Kunitachi

Why did Kojiro Tsutsumi, the founder of Seibu, choose Kunitachi to build his dream? Kunitachi. A name whispered with a hint of academic prestige and a touch of small-town charm. Kunitachi, nestled in the western embrace of Tokyo Metropolis, is more than just a city. It’s a carefully crafted tapestry woven from history, education, and a dash of German inspiration. Our journey begins in the 1920s, when Tsutsumi envisioned a Japanese Göttingen. He saw Kunitachi’s potential. He purchased vast tracts of land and started building his university town. The arrival of Hitotsubashi University, relocated from the heart of Tokyo, cemented Kunitachi’s academic identity. Even the name “Kunitachi” itself is a symbolic blend, borrowing one kanji each from its neighboring stations, Kokubunji and Tachikawa, signifying its central position. Kunitachi Station, opened in 1926 on the Chūō Main Line, became the gateway to this burgeoning academic hub. Picture Daigaku Dori, University Avenue, a grand, cherry-tree-lined boulevard. It stretches from Kunitachi Station toward the tranquil banks of the Tama River. This iconic avenue, often referred to as the city’s main artery, pulsates with the lifeblood of the city. Students, professors, and residents alike stroll along its path. Kunitachi wasn’t always a planned community. It has roots in the Edo period. It served as a vital stop along the Kōshū Kaidō. This historic route connected Edo (present-day Tokyo) with Kōfu in Kai Province (modern-day Yamanashi Prefecture). Travelers would pause in Kunitachi, drawn by the abundant spring water. These origins, combined with Tsutsumi’s vision, have shaped Kunitachi into the unique city it is today. Kunitachi offers a blend of old and new. The ancient Yabo Tenman-gū Shrine, established in 903 AD, stands as a testament to the city’s rich history. Modern conveniences cater to a growing population, currently estimated around 76,423. Kunitachi is more than a university town. It’s a vibrant community, a place where history and modernity intertwine, a testament to one man’s vision brought to life.