THX 1138

Part of George Lucas' THX 1138 used the unfinished San Francisco BART Transbay Tunnel. This station reminds of the film settings. During the end of the bubble in Tokyo, the metropolitan government began construction of an inner loop subway line. Today, it is called the Toei Oedo line.

Nearly every station in the loop has a connection with another line. Since it was built so late, it is built very deep underground. Stations are normally ten flights of stairs or more under the streets. The cars are tiny and screech around tight corners.

The stations are very modern and each has a designer feel. Artwork adorns many station walls, and each is distinct. This is a photograph of the Shiodome station. It is a large commercial development on the east side of Shimbashi, one of the oldest transit centers just south of Tokyo (main) station.