View source for Toshima

{{Short description|Special ward in Tokyo, Japan}}
{{about|the ward in Tokyo|other uses}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Toshima
| official_name = Toshima City
| native_name = {{nobold|豊島区}}
| native_name_lang = ja
| settlement_type = [[Special wards of Tokyo|Special ward]]
| other_name = 
| image_skyline = Global Ring Theater 2025-01-08.jpg
| image_caption = Ikebukuro at night in Toshima
| image_flag = Flag of Toshima, Tokyo.svg
| image_seal = Symbol of Toshima, Tokyo.svg
| image_map = Toshima-ku in Tokyo Prefecture Ja.svg
| map_caption = Location of Toshima in [[Tokyo]]
| pushpin_map = Japan
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Japan
| coordinates = {{coord|35|44|00|N|139|43|00|E|region:JP-13|display=it}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = Japan
| subdivision_type1 = [[List of regions of Japan|Region]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Kantō region|Kantō]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[Prefectures of Japan|Prefecture]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Tokyo]]
| subdivision_type3 = [[Districts of Japan|District]]
| subdivision_name3 = 
| leader_title = Mayor
| leader_name = Miyuki Takagiwa <small>(from April 24, 2023)</small>
| leader_title1 = Vice Mayor
| leader_name1 = 
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_total_km2 = 13.01
| population_total =301,599
| population_as_of = October 1, 2020<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.toukei.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/tnenkan/2020/tn20q3e002.htm|publisher=Tokyo Statistical Yearbook|language=en|accessdate=2022-07-15|title=Population by District}}</ref>
| population_density_km2 = 23,182
| timezone1 = [[Japan Standard Time|JST]]
| utc_offset1 = +09:00
| postal_code_type = 
| postal_code = 
| blank_name_sec1 = City hall address
| blank_info_sec1 = 1-18-1 Higashi Ikebukuro<br />170-8422
| website = {{URL|http://www.city.toshima.lg.jp/}}
| module = {{Infobox place symbols| embedded=yes
 | tree = [[Prunus × yedoensis]]
 | flower = [[Azalea]]
 | bird = 
 | butterfly = 
 | fish = 
}}
}}

{{Nihongo|'''Toshima'''|豊島区|Toshima-ku}} is a [[Special wards of Tokyo|special ward]] in the [[Tokyo|Tokyo Metropolis]] in [[Japan]]. It is one of the eight central wards of the Tokyo Metropolitan area. Located in the northern area of Tokyo, Toshima is bordered by the wards of [[Nerima]], [[Itabashi]], and [[Kita, Tokyo|Kita]] in the north and [[Nakano, Tokyo|Nakano]], [[Shinjuku]], and [[Bunkyo, Tokyo|Bunkyo]] in the south.

The ward was founded on March 15, 1947, and reached a peak resident population of 370,000 in 1965. The population has continued to decline and as of May 1, 2015, the ward had an estimated population of 298,250, with a [[population density]] of 22,920 persons per km<sup>2</sup>. During the day the population swells with commuters, resulting in a daytime population of around 378,475.

The total land area of Toshima is 13.01 km<sup>2</sup>, sitting on a moderate plateau with a difference of 28 m between the ward's highest and lowest points. Approximately 47% of Toshima's land is residential, and 20% is commercial and public areas.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Ohnishi Hiroshi|date=February 13, 2017|title=Briefing note for fiona hyslop, cabinet secretary for culture,tourism and external affairs.|url=https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/foi-eir-release/2017/09/foi-17-01620/documents/foi-17-01620-briefings-mrs-hyslops-japan-visit-part-1-pdf/foi-17-01620-briefings-mrs-hyslops-japan-visit-part-1-pdf/govscot%3Adocument/foi-17-01620%2BBriefings%2Bfor%2BMrs%2BHyslop%2527s%2BJapan-Visit%2B-%2Bpart%2B1.pdf|journal=[[Nagasaki University]]|pages=55}}</ref>

Although Toshima is a ward, it is referred to as a city. The ward offices are located in [[Ikebukuro]], which is also the commercial and entertainment center of Toshima.<ref name=":0"/>

With a [[Foreigners in Japan|non-Japanese]] population of 19,868, or 7.42% of the total, Toshima is one of the most international wards in Tokyo. Of the foreign population, 56% is of [[Chinese people in Japan|Chinese descent]], 20% is of [[Koreans in Japan|Korean descent]], with the rest being of primarily [[Filipinos in Japan|Filipino]] and European descent.<ref name=":0"/>

==History==
Toshima was formed in 1932 by the merger of four towns, Sugamochō, Nishi-sugamochō, Takadachō, and Nagasakichō, bordered by the quickly expanding former [[Tokyo City|city of Tokyo]].

