TOKYO

Rank: 1st in Asia

Tokyo, one of the 47 prefectures of Japan, is one of the three world finance 'command centres', along with New York and London.

Tokyo is a major international finance centre, is the headquarters of several of the world's largest investment banks and insurance companies, and serves as a hub for Japan's transportation, publishing, and broadcasting industries.

Tokyo has the largest metropolitan economy in the world. As of 2008, 47 of the companies listed on the Global 500 are based in Tokyo.

Tokyo was rated by the Economist Intelligence Unit as the most expensive city in the world for 14 years in a row ending in 2006.

Tokyo Bay was once a major source of fish. Presently, most of Tokyo's fish production comes from the outer islands, such as Izu Oshima and Hachijojima. Skipjack tuna, nori, and aji are among the ocean products.