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

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

Tokyo Honorable Citizen Kitaura Masako passed away on February 16. I would like to extend my deep condolences to her family. May she rest in peace.

1. Making the turning point in COVID response an opportunity for a counteroffensive

Gratitude for cooperation in COVID-19 response

Last month COVID-19 was downgraded to a Class 5 infectious disease, marking a major turning point in our 1,200 day fight against the virus since the first infection was confirmed in Tokyo. Our unprecedented battle against variants was an ongoing process of trial and error in which we sought ways to protect the lives and health of the people of Tokyo. That we have been able to move on to a new stage is the result of the hard efforts and cooperation of everyone, centering on you, the members of this assembly, as well as the residents and businesses of Tokyo and healthcare professionals. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you all. Meanwhile, however, the virus has not disappeared. Based on the Tokyo model that we have built, we will firmly promote initiatives to ensure that people can continue to feel safe about receiving medical care. To that end, a bill for a supplementary budget of aapproximately 200 billion yen has been submitted to this regular assembly. In Tokyo, cases of measles have occurred for the first time in three years, and syphilis and Mpox, the so-called monkeypox, are also on the rise. Drawing on the knowledge we gained through this difficult experience, we will devote our resources to building a city that does not waver even when confronted by unknown infectious diseases.

Tokyo will drive the post-COVID counteroffensive

Society is now showing a full-fledged restart of activities. In Tokyo, contents that generate vitality are appearing one after another in areas centering on Yaesu, Kabukicho, and the former site of Toshimaen. We see many inbound visitors all over the city. There are also signs of a gradual recovery with, among others, the stock market reaching its highest level in 33 years since the burst of the bubble economy. Japan's growth energizes Tokyo, and Tokyo's growth also energizes Japan. We must not miss the opportunity for Tokyo, the capital of Japan, to drive the post-COVID counteroffensive and nurture these signs of growth into a huge wave. Without turning our eyes away from Japan's various structural challenges, we must identify the roots of the problems and do what needs to be done. With this resolve, we will continue to refine our urban power from all perspectives.

2. Building a safe and secure Tokyo that possesses a sustainable energy base

Indispensable for a counteroffensive is a sustainable energy base as well as safety and security. So that Tokyo’s residents and businesses can fully demonstrate their strengths, we will establish a firm foundation that enables dynamic urban activities.

Taking on the challenge of becoming zero carbon and ensuring energy security

Accelerate the utilization of renewables

Annual global energy investment in photovoltaic power generation is expected to surpass that for oil development this year for the first time in history. Introduction of PV systems will encourage a change in people's mindsets and accelerate the shift to renewable energy. We will collaborate in the research and development of new technologies such as film-type perovskite solar cells and cylindrical solar cells that are expected to expand places where PV systems can be installed. We will also support installation in existing condominiums, home to many of Tokyo's households, to strongly promote its introduction in the metropolis where space is limited. We will not limit our efforts to Tokyo; by also working with other local governments and industry groups that are actively engaged in adopting solar power, we will spread the movement for PV systems across Japan.

In April, a project was launched to use hydrogen trucks for deliveries in Tokyo. The realization of a hydrogen society will determine the course of decarbonization. Concrete technological development of a model for district heating using green hydrogen has been initiated with a research institute and other organizations for promotion in the waterfront area. We have also signed an agreement with Kawasaki City and Ota-ku to strengthen cooperation in building a supply system, including pipelines, to support future demand. In addition to such initiatives, yesterday we made an urgent request to the central government for the prompt release of a specific roadmap for expanding the use of hydrogen. The public and private sectors will work solidly together in realizing society’s early adoption of hydrogen, while also taking into account the national government's just revised basic strategy for hydrogen.

Indispensable for a stable supply of renewable electricity, including solar and hydrogen power, are storage batteries. It is no exaggeration to say that batteries are key infrastructure supporting a carbon-neutral society. Batteries that are directly connected to the power grid—we are now in the process of selecting a manager for a new 5 billion yen public-private partnership fund to promote the use of such grid-scale batteries. In this way, we will also use the power of finance to ensure the shift to clean energy.

Boosting the popularity of ZEVs

In order to provide a further boost to the spread of ZEVs, we will increase opportunities for people to actually experience the appeal of these vehicles, which contribute to decarbonization. We have launched a new EV motorbike sharing service to make them more easily accessible. We will progressively expand the number of locations where these motorbikes are made available to broaden their use as a convenient form of mobility. Moreover, we will roll out a strategic PR campaign called TOKYO ZEV ACTION. By having many people see, touch, and ride ZEVs, we will have these vehicles penetrate all corners of society as the next generation mode of transportation.

