Asia Society Japan Center Asia Society Policy Salon Tokyo Breakfast Meeting January 29, 2020

On January 29, 2020, Governor Koike gave a speech entitled “Beyond 2020: A Vision for Tokyo, A Vision for Japan” at the Asia Society Policy Salon Tokyo Breakfast Meeting. In the beginning of her speech, she expressed her appreciation for being honored with the 2019 Asia Game Changer Awards. She also mentioned her career and achievements before taking office as Governor of Tokyo, including the successful “Cool Biz” campaign during her tenure as Minister of the Environment. She spoke about the preparations of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 and Tokyo’s initiatives, including tackling climate change, empowering women and bringing about a “longevity society.”

The topics included:

• Improving the working environment for women. Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) itself is actively promoting participation by women to inspire by example and has also launched the Vision Network by Female Governors and Mayors to achieve a society in which women can realize their full potential.
• Preparation of the 2020 Games venues and effective utilization after the Games
• The 2020 Games is envisioned as the “Recovery Olympics and Paralympics” after the earthquake and tsunami in the Tohoku region in 2011. The start of the torch relay and the first events of the Games will both be held in Fukushima.
• Conducting a project to create medals by utilizing used mobile phones and other small electronic devices donated by people in Japan and overseas
• Realizing “Zero Emission Tokyo” which will contribute to the world’s net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2050. The Games will be an opportunity for all of Tokyo to take action against the climate crisis together, and aim for a more sustainable society.
• There can be no success for the Tokyo 2020 Games without success of the Paralympics. Tokyo is advancing various efforts to promote both the success of Paralympics and barrier-free initiatives including fostering enthusiasm for para-sports and setting an ordinance mandating barrier-free guest rooms in lodging facilities.
• In line with the “tobacco-free” Games advocated by the WHO and IOC, Tokyo has enacted its own ordinance to protect people against passive smoking.
• Compared to the 1964 Games which left a legacy of urban infrastructure, the 2020 Games is expected to leave an intangible and important legacy to the future. The legacy should include establishing new working styles such as telework, leading to a much more productive society that is worker-friendly as well as promoting barrier-free measures for creating an inclusive society in preparation for an era of longevity (Choju).
• By utilizing the power of digital technology to draw out of Tokyo’s full potential, the TMG will realize a “Smart Tokyo” in which residents can enjoy a higher quality of life.
• Using the 2020 Games as a springboard, Tokyo will evolve into a city of growth where people can live in peace and prosperity.

She concluded her speech by wishing that Tokyo will pass the legacy of the 2020 Games to Los Angeles.
At the free discussion with participants after her speech, there were questions about environmental issues, womenomics, and attracting foreign businesses to Tokyo, etc.