Sugamo

Sugamo is a shopping district in Toshima, Tokyo. Its postal code is 170-0002. It is accessible from JR East Yamanote Line and Tokyo Metro’s Mita Line.

History

• In the middle of the 18th century in Edo city, the village of Sugamo began to expand.
• By July 22, 1878, Sugamo started to become larger, and transferred from the Minami district to the Koishikawa District.
• In 1889, Sugamo was given a town office and was established as a town rather than simply a small village.
• On July 20th, 1918, the Sugamo border was reorganized and incorporated the village of Nishisugamo.
• On October 1st, 1932, the Nishisugamo area of Sugamo was reorganized yet again, becoming a part of Toshima-ku along with Sugamo itself. This turned Sugamo into an area of Toshima rather than its own city. Now, Sugamo is only the area of Toshima between Komagome Station and Ikebukuro Station.

Celebrities Born in Sugamo

• Aikawa
• Toshino Omental
• Reiko Ohara
• Boo Takagi
• Hiroyuki Naniwa
• 3 of the Members of “Radical Freaks”

General Area

Sugamo is known as the “Old Lady’s Harujuku” or “Grandma’s Harajuku.” It is the shopping district for the older members of society, and is considered the “hip” area for the elderly. It is also the location of the famous Sugamo prison.

There are also several cemeteries in this area, and the area markets itself towards the older generations. When any news company needs to interview elderly individuals, they are often seen in the Sugamo district of Toshima.

External Links

• Sugamo District Information Page
• Sugamo District Information Page