Policy Speech by the Governor of Tokyo, Koike Yuriko, at the Third Regular Session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, 2023

In opening the third regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly in 2023, I wish to relate my basic stance on future metropolitan administration.

Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly member Suzuki Kinji passed away on June 18. Tokyo Honorable Citizen Fukuhara Yoshiharu passed away on August 30. I would like to extend my deep condolences to their families. May they rest in peace.

1. Foreword

Our world is in a constant state of flux, and it continues to change at an ever-increasing pace. There exists a pressing need for comprehensive security due to growing geopolitical risks, intensifying competition over energy and resources, and, as a consequence, rising prices. Tokyo is also caught in the middle of this complex web of shifting global trends. Climate change is causing extreme weather events of never-before-seen proportions, and our country’s birth rate continues to decline at an accelerating rate. When confronted with these harsh realities, I am reminded of the keen insight of Goto Shinpei, the seventh mayor of the city of Tokyo who later, as President of the Bureau for Reconstruction of the Imperial Capital, turned the unprecedented crisis of the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake into an opportunity for Tokyo’s growth. Now is the time when we must once again devise a far-sighted plan for Tokyo that will be a game changer, in order to ensure the happiness of each and every resident of our city, as well as the happiness of our children and grandchildren.

We will not allow ourselves to be caught up in the maelstrom of change that threatens to swallow up Japan and Tokyo. With a wide perspective and new ideas not bound by precedent, we will sow the seeds of the future and work to make them bloom.

2. Building resilient urban infrastructure with the aim to ensure safety and security for the next 100 years

Only when safety and security are firmly secured can we overcome difficulties and achieve great progress. Following the “Always be prepared” motto, we will advance measures to enhance the resilience of our city with a view to 100 years into the future.

Protecting the lives and assets of Tokyo residents by shoring up preparations for situations such as disasters

Strengthening measures for self-help, mutual-help, and public assistance

First, I will speak about storm and flood control measures. In June, regulating reservoirs in Tokyo took in the equivalent of about 3,000　25-meter swimming pools due to torrential rain brought about by Typhoon Mawar, demonstrating their great ability to mitigate damage. If we also take into consideration future climate change, which is expected to generate a 10 percent increase in precipitation over current levels, there is no time to lose in further strengthening measures to accommodate this increase. We recently released an interim report on the shape river facilities should take in the future. Accordingly, we will upgrade measures from a variety of perspectives, including the construction of underground rivers (floodways)—a grand approach that involves the creation of an additional river underground to divert floodwaters. We will also accelerate our review of the entire Basic Policy for Measures against Heavy Rainfall to formulate a new policy within the year. The policy will not only include improvements to rivers and other facilities, but also new measures to promote urban development that creates higher ground, and measures to promote the introduction of green infrastructure, among others.

In areas of five special wards in low-lying eastern Tokyo where flood damage is of particular concern, we are distributing flood risk assessments to individual households outlining the risk in their immediate area to encourage residents to take appropriate life-saving actions, a first in Japan. The experience of the Great Kanto Earthquake has shown us the vital importance of not only the role of public assistance, but also the roles played by self-help and mutual-help. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Great Kanto Earthquake, we have intensively rolled out events to raise awareness related to disaster preparedness, including an event featuring a lecture given by an expert and the opportunity to experience flooding through the use of virtual reality (VR) technology. And, while also relying on the updated editions of “Disaster Preparedness Tokyo” and “Disaster Readiness Guide: Prepare Yourself and Your Family,” I hope that the people of Tokyo will firmly acquire the knowledge and learn the actions necessary to protect themselves and their loved ones. In addition, we recently conducted the Comprehensive Joint Disaster Management Drill with Higashimurayama City with the aim to improve government disaster response capabilities on various levels. We will strengthen the three pillars of disaster preparedness: self-help, mutual-help, and public assistance, and thoroughly take all possible preparations to protect the lives and assets of the people of Tokyo.

Applying knowledge gained through an overseas site visit to prepare for a missile attack

When visiting Helsinki, Finland, last month, I was able to see that evacuation shelters were set up throughout the city in preparation for an emergency, such as a missile attack. I was also able to observe the creative ways that evacuation shelters are used on an everyday basis during normal times. For instance, some are used as sports or parking facilities. This experience allowed me to see Finland’s firm national commitment to crisis management, one that has been cultivated since the time of the Cold War. While also referencing best practices overseas, we will promote hard and soft measures suitable for Tokyo, and take various matters into consideration, such as the types of facilities that can be safely evacuated to and the forms of cooperation with relevant agencies needed to ensure the smooth evacuation of residents.

