On June 18, a station name sign featuring the “roundel”—the symbol of the London Underground—made its debut at Ueno Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.
Why is there a London station name sign at Ueno Station?
Behind this lies the deep relationship between the two cities that spans more than 100 years. Tokuji Hayakawa, the founder of the Tokyo Underground Railway Company (the predecessor of Tokyo Metro), visited the London Underground in the early 20th century and was greatly influenced by its advanced urban transportation system.
Building on that experience, Asia’s first subway line opened in 1927 between Ueno and Asakusa. The London Underground thus became the inspiration for Tokyo’s subway system.
The unveiling ceremony for the station name sign took place on Platform 2 at Ueno Station on the Ginza Line and was attended by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who was visiting Japan, and Andy Road, Commissioner of Transport for London. Together with Akihiro Kosaka, President of Tokyo Metro, they celebrated this historic milestone. Tokyo Metro is also participating in the operation of London’s newest line, the “Elizabeth Line,” and cooperation between the two cities continues to strengthen.
The station name sign was temporarily removed after the unveiling ceremony, and preparations are underway for its permanent installation.
It is scheduled to be officially installed in 2027 as a monument symbolizing the 100th anniversary of the subway’s opening.
