Tokyo City Performance, Brand Image and Reputation

Tokyo, together with the Greater Tokyo Area, is the most populous metropolitan area in the world with 39 million residents. A capital city since 1869, Tokyo has extensive economic, political and social power in the Asian region. But how is the Japanese metropolis performing in global rankings that measure the competitiveness of cities in terms of reputation and influence, business attractiveness and sustainability?

Let’s explore deeper how Tokyo positions itself on the world stage, drawing insights from data provided by TPBO partners and other reputable institutions.

Let’s take a closer look at:

• Tokyo’s competitiveness and financial performance
• Tokyo’s brand strength and global attractiveness
• Livability: Tokyo’s appeal for digital nomads and locals

Tokyo’s competitiveness and financial performance

How attractive is Tokyo as a place to work and do business? 

The Global Financial Centres Index 34 ranks Tokyo 20^th, jumping one position from the previous ranking. It is currently sitting between Amsterdam (19^th) and Dubai (21^st). The city holds a strong standing in the following areas of competitiveness: Human Capital (13^th), and Reputational & General (13^th).  It also performs very well in the following industry sectors:  Government & Regulatory (6^th), and Trading (12^th). Tokyo holds the seventh place in the Asia-Pacific region, sitting in between Beijing and Sydney.

According to 2thinknow’s Innovation Cities Index 2022-2023 Tokyo maintains the 1st position.

Tokyo’s brand strength and global attractiveness 

Which subfactors hurt and help the brand of Tokyo? 

Resonance’s 2023 World’s Best Cities Report ranks Tokyo 4^th, scoring the following in the Place Power Score subfactors: 11^th in Prosperity, 4^th in Lovability, and 3^rd in Livability. It also ranks first for the following Place Power Highlights: restaurants and shopping. It currently sits in between New York City (3^rd) and Singapore (5^th).

Kearney’s 2023 Global Cities Report continues to rank Tokyo in 4^th. Tokyo ranks 23^rd for the Global Cities Outlook, a jump of 2 positions from the previous ranking.

The comprehensive ranking of the Global Power City Index ranks Tokyo 3^rd. In terms of function-specific rankings, the city ranks 10^th in terms of Economy, 4^th in R&D, 5^th in Cultural Interaction, 3rd in Livability, 16^th in Environment, and 8^th in Accessibility. Tokyo ranks 22^nd in the Variety of Workplace Positions, 12^th Winners of Prizes in Science and Technology, 30^th for Nightlife Options, 4^th for Number of Retail Shops, 40^th for Urban Greenery, and 37^th for Average Speed. Lastly, Tokyo positioned 17^th in the Highly-skilled Workers, 12^th in the Corporate Executive, 5^th in the Resident, and 2^nd in the Tourism categories.

According to Brand Finance’s City Index 2023, Tokyo ranks 7^th in the global ranking with a score of 77/100, sitting in between Singapore (6^th) and San Francisco (8^th).

Livability: Tokyo’s appeal for digital nomads and locals

Which aspects of Tokyo’s urban living make it an attractive place to live, work and study?

The Mercer Quality of Living City Ranking places Tokyo 50^th, sitting between Aberdden (49^th) and Edinburgh (51^st). The Mercer Cost of Living Ranking ranks Tokyo 19^th, a drop of ten positions from the previous ranking. It now sits between Dubai (18^th) and Shenszen (19^th). The cost living survey reports that factors such as currency fluctuations, cost inflation for goods and services, and instability of accommodation prices are key to determine the cost of expat packages for employees on international assignment.

According to the Best Urban Cities for Digital Nomads ranking by Spot a Home, Tokyo ranks 53^rd out of 56 global cities. It currently sits between Dubai (52^nd) and New York (54^th).

The Arcadis Sustainability City Index 2022 ranks Tokyo 3^rd overall, sitting in between Stockholm (2^nd) and Copenhagen (4^th). Tokyo’s pillar rankings are the following: Planet 7^th, People 7^th, Profit 20^th. Its strengths are: transport, connectivity, and green finance. While, employment and affordability are two areas that could be improved.

Lastly, Tokyo is home to a couple of the best universities in the world. According to The Times Higher Education ranking, the University of Tokyo ranks 29^th. The QS World University ranking positions the University of Tokyo in 28^th place and Tokyo Institute of Technology in 91^st place.

Last updated in January 2024. More city profiles here.

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