Central Tokyo displays strong evidence of polarization. Within central Tokyo there has been growth in both the top and bottom occupations within fast-growing industries; at the same time 7) middle-level clerical and manufacturing jobs are dis t appearing. Nevertheless, overall income distribution h remains less skewed in central Tokyo than in the core areas of the New York, London, or Paris regions. Sonobe and Machimura (1997) relate trends in earnings and income distributions to the effect of the 1986-1991 bubble economy. During that period income inequality grew both inside Tokyo and between Tokyo and the rest of the nation; after the bubble burst, the reverse occurred as a result of losses at the top. Occupational polarization, however, has continued in the aftermath of the period of excessive speculation. Foreign workers who immigrated during the expansionary time remain in menial jobs within the service sector, and homelessness has emerged.