Tokyo in 1972 Through Fascinating Photos

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and the most populous city in the world with a population of over 14 million residents as of 2023. The Tokyo metropolitan area, which includes Tokyo and nearby prefectures, is the world’s most-populous metropolitan area with 40.8 million residents as of 2023.

Located at the head of Tokyo Bay, Tokyo is part of the Kantō region on the central coast of Honshu, Japan’s largest island. Tokyo serves as Japan’s economic center and the seat of both the Japanese government and the Emperor of Japan.

Beginning in the mid-20th century, Tokyo underwent rapid reconstruction and expansion that contributed to the era’s so-called Japanese economic miracle in which Japan’s economy propelled to the second-largest in the world behind the United States.

Tokyo is recognized as one of the world’s most livable cities. These vintage photos from m20wc51 that captured street scenes of Tokyo in 1972.

Sukiyabashi Park, Ginza, Tokyo, June 1972

Elvis in Tokyo, June 1972

Ginza cicadas, Tokyo, June 1972

Ginza, Tokyo, June 1972

Ginza, Tokyo, June 1972

Ginza, Tokyo, June 1972

Ginza, Tokyo, June 1972

Ginza, Tokyo, June 1972

Jinrikisha, Tokyo, June 1972

Ladies near the Imperial Palace, Tokyo, June 1972

Matsushita sign, Tokyo, June 1972

Nichigeki Music Hall, Tokyo, June 1972

Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo, June 1972

The area outside the Imperial Palace, Tokyo, June 1972

The back of this photo says "Shinjuku", Tokyo, June 1972

The Matsushita Electric sign was on the TOEI Theatre building, Tokyo, June 1972

The San-Ai building, Ginza, Tokyo, June 1972

Tokyo fruit market, June 1972

Tokyo skyline from Ueno Park, June 1972

Tokyo theatre, June 1972

Tokyo, June 1972

Tokyo, June 1972

Tokyo, June 1972

Tokyo, June 1972