Protecting the people of Tokyo from health risks

We will also work to protect the people of Tokyo from a range of threats to their health, including infectious diseases. We have compiled and released an easy-to-understand review of the initiatives of the Tokyo iCDC, which served as the backbone of Tokyo’s COVID-19 countermeasures that spanned a period of nearly three years. Over the course of the pandemic, various insights and experiences were gained, including the development of the “Tokyo model,” new networks for dealing with infectious diseases were formed, and new challenges became apparent. Utilizing this precious knowledge, we aim to review our infectious disease control and prevention plan within this fiscal year to bolster readiness to act speedily and smoothly when an infectious disease outbreak occurs again in the future.

3. Boldly tackling global-scale issues to become a sustainable city

Striking a balance between the global environment and convenient and comfortable lives. This is a challenge facing all humankind, and is also a mission of megacity Tokyo. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will take the lead in driving actions and initiatives in both Japan and abroad.

Promoting new urban development through Tokyo Green Biz

Urban development during the period of Japan’s rapid economic growth, which prioritized economy and efficiency, is now a trend of the distant past. We are now engaged in urban development that values people’s living environment and comfort, rather than the creation of cities covered with concrete and asphalt. In recent years, through skillful creation of sites and efforts to be in harmony with nature, the amount of green space has actually been increasing in the city center where developments are underway. In particular, recent urban development projects in districts such as Takeshiba, Azabudai, and Otemachi have created more than 60,000 square meters of new green space, with offices and residences embraced by groves and colorful flowering plants that make you want to take a deep breath of fresh air. People’s sense of values and the role of cities have become increasingly diverse through the climate crisis and fight against COVID-19, creating the need for greater harmony between the natural environment and urban functions. With a focus on our city one century ahead, Tokyo Green Biz will promote urban development that is in harmony with greenery.

In order to promote forest development in the Tama Area, we signed partnership agreements with 12 municipalities in Tokyo for more effective utilization of the Forest Environment Transfer Tax, which is transferred from the national government to prefectures and municipalities. We will strive to expand the circle of cooperation even more to include such areas as conservation of the environment, nature activities, and the promotion of Tama timber. Under a new master plan scheduled for formulation within this fiscal year, our lush metropolitan parks which serve as urban oases, will be updated so that they can firmly fulfill the role demanded of them now. We will realize a city in harmony with nature through efforts to "protect," "increase and connect," and "utilize" greenery. These include a "tree bank" through which trees that need to be replanted will be reused in park construction and other developments, and "green infrastructure," which leverages the functions of nature to solve social issues.

Pushing ahead concrete actions to realize a net zero society

In order to ensure that carbon emissions will be halved by 2030, it is crucial for the TMG to take the lead in initiatives and create a movement that involves both the public and private sectors.

Tokyo leads initiatives

Accordingly, Toei Bus will promote the introduction of fuel cell buses by having hydrogen stations built in its bus depots. We will also take on the challenge of building a model for the introduction of EV buses in large cities by improving the performance of charging stations and vehicles, and their use as storage batteries on wheels in the event of a disaster or other times, and promote the introduction of mobility that contributes to a carbon-neutral society. For SAF (sustainable aviation fuel), which is attracting attention as a next-generation aviation fuel, we will initiate a project to recover used cooking oil, which can be used in its production, to support the establishment of a supply chain for Japan’s first large-scale production of this fuel.

We will be holding two international conferences prior to November’s COP28. We will strengthen collaboration with cities overseas that raise the same goals by holding not only a conference calling for concrete action on the theme of energy decarbonization, but also launching a new conference to promote the establishment of an international hydrogen supply chain and technological development. While sharing both domestically and internationally the importance of such initiatives, we will lead the way in the early adoption of hydrogen and renewable energy as it is now truly “TIME TO ACT.”

Moreover, we will bolster our pioneering cap-and-trade system in order to curb carbon emissions and expand the supply of renewable energy. In addition to significantly raising carbon reduction obligations for large-scale business establishments, the system will be revised to further encourage the use of renewable energy. For small- and medium-scale establishments as well, we have decided to require business operators to make calculated efforts to reach new levels established for achievement by 2030. We are proposing the amendment of the ordinance concerning such systems at this regular session. In order for Tokyo to evolve into an environmentally advanced city befitting of the coming age, it is essential that we boost the level of our initiatives even more. Your deliberation of this bill will be greatly appreciated.