The area evolved from a suburban agricultural district in the [[Edo period]] to the urban commercial center that it is today. The growth was fueled by the construction of various rail lines built in the [[Meiji period|Meiji]] and [[Taishō period|Taishō]] periods.

The former Somei village, now part of Toshima, was a center of plant nurseries, and is the birthplace of the ''[[Somei Yoshino]]'', Japan's most popular variety of [[sakura]] (cherry blossom tree). The variety was developed at the end of the Edo period.

== Politics and government ==
[[File:Toshima Ecomusee Town 01.jpg|thumb|right|Toshima ward office]]
Toshima is run by a city assembly of 36 elected members. The current mayor is Yukio Takano, an [[independent politician|independent]] backed by all major parties except the [[Japanese Communist Party]].

In April 2011, [[Taiga Ishikawa]] was elected to the Toshima assembly, becoming the first openly gay man to win an election in Japanese history.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110426a9.html|title = First openly gay candidate wins in Tokyo ward|author = Natsuko Fukue|publisher = The Japan Times|date = April 26, 2011}}</ref>

==Districts and neighborhoods==
{{col-begin|width=50%}}
{{col-break}}
;Nagasaki Area
* Chihaya
* Kanamechō
* [[Mejiro, Tokyo|Mejiro]]<sup>a</sup>
* [[Minami-Nagasaki|Minaminagasaki]]
* Nagasaki
* Nishiikebukuro<sup>b</sup>
* Senkawa
* Takamatsu
{{col-break}}
;Nishisugamo Area
* [[Agariyashiki]]
* Higashiikebukuro
* [[Ikebukuro]]
* Ikebukuro Honchō
* [[Kami-ikebukuro|Kamiikebukuro]]
* Kitaōtsuka<sup>c</sup>
* Mejiro<sup>d</sup>
* Minamiikebukuro<sup>e</sup>
* Minamiōtsuka<sup>f</sup>
* Nishiikebukuro<sup>g</sup>
* Nishisugamo
{{col-break}}
;Sugamo Area
* Kitaōtsuka<sup>h</sup>
* Komagome
* Minamiōtsuka<sup>i</sup>
* [[Sugamo]]
;Takada Area
* Mejiro<sup>j</sup>
* Minamiikebukuro<sup>k</sup>
* Nishiikebukuro<sup>l</sup>
* Takada
* [[Zōshigaya]]
{{col-end}}

'''Notes:'''

* <sup>a</sup> - 4, 5-chōme
* <sup>b</sup> - 4-chōme
* <sup>c</sup> - 2, 3-chōme
* <sup>d</sup> - 4-chōme
* <sup>e</sup> - 1-chōme
* <sup>f</sup> - 3-chōme
* <sup>g</sup> - 1, 3-chōme
* <sup>h</sup> - 1-chōme
* <sup>i</sup> - 1, 2-chōme
* <sup>j</sup> - 1, 2, 3-chōme
* <sup>k</sup> - 2, 3, 4-chōme
* <sup>l</sup> - 2-chōme

==Sights==
[[File:Tobu-dept ikebukuro.JPG|thumb|Ikebukuro Station]]
[[File:Jiyu gakuen myonichikan.JPG|thumb|Myonichikan of Jiyu Gakuen]]
[[File:Sunshine 60 Ikebukuro Tokyo 20070304-03 cropped.jpg|thumb|Sunshine 60 building]]
* [[Sunshine City, Tokyo|Sunshine City]]: The focal point of much of the entertainment in and around Ikebukuro, Sunshine City sports some of the best shopping and dining in Toshima.
* The Ancient Orient Museum
* Morikazu Kumagai Art Museum
* [[Zoshigaya Missionary Museum]]
* [[Toyota]] Amlux Showroom building is located here
* [[Tokiwa-sō]], an apartment complex famous for being the early living-quarters of many prominent [[manga artists]].
* [[Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre]]: Near [[Ikebukuro Station]], this facility built in 1990 is one of the newer spots in Toshima and has a concert hall with regular performances and art exhibitions. There is a stage in the open space out front and it is a popular place for amateur musicians during the warmer months.
* Myonichikan of [[Jiyu Gakuen Girls' School]]: Designed by famous American architect [[Frank Lloyd Wright]], this notable building was completed in 1922, shortly before he completed work on the [[Imperial Hotel, Tokyo|Imperial Hotel]].
*[[Sugamo]] Jizodori: The shopping district known as "old ladies' [[Harajuku]]."
[[File:Sugamo jizodori.jpg|thumb|Togenuki Jizo Street in Sugamo]]
[[File:Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space 01.jpg|thumb|Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space]]