Leading energy policy

At the G7 Smmit held in Hiroshima, with the pressing urgency of the climate crisis in mind, it was agreed that countries will further advance efforts for carbon neutrality and energy security. As a major consumer of electricity, what can Tokyo do and what kind of roadmap should we draw up to guide our actions? While receiving opinions from a comprehensive perspective at the newly established Tokyo Metropolitan Government Energy Issues Advisory Board we will strategically implement energy policies. At the same time, we will establish the "Expert Board for Renewable Energy Implementation （working name）" to provide us with technical and expert advice as we accelerate social implementation and promote the shift to renewable energy as an energy mainstay and the utilization of biomass and other renewable resources.

Leveraging these two expert boards that support "strategy" and "implementation," we will lead the way in building an energy infrastructure that is stable and friendly to the environment.

Creating a city that is resilient and where people can feel safe

Protecting the lives and livelihoods of the residents of Tokyo. This concept has never been forgotten no matter the situation. We will build a resilient city that does not waver even in harsh times when a myriad of risks confront us.

Shoring up preparations for natural disasters

Starting with the major earthquake that struck the Noto area of Ishikawa Prefecture last month, big earthquakes have been occurring one after another in Tokyo, Chiba, and other parts of the country. This year marks the centennial of the Great Kanto Earthquake. We must take this opportunity to once again raise the disaster awareness of each of our residents. Intensive efforts will be taken including an international event on fire and safety to be held next week, and a symposium to learn from earthquake experiences in August. We will spread awareness on the importance of being prepared to help yourself and each other, while also introducing topics that are relevant to the realities of Tokyo, such as strengthening the disaster preparedness of condominiums, which is an issue that cannot be ignored.

In addition, last weekend's Typhoon Mawar caused linear precipitation systems to form successively, with Tokyo also experiencing its heaviest rainfall on record for June. We will protect lives from increasingly severe wind and flood damage by taking measures that include using higher ground in the city. As we approach the flood season, we have enabled elevated sections of expressways to be temporarily used as last resort evacuation areas in the event of major flooding. We will strengthen preparedness in cooperation with the five special wards in the low-lying area of eastern Tokyo and related organizations to ensure personal safety.

The risk situation is constantly changing, including not only the looming threat of earthquakes and wind and flood damage, but also volcanic eruptions and large-scale communication failures. Even amid such circumstances, we will proceed toward our unwavering vision for a safe and secure future Tokyo, with the TOKYO Resilience Project, formulated at the end of last year, serving to guide us on this path. To that end, we will upgrade the contents of the project by the end of this fiscal year with Tokyo's "self-support, mutual support, and public support” as its rock-solid foundation.

Preparing for missiles

In addition to natural disasters, we must also face the fact that the successive missile launches are threats that pose real risks. We have already secured 4,017 temporary evacuation facilities to protect the citizens of Tokyo from blasts and other damage. We will continue to strategically designate facilities for such emergency use while taking matters such as local features and the distribution of facilities into account, and will also conduct technical studies to make evacuation facilities safer. “Always be prepared”—this is how risk management should be. We will be sure to protect the lives of Tokyo’s residents by assuming that any kind of risk could occur.

Protecting our residents from dangers lurking within reach

Recently, "dark part-time job robberies” suspected of being related to special fraud groups have been occurring over a wide area. Some have been revealed to be cases where young people were easily recruited through social media to commit such crimes. In order to prevent damage and new perpetrators from being born, the government and related organizations will work together and implement measures such as bolstering efforts in cyberspace and conducting educational activities for young people.

In Tokyo, about 1,800 arrests are made each year for sexual predatory behavior and non-consensual photography and filming, making stronger countermeasures imperative. A Tokyo metropolitan government-wide project team has already launched efforts to eliminate such predatory behavior. We will be conducting our first large-scale survey on the situation, and will work even more closely with private businesses and other organizations for highly effective response.

3. Drawing out Tokyo’s potential and strengthening our global competitiveness 

Next, I wish to speak about powering up our city to emerge victorious in the competitive global environment. We will draw out Tokyo’s potential and strategically invest in the future to bring about new growth.

Fully supporting challengers driving innovation

We will move forward with building Tokyo Innovation Base, a place for startups to gather and drive innovation. It is crucial for us to take swift action and provide many diverse layers of support. First, we will use part of a facility in the Yurakucho district and begin preparations for the base’s pre-opening in autumn. While gradually enhancing services and expanding our circle of collaborators, we will grow the base into a large platform for startup support. Additionally, we will call for the cooperation of municipalities to greatly expand the scope of field trials occurring under the King Salmon Project, which supports the growth of startups through facilitating collaborative field projects in metropolitan services. Moreover, by generating more exchange opportunities with startups, we will raise enthusiasm among local government officials for public-private partnerships and give rise to a string of model initiatives.

