Riyadh & Tokyo: Old and Modern Cities at the Same Time By: Kenta and Targ We can say that Riyadh and Tokyo are unique cities for many reasons. We have some similarities between our cities. First of all, both cities are the capitals of Saudi Arabia and Japan. In addition, our cities have two sides. They are modern cities and historical cities at the same time. Also, people of Riyadh and Tokyo can meet their needs because both cities have lots of modern shopping centers. Interestingly, neither city was the first capital of its country. Ad’ Diriyah was the first capital of Saudi Arabia and Kyoto was the first one of Japan. It was, later in their development that they became the capitals of their countries. In both cities, soccer is very popular and everyone likes to watch soccer. On the other hand, we also have differences between our cities, Riyadh and Tokyo. While Riyadh has just five million residents, Tokyo has twelve million. That is, the population of Riyadh is about half that of Tokyo. In Riyadh, most people use their own cars when they move somewhere. Contrasted to that, in Tokyo, most people use all kinds of public transportation such as above ground and below ground trains, and taxis. Many of Riyadh’s residents usually go out of the city to enjoy the desert and sometimes go camping; however, most of Tokyo’s residents enjoy the city by going to theaters, karaoke, and bowling. Because Riyadh and Tokyo are far away from each other, they have lots of differences; nevertheless, we can find many similarities as well. Through our research, we have increased our knowledge about both of our cities. Culture Capsules: ESL Student Writing Project

AES 130 Communications Skills

Culture Capsules: People, Places, and Processes

Targ Alhazaim & Kenta Uchida
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Riyadh is the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The meaning of Riyadh is "Garden" or green land because Riyadh was the sole green and large city inside the desert. It lies in the center of the Arab Peninsula. This location gives Riyadh strategic position that it considers as a joining link between North, South, East, and West of Saudi Arabia. The climate of Riyadh is very hot and sunny almost all the year, not only in summer season, and too cold with a little rain in winter season.

As a resulting of the high significant of Riyadh as the capital city of Saudi Arabia, a high process has been established by a Saudi government to make Riyadh more development in all social, economic, and cultural aspects. Also many facilities are done to the city population which they are increased from 20.000 to almost four and half million.

There are about 300 schools with a lot number of students for both genders. These schools could be privet schools, or public school. Also there are two main universities in Riyadh, which give a high develop education and degree, which are Alimam University and King Saud University.

Riyadh consider as one of the most modern Arabian cities. So in Riyadh, people can go to have a good and fun time. For example, there are a lot of parks and garden. Also there are lots of malls and centers for shopping. There are more than ten big malls and centers for shopping that every thing you want you can find it from traditional, local, and international goods. Kingdome center and Alfaisalia tower considering as the biggest and famous shopping centers in Riyadh.

Residents in Riyadh can try many kind of foods because there are many restaurants from different culture, such as Italian, French, Japanese, Chinese, and American restaurant. Of course that additional to Saudi food!

In addition to all that, visitors to Riyadh can find a lot of places to live in during their visit. Riyadh has many international hotels as Sheraton, Four season, Marriott, and intercontinental. Also visitors can get local hotels as well or furnished apartments. Also, you are welcome at my home!

In the last year the government became more interest about tourism industry. So there are many places that worth it to visit. Al Musmak Castle one of these places which was the house of King Abdulaziz the first King in of Saudi Arabia. Another place visitors can go to it is Ad'Diriyah which was the first capital city of the first Saudi state, and it is lies 20 KM North West of Riyadh.

Finally, I hope that I could give you a fast glimpse about Riyadh. So if you want to visit this city just remember that you have a volunteer to be your guide tourism!

Web pages:

• http://www.arriyadh.com/En/index.asp

• http://www.the-saudi.net/saudi-arabia/riyadh/

• http://www.riyadh.org.sa/riy-city_e.html

Tokyo City
Kenta Uchida

Tokyo is Japan's capital and is famous as the country's largest city. About 12 million people (10 percent of Japan's population) live in Tokyo. "The metropolis of Tokyo consists of 23 city wards, 26 cities, 5 towns and 8 villages and the 23 city wards are the center of Tokyo (City Guide)." we can move easily within Tokyo because there are good transportation systems.

