Tokyo, formerly known as Edo, has a rich history dating back to the 12th century when it was a small fishing village. It became the political center of Japan in the 17th century when the Tokugawa shogunate established its headquarters there. In the late 19th century, Tokyo underwent rapid modernization and became the capital of Japan in 1868. The city was heavily bombed during World War II but was rebuilt and emerged as a major global city in the post-war period. Today, Tokyo is known for its vibrant culture, cutting-edge technology, and bustling urban environment.