Fact Check: Tokyo is the biggest city in the world

Fact Check: "Tokyo is the biggest city in the world"

What We Know

The claim that "Tokyo is the biggest city in the world" can be interpreted in various ways depending on the definitions of "city" being used. According to the United Nations, cities can be classified based on different criteria: city proper, urban area, and metropolitan area.

City Proper: Tokyo's population is over 14 million as of 2023 within its administrative boundaries, making it one of the most populous cities in the world (Tokyo).
Urban Area: When considering urban areas, Tokyo's population is reported to be around 37 million, making it the largest urban area globally (World Population Review).
Metropolitan Area: The Greater Tokyo Area, which includes Tokyo and parts of six neighboring prefectures, has a population of approximately 41 million, thus being the most populous metropolitan area in the world (Tokyo, World Population Review).

These varying definitions lead to different conclusions about Tokyo's status as the "biggest city."

Analysis

The claim is partially true because it depends on the context in which "biggest city" is defined.

City Proper: If we consider city proper, Tokyo does not hold the title of the largest city; that distinction goes to Chongqing, China, which has a much larger administrative area but includes a significant rural population (List of largest cities).
Urban Area: In terms of urban area, Tokyo is indeed the largest, with a population of around 37 million (IAS NEXT). This figure reflects a densely populated region that is continuously built-up and urbanized.
Metropolitan Area: The Greater Tokyo Area is the largest metropolitan area, with a population exceeding 41 million (Tokyo). This includes a broader region that encompasses suburban areas, which is a critical factor in determining metropolitan sizes.

The reliability of the sources varies. The United Nations and established demographic studies provide robust data, while articles from platforms like IFLScience and Business Insider offer insights but may not always be as rigorously verified.

Conclusion

The claim that "Tokyo is the biggest city in the world" is partially true. It holds the title of the largest urban area and metropolitan area, but when considering city proper, it is not the largest. The context in which the claim is made significantly influences its accuracy.