Since Edo shognate (1603-1868) ordered local vassals to stay in both Edo and their domain in turn by one year (called Sankin-Kotai) to make them spend their wealth to prevent coups. Therefore, Edo has so many compounds of local vassals, and Roppoing is one of such areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Meiji period (1868 – 1912), the governement placed the military bases in Roppongi area, and they became the U.S. occupation army’s base after WWII, and were transformed into JSDF(Japan Self Defence Force) base. The base became Roppongi Midtown now, and the other came to be Roppongi Hills after an whisky plant was moved in 70’s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since the area has prospered by business for U.S. military after WWII, still many expads live here, and the mostly you do not need Japanese language as people here speak English in every restaurants, cafes, bars, or even supermarket. Also, the area became one of tourists destination by Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown, and art museums (mainy, National Art Center Tokyo, Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills, and Suntory Museum in Tokyo Midtown) these days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n