osaka has a smaller number of Fortune 500 companies and hosts fewer cultural events.
Overall, Osaka is a great city to live in. Although it is a bit “quieter” than Tokyo, the cost of buying or renting a home is lower, and public transportation is just as convenient.
Osaka is certainly a good choice for those who are looking for a cost-effective living and working environment.
03
Fukuoka
Enjoy the “slow life”
Fukuoka, the center of the Kyushu region, is ranked 42nd in the global ranking.
Fukuoka is ranked in the following areas:
★ Livability: 21st
★ Environment: 21st
★ Research and Development: 31st
★ Transportation: 36th
★ Economy: 41st
★ Culture: 45th
Among the many areas assessed, Fukuoka performs particularly well in terms of livability, with housing rent levels more affordable than those of Osaka. However, Fukuoka has a relatively small number of restaurants and retail stores, resulting in a relatively weak culinary and shopping experience.
In terms of transportation, Fukuoka's downtown area is closer to the airport, making it easier to catch a flight.
In addition, compared to Tokyo and Osaka, Fukuoka's public transportation system is still in need of further improvement, and private cars account for a higher proportion of daily trips.
Overall, Fukuoka is more of a “paradise” than the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and Osaka, with a peaceful environment and low rentals, attracting those who prefer a quieter, slower pace of life.
Which of the three cities mentioned above do you prefer?
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