===Festivals===
* Fukuro Matsuri: This festival started in 1968 and features a parade of [[mikoshi]] (portable shrines) and a yassa dance. It is held on September 14 and 15 of each year outside the west exit of Ikebukuro Station and attracts as many as 200,000 people.
* Otsuka Awa Odori Dance: A large summer event gathering 150,000 people, this festival features groups performing and competing with colorful costumes and dancing in front of JR [[Ōtsuka Station (Tokyo)|Ōtsuka Station]].
* Nagasaki Shishimai ([[lion dance]]): The lion dance is performed every year on the second Sunday of May at Nagasaki Shrine.

==Economy==
[[FamilyMart]] has its headquarters in [[Ikebukuro]], Toshima.<ref>"[http://www.family.co.jp/english/company/index.html Company Information] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100129154219/http://www.family.co.jp/english/company/index.html |date=2010-01-29 }}." [[FamilyMart]]. Retrieved on April 7, 2010.</ref> [[Seiyu Group]] has its registered head office in Toshima.<ref>"[http://www.seiyu.co.jp/english/corporate_e.shtml Corporate Data] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080418092116/http://www.seiyu.co.jp/english/corporate_e.shtml |date=2008-04-18 }}." [[Seiyu Group]]. Retrieved on May 19, 2009.</ref> [[Libro]], a bookstore chain, is headquartered in Toshima. [[Itochu]] corporation and [[Seven & I Holdings Co., Ltd.]] has a presence in Toshima.<ref>"[http://www.libro.jp/web/company/index.html 会社案内] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223160719/http://www.libro.jp/web/company/index.html |date=2009-02-23 }}." [[Libro]]. Retrieved on May 19, 2009.</ref> [[Taisho Pharmaceutical]], a pharmaceutical company, also has its headquarters in the ward.<ref>"[https://www.taisho-holdings.co.jp/en/about/outline/ Corporate Data] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306235102/https://www.taisho-holdings.co.jp/en/about/outline/ |date=2019-03-06 }}." [[Taisho Pharmaceutical]]. Retrieved on March 6, 2019.</ref>

In 1956, [[Asatsu|Asatsu Inc.]] established its headquarters in Mejiro, Toshima. In May 1967, the company's headquarters moved to [[Shinbashi]], Minato.<ref>"[http://www.adk.jp/english/corporate/overview.html Corporate Overview] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091207132633/http://www.adk.jp/english/corporate/overview.html |date=2009-12-07 }}." [[Asatsu-DK]]. Retrieved on November 9, 2009.</ref>

Other companies headquartered in Toshima, which boast high visibility through advertising placements, include CCS<ref>{{Cite web |title=会社案内 - 株式会社シーシーエス |url=http://www.ccscom.jp/profile/index.html#title2 |access-date=2025-07-02 |website=www.ccscom.jp}}</ref> as a representative example.

==Education==
There are six Universities in Toshima.
* [[Gakushuin University]]
* [[Tokyo College of Music]]
* [[Rikkyo University]] or St. Paul's University
* [[Taisho University]]
* [[Tokyo International University]]
* [[Tokyo University of Social Welfare]]

Two prestigious universities are located bordering Toshima. They are the [[University of Tokyo]] in Bunkyo and [[Waseda University]] bordering Shinjuku. Located [[Tokyo Metropolitan Government Board of Education]] operates area public high schools.

Toshima is also home to a number of accredited private schools:
* [[Rikkyo Ikebukuro Junior and Senior High School]]

Toshima City Board of Education (豊島区教育委員会) operates public elementary and junior high schools.

Municipal junior high schools:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.city.toshima.lg.jp/kosodate/gakko/shisetsu/chu/index.html|title=区立中学校|publisher=Toshima|accessdate=2022-11-07}}</ref>
* Chitosebashi Junior High School ([[:ja:豊島区立千登世橋中学校|千登世橋中学校]])
* Ikebukuro Junior High School (池袋中学校)
* Komagome Junior High School ([[:ja:豊島区立駒込中学校|駒込中学校]])
* Meiho Junior High School ([[:ja:豊島区立明豊中学校|明豊中学校]])
* Nishiikebukuro Junior High School (西池袋中学校)
* Nishisugamo Junior High School (西巣鴨中学校)
* Senkawa Junior High School ([[:ja:豊島区立千川中学校|千川中学校]])
* Sugamokita Junior High School ([[:ja:豊島区立巣鴨北中学校|巣鴨北中学校]])

