The Great Kanto Earthquake results in the loss of many historically significant properties as well as relics of the Edo Period and reminders of the Meiji Era. Long lines of people gather at telephone offices, holding messages penciled on scraps of newspaper or chopstick wrappers and waiting to notify relatives of the safety or loss of family members. Telegrams are sent free of charge. Interior Minister Goto Shimpei heads the recovery planning effort, which will turn Tokyo into a modern metropolis. The restoration of the devastated telephone system becomes the opportunity to convert from manual to automated exchanges. This massive transformation represents a major decision by the Ministry of Communications, and involves tremendous expense and effort.

---