On November 24th, the Institute for Urban Strategies, part of The Mori Memorial Foundation, released the Global Cities Power Index (GPCI) for 2021.

According to the report, “the GPCI evaluates its target cities in 6 urban functions and each of these functions comprises multiple indicator groups, totalling 26 groups, which in turn consist of several indicators per group. 

A total of 70 indicators are used in the GPCI.  The average scores for each indicator within an indicator group are the Function Indicator Group, combined to calculate a city’s function-specific rankings, which are then totalled to determine its comprehensive ranking.”

The highest possible total score equals 2,600 points.

The top 3 cities according to the GCPI are London (16.44.1 points), New York (1482.9 points) and Tokyo (1411 points).

Tokyo based highlights from the report details are below.

Executive Summary - Page 5

Tokyo improved its score from last year, catching up with London and New York. 

Though it gave up third place to Los Angeles in Research & Development, it rose to  number 9 in Livability. 

The improvement in Workstyle Flexibility, which held the city back last year, contributed to this improvement. In Cultural Interaction, the city improved its “Trendsetting Potential” by its hosting of the Olympics and came close to number 3 New York’s score.

Source: Global Power Cities Index 2021 report

Research & Development - Page 13

In research & development, Los Angeles surpassed Tokyo and entered the top 3 for the first time.  This was primarily due to strengthened scores in indicators such as World’s Top Universities, Winners of Prizes in Science and Technology, and Number of Startups.

Although Tokyo also increased its score in Number of Startups, as it was unable to improve its scores in other indicators, its rank also suffered.

Livability - Page 15

In livability...Tokyo also jumped ahead from  number 12 to enter the top 10 this year with its results for Workstyle Flexibility pushing it from number 41 last year to  number 2.

Actor Evaluation - Page 19

Evaluating cities from the perspective of the Corporate Executive....Tokyo moved up one spot to number 8.  While Tokyo’s Business Environment, such as Variety of Workplace Options in Economy was highly evaluated, issues remain such as ICT Readiness in Livability.

For Highly Skilled Workers who are active across the world stage regardless of borders or nationality...Tokyo was ranked number 4, up five places from last year, largely due to its remarkable increase in Workstyle Flexibility in Livability. 

From the perspective of the Tourist, London was  number 1, as it was last year.  Tokyo was ranked number 2, surpassing Paris. 

Tokyo increased its score for Number of Cultural Events, partly due to the Olympic Games, and its “Trendsetting Potential” led to its improved ranking.

From the perspective of a Resident Actor, Tokyo ranked number 7 behind Madrid and ahead of Amsterdam.

Further Reading

Global Power Cities Index for 2021 (November, 2021)

Global Power Cities Index for 2020 (December, 2020)

Global Power Cities Index for 2019 (November 2019)

Global Power Cities Index for 2018 (October, 2018)

Global Power Cities Index for 2017 (October, 2017)