Asia Society Japan Center Asia Society Policy Salon Tokyo July 25, 2022

On July 25, 2022, Governor Koike delivered a speech titled “Toward a Sustainable Future Tokyo: A Thriving City for Everyone” to a luncheon held at Asia Society Japan Center.

Topics included

• Condolences for the passing of former Prime Minister Abe, and reflection on the impact of his policies.
• The one-year anniversary of the Tokyo 2020 Games and its influence as a morale-booster for the world.
• The ongoing COVID-19 countermeasures and Tokyo’s proactive efforts.
• The legacy of “Unity in Diversity”, with the goal of creating an inclusive Tokyo where everyone can shine.
• Improving gender equality in Japan, and measures such as a quota system in Tokyo, to increase representation in government.
• A partnership system, which will be implemented in November, to ensure equality for sexual minorities with an online registration process.
• Tokyo’s ultimate goal of zero emission by 2050, and “carbon-half” by 2030. Tokyo’s efforts to overcome the energy crisis, with the HTT (Herasu - save, Tsukuru - generate, Tameru - store) strategy. Mention of her Cool Biz campaign and its expansion into households: “Tokyo Cool Home & Biz”.
• Introduction of the TOKYO UPDATES website.

She concluded her speech by reiterating Tokyo’s commitment to building upon the legacy of the Tokyo 2020 Games, and moving toward the development of a ‘mature’ and sustainable Tokyo. The Q&A session included questions about Tokyo’s environmental initiatives, women’s empowerment and Tokyo’s financial future, etc.