The document discusses the concept of a city's identity, emphasizing that a city is more than just economic or governmental structures; it has a 'heartbeat' that attracts people. It highlights Tokyo's evolving brand amidst globalization and the impact of social media on city perception, with a focus on harmony in design. The document raises questions about the future of Tokyo's architecture and urban landscape in light of population decline.

1. Heartbeat of An
Olympic City
Dr. Nancy Snow
http://www.nancysnow.com

2. “A House is Not a Home”
 A city is not a company town, a seat of
government, or a commercial sector that
champions capitalism.
 A city has a heart that makes people
want to write songs
Tokyo’s heartbeat is modern,
always changing

3. City branding is a globalization
offshoot.
In an age when competition for
commerce, consumption, and
tourism holds no allegiance to one
country or region, place branding
has emerged locally, citywide,
regionally, and at the national
level.

4. Brand Promise
Wal-Mart “low-cost leader” BMW “Ultimate Driving
Machine”

5. Heartbeat of a City?

6. In the 21st century, a viral tweet
about a visitor’s personal experience
can become a testimonial statement
that no city brander can match in
credibility.

7. "The Lady Gaga Effect

11. Everything was done with the Japanese
spirit of “wa,” or harmony, in mind. The
chairs and tables in the lobby were
spaced to look like five-petaled plum
blossoms. [Source: Anna Fifield, The
Washington Post, 2/3/15 “As Olympics
loom, a landmark of Japanese
modernism will be torn down”]
Will Tokyo 2020 be true to
the original design of the
Okura?

12. “We should think more fondly
about architecture and think
what’s important to us.”
“What will Tokyo look like in
50 years? Our population is
declining. The city might be
full of empty buildings.”
Hiroshi Matsukuma
Kyoto Institute of Technology

13. If Tokyo had its own
tenugui, it would be
marked “Under
construction.”
Tokyo, like the future,
waits for no one, including
a 53-year-old hotel.