Before 1868, Tokyo had been called "Edo," and the period was called ''Edo period." Edo became Japan's political center. Also, there were a lot of traditional areas. Now, almost all these places have changed into modern cities, however, we can still see some traditional landmarks. One representative place that consists of traditional Japanese culture is Asakusa. Many tourists visit there and like it. Asakusa is the center of Tokyo's old areas, which has preserved a certain atmosphere of the old Tokyo. Asakusa has a very popular Buddhist temple called Sensouji. Sensouji is reputed to be Tokyo's oldest temple built in 628, and its huge 3 meter red paper lantern is one of Tokyo's most recognizable symbols. The temple is always busy with visitors who come to pray to Kannon - the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Also, there are many old streets around the temple, so many people can feel the old good days of Tokyo.

Unlike Asakusa, there are many modern places in Tokyo. Especially, Shibuya is very famous or a young person's city. Shibuya is one of the most exciting and bustling districts and birthplace to many of Japan's fashion and entertainment trends. There are many department and fashion stores. Also, Shibuya is a full of people wanting to connect with others. Therefore, Shibuya often gives birth to modern day problem like schoolgirl prostitution and the problem tends to grow there.

As I have been described up until now, Tokyo has traditional and modern faces. Both youths and seniors can enjoy this metropolis. However, these days, a new spot has showed up. Now that every Japanese people know the city named Akihabara, and it has given birth to a new culture in Japan. The culture is called "Otaku culture." Otaku culture is a new culture that "some people have unique lifestyles, centered on technological enterprises and absorbed in Anime and comic books. These otaku are given the chance to gather there and to meet others who share their specific interests. Akihabara is known as a 'mecca' of Otaku. (Reference Wikipedia)." Therefore, Akihabara has unique atmosphere. Sometimes, people are biased against "Otaku culture," because most Otaku escapes the facts of life and absorbed in Anime and comic books. Actually, I also have a bad stereotype against "Otaku culture," because this culture leads to mistaken image about Japan. However, it is the fact that this culture is creating on opportunity for foreign people to be interested in Japan.

In conclusion, Tokyo has various faces despite it is small. In addition, we can move easily within Tokyo because there is good transportation system. I don't think Tokyo is a suitable place to live, but it is good one to do sightseeing or hang out. In recent days, a new culture called "Otaku" was born and Tokyo has become more and more popular among foreign people. However, I hope that everyone chooses to experience not only Tokyo's new culture but also the older traditional one. I expect that Tokyo will become more and more popular as time goes on.

References

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akihabara (Wikipedia)

Comparing and Contrasting:

Riyadh & Tokyo: Old and Modern Cities at the Same Time
Targ & Kenta

We can say that Riyadh and Tokyo are unique cities for many reasons. We have some similarities between our cities. First of all, both cities are the capitals of Saudi Arabia and Japan. In addition, our cities have two sides. They are modern cities and historical cities at the same time. Also, people of Riyadh and Tokyo can meet their needs because both cities have lots of modern shopping centers. Interestingly, neither city was the first capital of its country. Ad' Diriyah was the first capital of Saudi Arabia and Kyoto was the first one of Japan. It was, later in their development that they became the capitals of their countries. In both cities, soccer is very popular and everyone likes to watch soccer.

On the other hand, we also have differences between our cities, Riyadh and Tokyo. While Riyadh has just five million residents, Tokyo has twelve million. That is, the population of Riyadh is about half that of Tokyo. In Riyadh, most people use their own cars when they move somewhere. Contrasted to that, in Tokyo, most people use all kinds of public transportation such as above ground and below ground trains, and taxis. Many of Riyadh's residents usually go out of the city to enjoy the desert and sometimes go camping; however, most of Tokyo's residents enjoy the city by going to theaters, karaoke, and bowling.

Because Riyadh and Tokyo are far away from each other, they have lots of differences; nevertheless, we can find many similarities as well. Through our research, we have increased our knowledge about both of our cities.

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Created by: Targ and Kenta
Updated: 12/06/2006