Everyday actions taken by the people of Tokyo and Japan are also important. Have you ever heard of "deco katsu”? It is a catchword promoting both decarbonization and eco-friendly lifestyles. In addition to HTT, we will promote environment-friendly behavior among Tokyo residents under the banner of "Deco-Katsu Tokyo" in cooperation with the Ministry of the Environment, which is advancing this national movement.

Cultivating momentum for sustainable finance

Finance has the power to support and accelerate progress toward a carbon neutral society. Next month an international conference to discuss finance for sustainable development, “PRI in Person,” will be held in Japan for the first time. Taking this opportunity, we will hold various seminars and lectures under the title of "Tokyo Sustainable Finance Week.” Also, in close cooperation with other countries that are aiming to become “leading asset management centers,” we will raise enthusiasm for sustainable finance and greatly enhance the presence of Tokyo as an international financial center.

4. Becoming a city that is brimming with vitality and captivates the world

In order to emerge victorious in the fiercely competitive global environment, we must work to make Tokyo more dynamic than ever before. We will draw out Tokyo’s potential with diverse human resources, technologies, and ideas, and turn our city into one brimming with vitality that captivates the world.

Generating innovation to rise above the global competition

Sharing our concept of SusHi Tech Tokyo

For the first time in 44 years, a conference bringing together waterworks industry representatives from across Japan will be held in Tokyo. We will create opportunities for interaction with startups and overseas organizations, and leverage our technical expertise with regard to our world-class water and sewerage system to help solve urban challenges and generate new business opportunities.

Similar to our advanced infrastructure technology, our concept of SusHi Tech Tokyo represents a strength and a source of new growth for our city. SusHi Tech Square, a facility we opened in the Yurakucho district, will serve as the base that renders this concept visible by utilizing digital technologies. The facility will showcase various kinds of content incorporating elements of art and design, and I hope that many people will come to experience the possibilities of digital technology. The upper floors of the building will be occupied by Tokyo Innovation Base, a hub for startup support that is slated for pre-opening in November. The matters we have discussed with the private sector will now enter the implementation phase. Operations will begin with events and other activities, and ahead of the full-scale opening of the facility next spring, we will enhance its functionality while refining our planning and operations strategy. By operating the facility in an integrated way as a giant space for interaction, it will become a gathering spot where startups and other diverse players will flock to bounce ideas off of one another and share their aspirations. I hope these interactions between people as equals, transcending corporate and regional boundaries, will give rise to new ideas that will transform society.

Universities are important players in sparking innovation. Recently, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to advance research, human resource exchanges, and other initiatives with Columbia University, an institution contributing to solving urban challenges primarily in New York. We have also teamed up with the University of Tokyo, an institution that has a national academic research network, and will continue to expand our circle of collaboration with universities both within Japan and abroad. We will combine the wisdom of Tokyo and the world to create and cultivate more and more startups.

A TMG-led transformation of government services

Digital transformation (DX) is the biggest tool for achieving the Grand Reform of Tokyo. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) will take a leading role in pushing to harness the power of digital technologies to transform government services. We will work across the boundaries of government to punctually deliver services that are optimized to meet the needs of each and every individual. The driving force behind this transformation will be GovTech Tokyo, an organization of experts that has finally launched. We will vigorously push forward with the digital transformation of Tokyo and the municipalities in Tokyo through efforts such as procuring talent, which is a struggle for many local governments, as well as building a shared digital infrastructure. We have outlined the image of the future city we seek to realize as the “Tokyo Digital 2030 Vision.” With the TMG and GovTech Tokyo working in harmony, we will strive to turn Tokyo into a digitally advanced city.

Similarly, it is important to expand the scope of digital transformation in the private sector as well. We will support the cultivation of digital human resources of small and medium enterprises, which has been a challenge. By making effective use of technology, we will dramatically improve business efficiency and productivity, leading to the creation of higher-quality products and services.

Communications infrastructure is vital for these initiatives. We have formulated a new policy to realize a “Connected Tokyo,” where anyone can connect online with peace of mind anytime and anywhere. We will advance initiatives with the public and private sectors working hand in hand, aiming to become a smart city where everyone can use convenient services and where many different challenges can be easily solved by using data.

