Roman Krznaric: How Japan saved its biggest city from collapse

How Japan saved its biggest city from collapse

400 years ago, Edo was on the verge of ecological collapse. Years of intense logging had led to massive deforestation and the city faced timber shortages, severe erosion, and frequent flooding. But over just a few decades, Edo became one of the most sustainable and efficient cities in history. So, how did this come about? Roman Krznaric explores Edo's transformation into a circular economy. [Directed by Héloïse Dorsan-Rachet, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by André Aires].

Once near ecological collapse from deforestation and flooding, Edo grew into one of history’s most sustainable cities. Driven by necessity, leaders limited resource use and launched massive reforestation efforts, while a culture of repair and reuse took root in daily life. Households transformed worn clothes into diapers or fuel, and human waste became fertilizer. Edo’s story reveals how embracing limits and creative reuse can build resilience and inspire thriving communities.