Setagaya

Setagaya Ward is "Tokyo's most populous ward." Setagaya's population is about 940,000 (2024). #1 among Tokyo's 23 wards. But 75% of Setagaya residents live with family. Husband and wife, parents and children, three generations. 45% of Setagaya residents live in detached houses they own. Setagaya is a "residential area." Quiet. Calm. For Setagaya residents, "cars" are unnecessary. Tokyo's car ownership rate is 0.32 cars per household. Japan's lowest. Why? Trains are convenient. Buses are convenient. No parking. Parking fees are expensive (over 30,000 yen per month). For Setagaya residents, "owning a car" is luxury. But Setagaya residents are wealthy. 45% own detached houses. Meaning Setagaya residents "have money." But "don't buy cars." Why? Setagaya residents choose a life where "cars aren't needed." 20 minutes by train to central Tokyo. 10 minutes to Shibuya. 15 minutes to Shinjuku. For Setagaya residents, "cars" are inefficient. Trains are faster. No need to search for parking. Setagaya residents are furthest from the "car culture" called motorsport. Why? Setagaya residents don't "own" cars. Without cars, can't do motorsport. Setagaya is Tokyo's most populous ward. But car ownership rate is among the lowest. For Setagaya residents, "population density" and "car culture" are inversely proportional. More people, fewer cars.