Evolving further into a city brimming with excitement and vitality

Enhancing Tokyo’s appeal to invigorate all of Japan

International tourists walking the streets of Tokyo are once again becoming a common sight. We will use this opportunity to further enhance the appeal of Tokyo. This year marks the third year of TOKYO LIGHTS, an event where attendees can enjoy a variety of sound and light shows, including breathtaking projection mapping displays. Like previous iterations of the event, TOKYO LIGHTS 2023 has been fascinating many people, with it appearing that the event has become established as a new attraction of Tokyo. Additionally, in Ikebukuro, Anime Tokyo Station will soon have its grand opening as a hub for anime-related content. Through a full menu including exhibitions of popular works, workshops, lectures, and more, the facility will fully showcase the world-class appeal of Japan’s “killer content.” In November, we will simultaneously hold interactive fashion events in Marunouchi, Ginza, and Shibuya. Armed with Tokyo fashion born out of refined sensibilities on par with that of London and Paris, we will transcend language, cultural, and generational barriers to captivate and attract many people within Japan and abroad.

In enhancing Tokyo’s appeal, we will not only turn our city into one brimming with vitality, but also invigorate all of Japan. This is our pivotal role as the capital city of Japan. We will leverage the consumer power of our 14 million residents and work with Fukushima Prefecture to launch a campaign to dispel harmful rumors and support the fishery industry. Japanese cuisine is our country’s pride. Taking the opportunity provided by the campaign to eat fresh, delicious seafood will show strong support to businesses and everyone in the Tohoku region, while also conveying its appeal to the world.

Urban development in the waterfront area, Tama area, and the Tokyo Islands

In the Tokyo waterfront area, the former site of the Olympic and Paralympic Village in Harumi will be reborn as a new community next year. Ahead of the move-in of residents into the district, we will be hosting a community pre-opening event next month, allowing Tokyo residents an early opportunity to get a feel for the area that will be a model for sustainable cities. To improve access between Tokyo’s bay area and central Tokyo, we will also launch ferry commuting services leveraging our waterfront spaces. Transport services will start next month between Nihombashi and Toyosu, and next spring between Harumi and Hinode to coincide with the opening of the community, as part of our effort to establish ferries as a mode of transportation symbolic of Tokyo as a “city of water.”

This year marks 130 years since the Tama area was transferred to Tokyo’s jurisdiction. To commemorate this occasion, we will be holding an event to convey to many people the three appeals of “living in,” “working in,” and “visiting” the Tama area. Also, the cinematic nighttime view visible from the north-south Tama Monorail was certified as a Night View Heritage of Japan. We will treasure, protect, and work to further expand the activities of Tama residents, which can be observed through the windows of the monorail. And to better evolve our initiatives to promote the Tama area, we will gather opinions from local municipalities and experts and devise strategies to further invigorate the area.

On the Tokyo Islands, creative and original efforts are underway to develop attractions that highlight local characteristics. With bold ideas that depart from traditional ways of thinking, such as building sustainable residences that can be self-sufficient with regard to electricity and water, as well as promoting the digital transformation of island tourism using cutting-edge technologies, we will generate new vitality and excitement. Furthermore, we will also advance various initiatives, such as recruiting college students in Tokyo to stay for a week on the islands and propose ideas for the brand marketing of local specialties, to uncover the charms of the Tokyo Treasure Islands.

Guiding the World Athletic Championships and the Deaflympics to success, with the trust of Tokyo and Japan residents

The historic gold medal won by Kitaguchi Haruka in the javelin throw at the World Athletic Championships, as well as the outstanding feats of the Japan men’s national basketball team to qualify for the Olympics without an automatic bid for the first time in 48 years, inspired excitement and courage in the people of Tokyo and Japan. So that we may proudly pass down the invaluable legacy of sports to future generations, we will work to guide two international competitions in 2025 to success.

Recently, the competition visions for the Deaflympics were announced, calling for the realization of an inclusive society where “everyone can make the most of their individuality and exert their abilities.” Under the event emblem that embodies the thoughts of students with hearing impairments and junior high and senior high school students representing the future generation, we will energetically move forward with preparations while leveraging the legacy of the Tokyo 2020 Games. The local organizing committee for the World Athletics Championships has also been established and is beginning operations in earnest. Last month, I was able to see firsthand the World Athletics Championships play out in Budapest, and there, we promoted Tokyo as the site of the next competition. In working toward guiding both of these events to success, we at the TMG will offer support in many ways to help the competition organizing committees establish good organizational governance and to ensure that the events are fair and trusted.

