The role of pedestrian greenways in urban child-rearing: insights from observational surveys of Kodaira Green Road, Tokyo

This study examines the role of pedestrian greenways in Japanese urban spaces as environments for child-rearing and community cohesion, focusing on Kodaira Green Road, Tokyo, a culturally significant greenway recognized in the “500 Beautiful Places in Japan You Want to Walk” (2004) and the “100 New...

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Main Authors: Moe Hayashi, Asuka Yamada
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2025-06-01
Series:Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2025.2510608
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author Moe Hayashi
Asuka Yamada
author_facet Moe Hayashi
Asuka Yamada
author_sort Moe Hayashi
collection DOAJ
description This study examines the role of pedestrian greenways in Japanese urban spaces as environments for child-rearing and community cohesion, focusing on Kodaira Green Road, Tokyo, a culturally significant greenway recognized in the “500 Beautiful Places in Japan You Want to Walk” (2004) and the “100 New Japan Walking Roads” (2015). Addressing three research questions— (1) How is Kodaira Green Road utilized for childcare? (2) What experiences do children have in the greenway? (3) How do these spaces promote intergenerational community interaction? – the research employed a mixed-method approach, using observational surveys, interviews with childcare workers, and observations of outdoor childcare activities. Conducted along a 4-km section of Kodaira Green Road, the study found that many nearby childcare facilities frequently use the greenway for outdoor activities, making it a key resource for childcare. Children engaged in diverse activities, including observation of nature, creative play like making leaf masks, and physical play, fostering developmental growth. The greenway also facilitated intergenerational interaction through shared spaces like benches, promoting social bonds. These findings highlight Kodaira Green Road’s multifunctional value in supporting child development, community cohesion, and sustainable urban planning, aligning with Japan’s cultural emphasis on childcare that values connections with nature and the community.
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spelling doaj-art-94d7c38c858c4e9da440e5de76a991d72025-08-20T03:21:56ZengTaylor & Francis GroupJournal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering1347-28522025-06-010012510.1080/13467581.2025.25106082510608The role of pedestrian greenways in urban child-rearing: insights from observational surveys of Kodaira Green Road, TokyoMoe Hayashi0Asuka Yamada1Tokyo Denki UniversityTokyo Denki UniversityThis study examines the role of pedestrian greenways in Japanese urban spaces as environments for child-rearing and community cohesion, focusing on Kodaira Green Road, Tokyo, a culturally significant greenway recognized in the “500 Beautiful Places in Japan You Want to Walk” (2004) and the “100 New Japan Walking Roads” (2015). Addressing three research questions— (1) How is Kodaira Green Road utilized for childcare? (2) What experiences do children have in the greenway? (3) How do these spaces promote intergenerational community interaction? – the research employed a mixed-method approach, using observational surveys, interviews with childcare workers, and observations of outdoor childcare activities. Conducted along a 4-km section of Kodaira Green Road, the study found that many nearby childcare facilities frequently use the greenway for outdoor activities, making it a key resource for childcare. Children engaged in diverse activities, including observation of nature, creative play like making leaf masks, and physical play, fostering developmental growth. The greenway also facilitated intergenerational interaction through shared spaces like benches, promoting social bonds. These findings highlight Kodaira Green Road’s multifunctional value in supporting child development, community cohesion, and sustainable urban planning, aligning with Japan’s cultural emphasis on childcare that values connections with nature and the community.http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2025.2510608greenwayschildcare environmenturban spacesobservational surveycommunity value
spellingShingle Moe Hayashi
Asuka Yamada
The role of pedestrian greenways in urban child-rearing: insights from observational surveys of Kodaira Green Road, Tokyo
Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering
greenways
childcare environment
urban spaces
observational survey
community value
title The role of pedestrian greenways in urban child-rearing: insights from observational surveys of Kodaira Green Road, Tokyo
title_full The role of pedestrian greenways in urban child-rearing: insights from observational surveys of Kodaira Green Road, Tokyo
title_fullStr The role of pedestrian greenways in urban child-rearing: insights from observational surveys of Kodaira Green Road, Tokyo
title_full_unstemmed The role of pedestrian greenways in urban child-rearing: insights from observational surveys of Kodaira Green Road, Tokyo
title_short The role of pedestrian greenways in urban child-rearing: insights from observational surveys of Kodaira Green Road, Tokyo
title_sort role of pedestrian greenways in urban child rearing insights from observational surveys of kodaira green road tokyo
topic greenways
childcare environment
urban spaces
observational survey
community value
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2025.2510608
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