Final answer:
Tokyo's urban efficiency results from both its advanced technology and societal norms focusing on order and respect. Japan's postwar economic success was driven by internal organization and social cohesion, with major cities expanding due to technological innovations that supported urbanization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The efficiency of Tokyo's urban environment is often attributed to technological advancements and a sophisticated transportation system. However, it's important to recognize that cultural aspects such as a societal inclination towards order, adherence to social rules, respect for individual privacy, and the way citizens navigate shared spaces are equally significant. These social dynamics minimize friction and contribute to the functionality of high-density urban living.
Japan's economic development was greatly influenced by internal organization and the nation's ability to unify socially and economically. This fostered a strong manufacturing sector which was crucial for Japan's recovery and success after World War II. The country's geographical location and unique cultural evolution also played a part in its technological growth, paralleling the economic development patterns of other Asian economies, such as Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Moving to the urban life, Japan's major cities expanded during the economic boom. Innovations like electric lighting, communication technologies, improved transportation, and the development of skyscrapers were key to urbanization. Such advancements addressed challenges of urban infrastructure, from housing to sanitation, which were essential for a growing urban population.