Municipal elementary schools:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.city.toshima.lg.jp/kosodate/gakko/shisetsu/sho/index.html|title=区立小学校|publisher=Toshima|accessdate=2022-11-07}}</ref>
* Asahi Elementary School (朝日小学校)
* Chihaya Elementary School ([[:ja:豊島区立千早小学校|千早小学校]])
* Fujimidai Elementary School ([[:ja:豊島区立富士見台小学校|富士見台小学校]])
* Gyoko Elementary School ([[:ja:豊島区立仰高小学校|仰高小学校]])
* Hosei Elementary School (豊成小学校)
* Hoyu Elementary School (朋有小学校)
* Ikebukuro Elementary School (池袋小学校)
* Ikebukuro Daiichi (No. 1) Elementary School (池袋第一小学校)
* Ikebukuro Daisan (No. 3) Elementary School (池袋第三小学校)
* Ikebukuro Honcho Elementary School ([[:ja:豊島区立池袋本町小学校|池袋本町小学校]])
* Kaname Elementary School (要小学校)
* Komagome Elementary School ([[:ja:豊島区立駒込小学校|駒込小学校]])
* Konan Elementary School (高南小学校)
* Mejiro Elementary School ([[:ja:豊島区立目白小学校|目白小学校]])
* Minami Ikebukuro Elementary School (南池袋小学校)
* Nagasaki Elementary School (長崎小学校)
* Nishisugamo Elementary School (西巣鴨小学校)
* Sakura Elementary School ([[:ja:豊島区立さくら小学校|さくら小学校]])
* Seiwa Elementary School (清和小学校)
* Shiinamachi Elementary School (椎名町小学校)
* Sugamo Elementary School (巣鴨小学校)
* Takamatsu Elementary School (高松小学校)

Municipal kindergartens:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.city.toshima.lg.jp/492/1910031648.html|title=区立幼稚園一覧|publisher=Toshima|accessdate=2022-11-07}}</ref>
* Ikebukuro Kindergarten (池袋幼稚園)
* Minami Nagasaki Kindergarten (南長崎幼稚園)
* Nishisugamo Kindergarten (西巣鴨幼稚園)

==Transportation==
{{ Details|Transportation in Greater Tokyo }}

=== Rail ===
The main hub for rail transportation in Toshima ward is [[Ikebukuro Station]], the second busiest train station in Japan.

The rail lines which run through or terminate in Toshima are:
*[[East Japan Railway Company]] (JR East)
**[[Saikyō Line]]: Ikebukuro, Itabashi stations
**[[Shōnan-Shinjuku Line]]: Ikebukuro station
**[[Yamanote Line]]: Ikebukuro, Ōtsuka, Sugamo, Komagome stations
*[[Seibu Railway]]
**[[Seibu Ikebukuro Line]]: Ikebukuro, Shiinamachi, Higashi-Nagasaki stations
*[[Tōbu Railway]]
**[[Tōbu Tōjō Line]]: Ikebukuro, Kita-Ikebukuro, Shimo-Itabashi stations
*[[Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation]] (Toei)
**[[Toei Mita Line]]: Sugamo, Nishi-sugamo stations
**[[Tokyo Sakura Tram]] (Toden Arakawa Line): Shin-kōshinzuka, Kōshinzuka, Sugamoshinden, Ōtsuka-ekimae, Mukōhara, Higashi-ikebukuro-yonchōme, Toden-zōshigaya, Kishibojimmae, Gakushūinshita stations
*[[Tokyo Metro]]
**[[Tokyo Metro Yūrakuchō Line]]: Senkawa,	Kanamecho,	Ikebukuro,	Higashi-ikebukuro stations
**[[Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line]]: Senkawa,	Kanamecho,	Ikebukuro,	Zōshigaya stations
**[[Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line]]: Ikebukuro station
**[[Tokyo Metro Namboku Line]]: Komagome station

==Notable people from Toshima==
*[[Mone Inami]], professional golfer
*[[Koki Morita]], professional footballer
*[[Jun Matsumoto]], singer, actor, and member of [[Arashi]]
*[[Kō Shibasaki]], singer and actress
*[[Tatsuro Yamashita]], singer-songwriter and record producer
{{Portal|Tokyo}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Toshima, Tokyo (ward)}}
{{Wikivoyage|Tokyo/Toshima|Toshima}}
* [http://www.city.toshima.lg.jp/ Toshima City Official Website] {{in lang|ja}}

{{Tokyo}}
{{Metropolitan cities of Japan}}
{{Most populous cities in Japan}}
{{Toshima}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Toshima| ]]
[[Category:Wards of Tokyo]]
[[Category:1932 establishments in Japan]]