Further promoting SusHi Tech Tokyo

Tokyo has many qualities that incentivize challengers and is undertaking many efforts to support their endeavors. Continuing to convey these under the banner of “SusHi Tech Tokyo” will significantly increase the global magnetism of our city. This summer, in the same building as the startup base I just mentioned, we will also open a center where people can experience cutting-edge digital technologies. Additionally, we will proactively market Tokyo abroad in real and virtual ways, such as through promoting digital content introducing the appeal of our diverse industries and the rich history and culture of Tokyo dating back to the Edo period. And next May, startups and city leaders will once again gather from across the world with great expectations and be taken across time by encountering visions for future cities at Sushi Tech Tokyo 2024. As we move forward, promoting Tokyo’s strengths and potential under a single cohesive brand will further impress our city’s exceptional value on global society.

Laying groundwork for the digital transformation of all of Tokyo

We have rapidly advanced digital transformation (DX), which has caused the flow of work at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to dramatically evolve over the past four years. Now, our focus will shift from the DX of metropolitan services to the DX of all of Tokyo, going beyond the TMG to accelerate collaboration with municipalities. Our goal is to become one of the world’s most digitally advanced cities. Preparations to establish “GovTech Tokyo” as the driving force behind our DX efforts are being made in collaboration with individuals at the forefront of the public and private sectors who have been appointed as its directors. To coincide with the organization’s September launch, we will release our vision for Tokyo and harness the synergy between the policymaking power of the TMG and the technical prowess of GovTech Tokyo to transform Tokyo into a city that everyone will feel has become better through digitalization. Recently, generative AI programs such as ChatGPT have garnered global attention. While evaluating the benefits and risks of these programs, we will study safe and efficient ways of implementing them and establish usage guidelines so that we may leverage this revolutionary technology to further improve metropolitan services.

Enhancing the functionality of the Port of Tokyo

In the global economy where goods are transported across oceans, international competition in maritime logistics is also intensifying. At the Port of Tokyo, which sees more shipping container traffic than any other port in Japan, we will promote DX through the use of AI and other technologies to significantly improve productivity and disaster resilience. Additionally, there is a need to enhance port functionality through strategic measures that look to the future, such as upgrading wharfs and advancing decarbonization through the use of hydrogen. This fiscal year, we will formulate a new port and harbor plan outlining such measures to realize a Port of Tokyo that is chosen by the world.

 4. Laying the foundation for an even more mature city

Tokyo’s strengths are not limited to its wealth of cutting-edge technologies and concentration of advanced urban functions. We will leverage Tokyo’s diverse features, including the water and greenery within the city, and the rich nature of the Tama area and Tokyo Islands, to refine our attractiveness as a mature city.

Toward a sustainable city that coexists with rich nature

Human activity is resulting in the loss of biodiversity and other negative impacts, putting our lives and livelihoods at risk. This is also evidenced by the growing severity of the climate crisis. We recently formulated a new strategy that aims to realize a prosperous society that coexists with nature. Tokyo has just come forward as a candidate city for the 2024 Mountain Day national event, which will serve as an excellent opportunity to showcase Tokyo’s stance and promote understanding. We will strive to protect and increase the verdant natural environment, as well as achieve sustainable use. And, as one of the world’s great metropolises, we will firmly contribute to the goal of the international community to put biodiversity on a path to recovery.

Urban development for a city filled with peace and calm where “people” are the main actors

Under the clear blue skies of Golden Week, it was wonderful to have many people come to the Ginza Sky Walk event to experience what the pedestrian-centered sky corridor, to be created on the Tokyo Expressway (KK Route) that runs through the upscale area of Ginza, will be like. This type of urban development that makes “people” the main actors is a new addition to Tokyo’s appeal. Along the Sumida River where visitors can enjoy wide open waterfront spaces, through the designation of eight hubs to generate local vitality, as well as the addition of ramps and lighting along the river esplanades, we will create walkable spaces and connect the hubs located on both sides of the river.

One hundred fifty years have passed since the establishment of the urban parks system. Changing times require that the role played by parks change as well. We will fully leverage our experience hosting the Tokyo 2020 Games under the “Unity in Diversity” theme to create open parks that anyone can casually visit and enjoy, hence, contributing to a better quality of life for Tokyo residents. Taking the opportunity presented by this turning point, we will paint a picture of metropolitan parks that have evolved to meet the needs of the coming era. At Hibiya Park, construction to enhance barrier-free accessibility will finally begin. In addition, work to seamlessly connect and integrate the park with the surrounding area, including removal of the fences and walls that surround it, will be advanced in phases. While cherishing the trees in the park, we will further refine this verdant space for relaxation to generate new appeal. We will preserve the history and culture of this park long beloved by the people of Tokyo for future generations and create a city filled with peace and calm.

