The familiar London Underground roundel has appeared deep beneath Tokyo’s streets, after Transport for London (TfL) donated a specially designed roundel to mark the approaching centenary of Japan’s first subway.

The London-style roundel was unveiled on platform 2 of Ueno Station on Tokyo’s Ginza Line during a ceremony attended by London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, Tokyo Metro President Akihiro Kosaka, and TfL Commissioner Andy Lord.

Although instantly recognisable as a London Underground sign, the roundel has been adapted for its new home and displays the station name “UENO”.

The connection between London’s Underground and Tokyo’s metro stretches back more than a century. When Noritsugu Hayakawa, founder of the Tokyo Underground Railway Company, visited London in the early 20th century, he was inspired by the underground railway and returned to Japan determined to build a similar system.

His vision became reality on 30th December 1927, when the Ueno-to-Asakusa section opened as the first subway line in East Asia.  On its opening day, the line was so popular that passengers often had to wait more than two hours to ride a train for a five-minute trip.

The line later became part of today’s Tokyo Metro network.

At the unveiling, Sir Sadiq Khan said, “I am delighted to unveil this Transport for London Roundel sign at Ueno station, as a special gift ahead of the 100th anniversary of the Japanese subway. It’s amazing to think the inspiration for the Ginza Line can be traced back to our Tube in London – and the relationship has now come full circle, with Tokyo Metro involved in running our newest and busiest railway, the game-changing Elizabeth line. I am pleased to be working together and learning from one another as we continue building greener, better, more prosperous cities for everyone.”

The Tokyo Metro says the roundel will form part of its preparations for the subway’s centenary celebrations in 2027, when it is expected to be permanently installed at Ueno Station.

The roundel sign was made by Isle of Wight based AJ Wells, who supplies most of the enamel signs on the London transport network.