Sixty-five six people. That’s how many residents called Kanda-Sarugakucho 1-chome home as of March 1 2007. Can you imagine the lives lived within these streets?
Welcome to Kanda-Sarugakucho 1-chome a vibrant commercial district nestled in Chiyoda Tokyo. This small area is just one part of a larger district. It boasts a rich history and a surprising blend of modern commerce and educational institutions. It’s a place where the past and present intertwine seamlessly.
Kanda-Sarugakucho 1-chome’s history stretches back long before its modern name. It’s undergone several name changes reflecting the evolution of Tokyo itself. Its current name which means monkey-play district is relatively recent. The area was once part of larger Kanda district. That district was a ward before 1947. Then the 35 wards of Tokyo were reorganized into 23. Think of the stories held in these streets the changes the people who have lived and worked here.
Today Kanda-Sarugakucho 1-chome is a place of learning. Meiji University has buildings here. So does Meiji University’s high school and junior high school. Kanda Jogakuen Junior and Senior High School is also located in this area. Children attend Ochanomizu Elementary School which was formed in 1993. It was a merger of three schools. The Kinka Elementary School building became the new Ochanomizu Elementary School.
This small district has a significant population density. It’s a bustling hub of activity. A blend of commerce and education makes it a unique area of Tokyo. It’s easy to overlook its history. Yet it’s a history reflected in the buildings the institutions and the everyday lives of the people who call it home. The stories of Kanda-Sarugakucho 1-chome are waiting to be discovered.
So as you stand here remember the names and faces of the past. Remember the students who have learned here. Remember the businesses that have thrived here. Remember the six hundred and fifty-six residents who called this home. Kanda-Sarugakucho 1-chome is more than just a district. It’s a living testament to the ever changing heart of Tokyo.