5. Devoting all efforts to become a city where people shine

The increasingly serious state of the low birthrate and shrinking population is making it ever more important to realize a society where each and every person can play an active role. Aiming to make Tokyo a city where “people” are the main actors, we will roll out detailed measures.

Raising the children who are our future

Becoming a society that puts children first

Applications have opened for 018 Support, which provides families with 5,000 yen per month for each child 0 to 18 years of age residing in Tokyo. All children are eligible for the payment with no restrictions on household income. Along with the Tokyo Mom and Dad Support Project, this is illustrative of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's commitment to providing seamless support from pregnancy and childbirth to parenting. The Tokyo Certification System for Housing Conducive to Raising Children, which promotes the development of housing environments conducive to child-rearing, has already attracted interest from many businesses, and the number of houses certified is steadily increasing. In order to widely popularize the concept of ikugyo, the “job of parenting,” which maintains that parenting leave is not leave from work, but work to raise the future, we will also roll out projects in collaboration with businesses to provide seamless support in various areas including housing and work styles. Moreover, our program to support the growth and development of children has been named the Tokyo Suku Waku Program (suku suku means healthy growth, waku waku means excited or happy) with anticipations that it will facilitate the healthy and happy growth of children. The program, which will transcend the boundaries between daycare centers, kindergartens, and other facilities, will be expanded throughout Tokyo. With the launch of the provision of child care on a scheduled basis, regardless of the parent or guardian’s employment status, at daycare centers and other facilities, we will create opportunities for children to interact with others from a very young age. Last month, we appointed leaders in a variety of fields to serve as ambassadors for the Children's Smile Movement. Through the initiatives that put children first, we will work to make the smiles of children even brighter to also energize society as a whole.

Education meeting today’s needs

We will strive to raise the quality of education in order to cultivate the next generation of talent. At Tokyo metropolitan schools, we are advancing the establishment of an “education dashboard” to centralize and make data related to education accessible, including information on student attendance and grades, with the aim to launch the dashboard next year. Through evidence-based guidance, we will bring out the full potential of students. Tokyo metropolitan technical high schools have also undergone a rebirth. The diverse, high-quality education offered, based on the concept of “new monozukuri human resources” is a major point of pride for these schools, because the curriculum goes beyond monozukuri, the art of manufacturing. We will actively promote these schools, making sure to fully convey their attractions. We hope that human resources capable of producing new value through the education they that received at Tokyo metropolitan technical high schools will boldly go out into Japan and the world.

Meanwhile, in today’s global society, English communication skills are essential. Following the results of a recent national academic achievement test, the ability of junior high school students to use English has come to light as an issue. Through our ongoing pioneering efforts, such as the introduction of a speaking test at the junior high school level, Tokyo placed highest among the prefectures. A great many students applied to take part in the summer camp held at Tokyo Global Gateway, our immersive English education facility. Thanks to the high level of interest, we were pleased to have many more students than expected spend time immersed in the language. From this fall, we will also hold a new English presentation contest for high school students. By growing the number of opportunities to practice English, we will work to further improve English language skills.

Toward a society where everyone can display their individuality and abilities and no one is left behind

Empowering women

Currently, Japan still lags far behind the rest of the world in terms of women’s participation in society. And, we must accelerate efforts. We will launch a special site to share examples of proactive efforts taken by companies, including the utilization of Femtech, technology that can be used to help women manage health issues, and various systems for taking time off of work. By deepening the understanding of both employees and employers, through efforts such as holding online seminars, we will build momentum for the creation of a work environment where women can continue to work with peace of mind, as well as an environment where working women can truly shine in all respects. In addition, we will hold conferences in October and November that gather women leaders from various fields, including female mayors, governors, and business leaders. By holding active discussions and sending out powerful messages from women, we will dispel the mindset within society that hinders the success of women.

At the same time, the advancement of women in society should not result in women having to narrow their options as they map out their life plan. To support the desire of women to lead their lives in their own way, we will launch support for the cost of egg freezing next month. We will work to establish an environment that allows women to have their eggs frozen safely and without worry, including working to spread correct knowledge among Tokyo citizens and companies, and support the choices of each and every individual.

