Planning for Religious Facilities in Tama New Town

Abstract

Although it is claimed that the separation of politics and religion precludes public authorities from planning religious facilities in Japan, an enormous public-planned city in Tokyo-called Tama New Town-houses several religious facilities like shrines, temples, and churches. Since the manner of incorporating them into the project has not been analyzed, this study examined how the planners provided frameworks and designed space for them by inspecting the planning documents and interviewing planners and residents. The study demonstrates that the planners regarded them as elements that could support and improve the lives of residents, so tried to make good use of them.