Symbol of the Metropolis
The symbol of the Tokyo Metropolis is made up of three arcs resembling
a ginkgo leaf and representing the letter T for Tokyo. The metropolitan
logo is normally rendered in a vivid green symbolizing Tokyo's
future growth and prosperity, charm and tranquility. It was officially
adopted on June 1, 1989.
Tokyo's crest
The crest of Tokyo represents the sun sending forth its
radiance in six directions.
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Ginkgo leaf
Ginkgo biloba, a deciduous tree native to China that reaches 30
meters in height, has been the official tree of the Tokyo Metropolis
since November 8, 1996. Individual ginkgos are either male or female.
The distinctive fan-shaped, light green leaves turn a bright yellow
in autumn. The ginkgo is the most common tree to be found along
Tokyo's streets and avenues. |
Black-headed gull (Yurikamome)
This gull has vermilion legs and bill. It comes south to Tokyo in
late October every year and sojourns in the Metropolis's port and
rivers until the following April. A favorite theme of poets and
painters, in Japanese it is also called miyakodori, the "capital
bird." It has been the official bird of the Tokyo Metropolis since
October 1, 1965. |
Somei-Yoshino cherry blossom
This variety of cherry was created by selective breeding of wild
cherry trees by pre-modern horticulturists late in the Edo period
(1603-1867). The tree's blossoms tend to open and fall all together,
making this a popular orchard tree widely distributed throughout
Japan. It has been the official flower of the Tokyo Metropolis since
June 22, 1984. |
