Comparing Two Capitals: London and Kyotofrom 1600 to 1800
Cities are permanent human settlements that usually growinto cultural and business centers later. Different cities reflect differentcultures and values. London in Europe and Kyoto in Japan, for example, are twoculturally distinct cities in which their residents led different lifestylesand societal norms in the years between 1600 and 1800. London, the capital of Great Britain, was founded by the Romans after their invasion of 43 A.D. [1]butflourished after the 16th century both economically and culturally[2],was a good representative of typical European metropolis. On the other side Kyoto,the old capital of Japan for more than one thousand years[3], provides a contrast to the European capital. Among all the contrast that can possibly be drawn between them, political or administrative functions of thecity, cultural functions and episodes of natural disturbance are thefundamental differences.
The political functions of Kyoto and London aredissimilar in nature. Kyoto of Japan, which played an important role inJapanese history, was declared the seat of Japan's imperial court in 794[4].Since then it had been the seat of the imperial court for more than one thousand years. By the virtue of the imperial presence, it became the cultural center of the country. On the other side, London had been the largest city in England since 9th century, but it was not formally declared capital until 12th century[5].After he was crowned in 1066, William the Conqueror constructed the Tower of London in the southeastern corner of the city to intimidate the native inhabitants. In 1097, William the second began the building of Westminster Hall, close by the abbey of the same name. The hall became the basis of a new Palace of Westminster, which is still a crucial place of politics andgovernment in England in the period of 16th to 18thcentury[6].The Stuart kings and queens in this period continued to occupy it and hosted parliamentary meetings. London was then developed into a true capital in governmental termsand remained the political and commercial center. Kyoto, however, is not thesame as London. Even though the imperial family, or the Emperor, resided inKyoto, the true administration of the country was controlled by the shogunate,led by the shogun. In other words, the Emperor did not participate in rulingthe country himself; he lost his power to the powerful shogun. The shoguns always chose their family seat to set their governments. In the period of 16thto 18th century, it was the Tokugawa Shogunate who had the truepower, whilst they set their central government in Edo, their family seat[7].Thus, it can be concluded that while London was the true capital in politicalterms, but Kyoto was merely a capital in name only.
Both London and Kyoto were the most important culturaland symbolic cities in their respective countries. Although not the truecapital politically, Kyoto flourished culturally and attracted many artists andmonks. Many shrines and Buddhist temples were built, and Buddhism became fashion. In addition to religion, another kind of performance art known as Nohwas popularized in the period of 16th to 18th century. Noh originated from ancient rites and featured acrobats, song and dance as well ascomic sketches. The making of Noh masks were also a typical representation of arts and crafts in Kyoto during Tokugawa Shogunate period.[8]The imperial court, the nobility and the wealthy commoners supported thedevelopment of Noh. Using the money provided by the aristocracy, Noh artistsrecorded every detail of the Noh play so that it could be preserved to today. Similarly,London flourished culturally under the pre-eminent dramatist William Shakespeare. In the 16th to 17th century William Shakespeare and his contemporaries lived in London at a time of hostility tothe development of the theatre. They proved themselves successful in entertaining both the aristocracy and commoners by performing a series of unforgettable playsincluding Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth and King Lear[9].Shakespeare's work has made a lasting impression on later theatre andliterature. In particular, his style influenced the subsequent writers such as Alexander Pope, John Milton and Samuel Johnson in the period of 16thto 18th century[10].They all became great writers. In general, Kyoto and London are similar in theway that they both reached Golden Age pf art, particularly of theatrical art.
In the terms of natural disturbance, both cities experienced notable changes. Specifically, there were great fires that almost destroyed the cities. In Kyoto, there was a great fire that took place on March 7th of the year 1788. This fire was called “one of the biggest threegreat fires in Kyoto” and it burned down 80% of the city[11].Careful reconstruction followed but only parts of the original city could be rebuilt. And, in London, there was The Great Fire of London from September 2nd,1666 to September 5th, 1666[12].The Great Fire consumed numerous houses and churches, including the famous St.Paul’s Cathedral. Despite many other radical proposals, the city was rebuiltusing the same street plan as before the fire[13].In a short period of time, both cities revived and continued to grow and develop, revealing the ability of architecture and civil engineering andpersistence of their residents.
In conclusion, Kyoto and London, both were the capitalcities of their countries during the period of 16th to 18thcentury, are same in the ways that they were cultural metropolis and natural disturbance almost destroying their existence. But, they are different because of their political importance. In the next two hundred years, London grew to be the true center of UK, or even of the world; whilst Kyoto faded only as a rather “tranquil and peaceful city[14]”,as its old name suggests. Both cities, however, have cultural heritages that modern people admire.