Thanks to the Londoners

My two-week stay in London was for my research on the 16th
to the 18th century English construction of public sphere. Besides
searching historical materials at the British Library, I was able to
explore the contemporary city of London with helps from people
who currently live in London.

What impressed me the most about London was its inherent
historical continuities such as ethnic diversity, constantly moving
people and goods, and the effective formation of shared public spheres
from the Tudor England to the present day. I have never seen such an
ethnically and culturally diverse city like London. New York is not
in comparison for the US society requires people to be integrated into
THE American value and become Americans (or like Americans) even
in a city like Big Apple, whereas London allows each group to keep its
own identity. It is quite intriguing to realize again that the "empire"
first adopted and allowed cultural and ethnic diversities not to
celebrate but to control. In London today, a civilian control seems
to be very much in operation in spite of the city's diversity.

My thanks are extended to the following people:

Peter, my great guardian, at the Imperial College, London Beautiful Asuka at the Regent Park
Prof. Ikeda at the King's College, London