An event aimed at raising the profile of Nihonbashi as matching well with 'wa' (a term that denotes traditional Japanese style) by reviving the festivities of people in kimonos coming and going in this town that was once lined with kimono shops. The event was held in November 2008 and March 2009. In a group photo taking session of everyone in kimono held at the Bank of Japan Head Office forecourt and Tokiwa Elementary School, pictures were taken with about 600 people and 400 people, respectively, fitting onto one photo.
About 600 people taking commemorative photo at Bank of Japan Head Office's forecourt
Mitsui Fudosan participates in these volunteer activities, which involve coloring Chuo-dori Street by planting seasonal flowers, by watering and caring for the flowers together with local shops and businesses. As 2009 was the year that marked 400 years of trade between Japan and the Netherlands and as Nihonbashi has a long history of strong ties with the Netherlands, 20,000 tulips from the Netherlands were planted in March. Moreover, planter covers made from wood thinned from Chuo-ku no Mori (Hinohara Village, Tokyo) were placed in June. Cards explaining such were also placed, highlighting the importance of being 'green.'
Among the participants of tulip planting were Netherlands Embassy officials and local elementary school kids
Planter covers made from thinned wood and card explaining such
Metro link Nihonbashi is a free shuttle bus connecting Tokyo Station and the Nihonbashi area operated under the auspices of local organizations and businesses. In fiscal 2008, the annual number of users hit 600,000 people. With the monthly number of passengers exceeding 60,000 people in August 2009, it has completely become a popular means of transportation to get around in Nihonbashi.
Popular means of transportation
Annual Number of Users
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