Sanctuaries of the City: Lessons from Tokyo(Re-materialising Cultural Geography)

This book proposes that we can learn from Tokyo about the instrinsic importance of in-between realms to an international culture: the sanctuaries. It argues that certain urban societies are more robust than others because they offer socio-spatial capacities that enable the development of skills for coping with modern forms of living. It studies places that may open the way to an international culture, namely market places, venues for performing arts and religious sites, which – with particular reference to the Durkheimian tradition – are considered here in their quality as sanctuaries. From its empirical analysis of such sanctuaries in Tokyo, this book develops a more general theory about mega-cities, urban sociability and identity.

Table of Contents:
Contents: Prelude: positioning; Sanctuaries of the City: lessons from Tokyo; Part I Urban Sanctuary-Research: Sanctuaries for coming to terms with modernity; Urban sanctuary-research; Sanctuaries of urban virtues: a view from architecture. Part II A Place Historical Perspective: Reconsidering classical sociology: in search of an in between realm of urban society; Approaching the Orient; The jolly good market place; Sanctuaries for performing arts; The sacred sanctuary. Part III Lessons from Tokyo: Lessons from Tokyo; Postlude; References; Index.

About the Author :
Anni Greve, Associate Professor of Sociology at the Department of Society and Globalisation, Roskilde University, Denmark

Review :
'In this truly great book, Anni Greve explores the various sanctuaries in Tokyo, London and New York where we can practice cosmopolitan virtues and cultivate conviviality. Combining sociology, history and architecture, she uncovers how they offer intimacy and spirituality within the secular city. In doing so, she constructs a remarkable vision of a new urban sensibility.' 'In this truly great book, Anni Greve explores the various sanctuaries in Tokyo, London and New York where we can practice cosmopolitan virtues and cultivate conviviality. Combining sociology, history and architecture, she uncovers how they offer intimacy and spirituality within the secular city. In doing so, she constructs a remarkable vision of a new urban sensibility.' Bryan Turner,City University of New York, USA 'The ability to socialize with strangers with civilty and hospitability is the central concern of this book. The sanctuaries of Japan’s Edo period are seen as central places for the cultivation of this ethic and aesthetic, and their survival or reinvention are crucial to living in our modern urbanized world. From this point of departure, Anni Greve throws fresh and eye-opening light on such issues as architecture, space, temples, markets, theatricality, rituals and performing arts. The author combines her insight into Japanese culture with an admirably broad knowledge of Western and Japanese scholarship.An impressive and thought-provoking contribution to cosmopolitan studies.' Henning Bech, University of Copenhagen, Denmark 'Developing the methodology of urban Sanctuary Research Anni Greve breaks new ground in the field of urban sociology, social theory and Durkheim's social theory in particular. That the quality of life in the contemporary world-cities depends on the quality of urban sanctuaries is an idea full of potential further developments. Greve shows how Emile Durkheim is still a valuable companion on the journey in the global world.' Massimo Rosati, Università degli Studi Roma 'Tor Vergata', Italy 'In Sanctuaries of the City, Professor Greve has created a masterful synthesis of key works in social theory and cultural anthropology in order to unfold the profound essence of Tokyo, Japan, one of the greatest and most livable cities on the planet. She ranges widely to address architecture, social space, religious practice, and the arts, among other critical areas, and presents a thought-provoking perspective on the past and present of this very complex, distinctively Japanese, and yet decidedly cosmopolitan city, and the distinctive "sanctuaries" that make it special. The work is greatly original and navigates a unique course through both intellectual and urban space.' Roman Cybriwsky, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA 'Greve does not limit her discussion to only the landscapes of the city, which provide visible evidence of some fascinating urban spatial patterns. She also gathers records of everyday life in the city. These stories illustrate the cultural meanings that different places have in the minds of the locals'. Urban Studies Journal