Central Tokyo’s population growth forecasts are causing local governments to take a closer look at development guidelines in order to alleviate strains on schools and childcare facilities.

Koto ward has been struggling with a shortage of schools for many years. In 2002 they introduced a 1.25 million Yen levy per apartment, payable by developers, on apartment buildings with over 30 apartments, with the funds going towards the expansion or construction of schools. In 2018, the developer of a 1,200-unit complex donated a school site to the ward in lieu of the 1.5 billion Yen levy.

Nevertheless, Koto is not able to keep up with the apartment construction boom and growing population.

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