The hottest Urban life Substack posts right now

Japanese culture often portrayed in American media with exoticism and violence, influencing perceptions of young men
Memoir 'Tokyo Vice' by Jake Adelstein covers his investigative journalism in Japan, focusing on crime and vice stories, but may contain embellishments for effect
Michael Mann's adaptation 'Tokyo Vice' as a TV series adds compelling narratives and characters, making it a more engaging watch compared to the memoir

Keeping un-neutered and un-spayed pets roaming in cities may help control rat populations. Allowing animals to do their natural job can help keep rodents in check.
The rise of car culture in America has harmed pets and reduced their ability to manage rodent populations. By prioritizing cars, many cities have made it unsafe for pets to do their jobs.
Rats are often blamed for problems caused by humans. Historically, they have been wrongfully accused of spreading diseases due to human actions and messy situations.

In the age of social media, everyone has the potential for some level of fame, even if it's just to a small group of people.
Social media platforms encourage constant engagement by transforming real estate in people's minds into smaller, more frequent units.
Attention on social media is securitized to keep content flowing, blurring the lines between creators and consumers.

Cities are changing rapidly due to shifts in commercial real estate and coworking trends.
Neighborhoods and buildings evolve, sometimes causing feelings of nostalgia and betrayal.
The future of cities may involve downtown areas becoming more focused on experiences rather than workspaces.

The city was established near water and has grown with systems for water and other networks like a typical urban area.
The city expanded vertically, horizontally, and underground, accommodating over 8 million residents who engage with these established systems and networks.
Unique individuals like Josh, Collin, a group of Collin's friends, a hedge fund manager, a master planner, and a corn snake are part of the city's population.

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Walking is the best way to really understand a city. It helps you see and feel the place more deeply than driving or cycling.
Taking walks helps you notice unique things about neighborhoods, like local shops and street life. Each walk can reveal something new and interesting.
To fully enjoy walking, try to keep distractions away, like music or podcasts. This way, you can focus on your surroundings and explore freely.

Living in a megacity means having easy access to shops and services, like supermarkets and internet stores, which you may not find in smaller areas.
Reliable internet is important for everyday tasks, and it can be frustrating when it's not available or when delivery services are slow.
Getting around is easier in a city, thanks to better maps and public transport, but outside the city, you might struggle with directions and transportation options.