Comparisons
Saitama vs. the other two most closely populated regions in Japan: Osaka and Aichi
Saitama in context: Street-network sprawl of new development
The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Saitama followed a zig-zag trend with an overall increase. To get a sense of how street development has changed in Saitama, we can consider three of its most populous cities: Tokyo, Fukaya and Higashimatsuyama. Out of the three cities, Fukaya does not follow the same trend as the region. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Fukaya followed a zig-zag trend with an overall decrease.
How do development practices in Saitama fare in comparison to others in Japan? Most recently in 2006-2020, street construction in Saitama was the 4th-most disconnected out of the 44 regions in Japan. Its position in the ranks since 1975 has risen; relative to other regions in Japan, street construction in Saitama has become more disconnected. Saitama ranked 9th in 1975, 5th in 1976-1990, 7th in 1991-2005 and 4th in 2006-2020.
Saitama in context: Aggregate street-network sprawl
As of 2020, the city with the most disconnected street network in Saitama is Kumagaya with an SNDi of 2.18, which is well-connected. Conversely, the most connected city is Fukaya with an SNDi of 1.6, which is very well-connected. See trends for these cities: Fukaya, Kumagaya
The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in Saitama rose steadily. To get a sense of how the aggregate street network has changed in Saitama, we can consider three of its most populous cities: Tokyo, Fukaya and Higashimatsuyama. Out of the three cities, Fukaya and Higashimatsuyama do not follow the same trend as the region. The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in Fukaya followed a zig-zag trend with an overall decrease. The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in Higashimatsuyama followed a zig-zag trend with an overall decrease.
To date, Saitama is the 8th-most disconnected out of the 44 regions in Japan. Its position in the ranks since 1975 has risen; relative to other regions in Japan, the street network in Saitama has become more disconnected. Saitama ranked 9th in 1975, 9th in 1976-1990, 8th in 1991-2005 and 8th in 2006-2020.