A society where senior citizens and the disabled can lead active lives

It is vital to ensure that older adults can continue to lead active lives through participation in society. For seniors who wish to utilize their wealth of knowledge and experience through a post-retirement career at an SME, we have newly established a short-term, intensive course to give participants useful skills for adjusting to a new workplace. We will also firmly support the activities of the Silver Human Resources Center, an initiative launched by Tokyo, and encourage motivated senior citizens who want to have second careers. Furthermore, it is important to create a system that will allow individuals to participate in activities in line with their wishes. That is why we will steadily advance efforts to build an online platform that can centrally manage information on various activities in Tokyo and match people with activities across the area.

It is said that many people with developmental disabilities possess unique abilities in the areas of memory and calculation. By spreading the concept of neurodiversity, which recognizes and embraces differences in individual brain function and promotes the utilization of these unique abilities within society, we will expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities to play an active role in society. That is why we launched a trial employment program in cooperation with several companies this month. Along with examining any issues that may emerge and the effects of the program, we will publicize model cases, with the aim to expand the range of interested companies.

Additionally, it is imperative that we focus on ensuring an ample supply of the welfare human resources that support the lives of senior citizens and the disabled in local communities. We will work in a strategic manner to further study effective measures related to securing, cultivating, and keeping human resources from every possible angle. And, we will promote the realization of a truly inclusive society where everyone can demonstrate their abilities to the fullest.

Protecting and supporting children in difficult circumstances

We will advance measures to prevent young people who feel they have no place to go from becoming victims of crime or other harm. I accompanied Yoshizumi Kenichi, Mayor of Shinjuku, on a site visit to a location referred to as “Toyoko” in the Kabukicho area of Shinjuku where many young people gather, with some loitering, on a regular basis. During the visit, we affirmed our commitment to work together to address this issue. As these young people continue to be lured into dangerous situations by adults, we cannot ignore the painful situation that they are in. Therefore, we will implement detailed measures suited to the individuals in question who are carrying a great deal of anxiety, including the establishment of an environment that facilitates consultation without worry.

6. Nomination of Tokyo Honorable Citizens

For the title of Tokyo Honorable Citizen, we have selected three candidates this year: Ms. Imai Michiko, Ms. Nakamura Meiko, and Mr. Hotta Tsutomu.

Utilizing her world-renowned mountaineering feats and her many years of experience as a doctor, Imai Michiko has devoted her efforts to researching environmental issues and raising awareness of the importance of nature.

In her long career spanning 86 years, Nakamura Meiko has been active in many fields, including as a TV star and author, becoming a familiar name to many through her appeal and numerous works.

Hotta Tsutomu has contributed to the promotion of social welfare in Japan through efforts such as generating awareness for volunteer work, with the objective of building a new “fureai” society of mutual support and cooperation.

With the approval of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, we would like to award these three worthy candidates with the title of Honorable Citizen next month. The cooperation of the Assembly would be most appreciated.

7. In conclusion

Recently, I visited India and Finland to attend an international conference and to build connections, and I will never forget the bright faces of the young people I met there. They were filled with hope for the future and zeal for leading the world. I once again felt the conviction that the power of people is what drives large-scale national growth. Tokyo will be the force to break through the status quo of a rapidly shrinking Japan. No matter the era in which we find ourselves, turning society into one where each and every individual is able to discover hope and fully demonstrate their individual strengths will be the key to making Tokyo’s growth sustainable and invigorating all of Japan.

The actions we take are not only for the sake of those of us living in the present. Goto Shinpei had a trusted advisor in the American historian Dr. Charles A. Beard. When Goto was leading efforts to reconstruct the imperial capital city of Tokyo, which had burned down following the Great Kanto Earthquake, Dr. Beard advised him in a letter to “build not for today, but for eternity.” We owe our modern-day prosperity to our predecessors who gave serious consideration to the unknown future. And through the Grand Reform of Tokyo—in other words, the great innovation of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government—we will work to ensure a bright future for Tokyo where everyone will shine, even 100 years from now.

Including the matters to which I have already referred, a total of 35 bills, including 13 ordinance bills and 8 proposed contracts, have been presented to this regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly for deliberation among the Assembly members.

This concludes my speech to the Assembly. Thank you.

 

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