To the captivating Tama area and Tokyo Islands

Next, I will speak about the Tama area and Tokyo Islands. We recently clarified our basic approach to an urban development strategy for the Tama area that takes into consideration development of the transportation infrastructure. Coincidentally, this year marks the 130th anniversary of the Tama area being placed under the administration of Tokyo. We will work with the municipalities to strongly promote the appeal of the many different faces and distinctive personalities of communities of each area to create many fans.

This month, a cruise ship registered overseas is scheduled to make a port call at Oshima Island. With breathtaking scenery and rare natural environments, the diverse and colorful charms of Tokyo’s treasure islands are garnering much attention from abroad. The recovery of inbound tourism will serve as a catalyst for the revitalization of the area. We must not let this opportunity pass us by. We will develop strategic methods to promote the area, as well as further raise our level of omotenashi (Japanese-style hospitality), including raising the quality of service and developing hands-on experiences featuring activities that focus on nature and culture, leading to the creation of repeat visitors.

The more people who work together to build excitement for the Tama area and Tokyo islands, the more these areas will shine. Through a newly established portal site, we will provide a range of detailed information on matters such as housing, jobs, and various support schemes, and create an environment so that those who are interested in living in these areas can do so with peace of mind.

 5. Creating a Tokyo full of hope where each and every individual shines in their own way

Throughout history, it has always been the vitality of each and every person who shines in their own way that has opened up the future. To build a society brimming with diversity where anyone can pursue their dreams and happiness, we will roll out measures that allow people to shine.

For a society that makes it easier to have and raise children

We will support those who wish to get married and have children. That is why the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will create enjoyable opportunities for people to interact with one another. We will also work to improve the functionality of an AI matching app to have it become a tool that anyone can feel safe using, by first releasing it on trial basis to a limited number of users. We will strengthen collaboration with companies and various actors to enable those who are interested in marriage to take the first step with ease.

We will also enhance support for those raising children. We will promote the creation of an environment that will make it possible for parents and guardians to go out with their children without worry, including the establishment of nursing rooms and stroller rental facilities at Toei subway stations. Liquid baby formula, a convenient option for families on the go because it does not require hot water and is ready for immediate consumption, will also be made available for purchase.

A perspective that is critical to realizing a sustainable Tokyo filled with diversity is the empowerment of women. Last week, I led a conference attended by business leaders and others at which the topic of female role models was discussed and best practices were shared. Furthermore, at the same time as the G7 Ministerial Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, this month, I will join other women active on the frontlines of business and government, including mayors, governors, and business leaders, to discuss measures to revitalize local communities and the economy. It is also necessary to change the mindset of children who are our future. As awareness shifts, behavior changes within society, transforming society itself. To ensure that our children’s dreams and potential are not limited by unconscious gender bias, we will also partner with companies to provide opportunities for learning and awareness.

Making Tokyo a city that puts children first to draw out their limitless potential

To bring out the limitless potential of children and equip them with the skills they need to forge their future, we will continue to support development and learning from a children-first standpoint.

Support for early childhood development

Early childhood is considered a critical time because the foundation for character formation is established during this period through “exploration” that is born out of everyday play. We will ensure that children are provided with high-quality experiences that stimulate curiosity regardless of the differences in the environment where a child is placed, be it a kindergarten or daycare center. With the cooperation of The University of Tokyo’s Center for Early Childhood Development, Education, and Policy Research (CEDEP), first by working with several municipalities to implement strategies at facilities, we will formulate a program to support childhood development. Next fiscal year, we will expand the program throughout Tokyo to support the growth of each and every child.

Creation of diverse opportunities for learning

In recent years, we have seen absenteeism continue to rise. It is my hope that these children who suffer in pain because they are unable to adjust to school life will be able to nurture their individuality and strengths to blossom in life. It is important that we think beyond the existing school model and create diverse opportunities for learning. We will study best practices implemented in Japan and abroad, and Tokyo’s alternative schools, known as “free schools.” And, while referring to opinions newly obtained from experts, we will prepare an environment that enables children to develop by being true to themselves.

Expanding possibilities for children by helping them acquire solid English language skills

In today’s global society, the importance of having a good command of the English language is growing. I want children to know the joy of connecting with the world. We will greatly expand access to online lessons that offer students the opportunity to learn real English as spoken by native speakers to all metropolitan high schools. We will also update our MOU with the City of Paris to further promote international exchange. Furthermore, by administering the English speaking test to first- and second-year junior high school students as well, it will become possible for teachers and students to gauge the level of learning achieved while furthering their studies. By improving practical communication skills, we will greatly expand possibilities for children.

Delivering hopes and dreams through sports

The dynamic sight of athletes who have sacrificed everything for that day, that time, that moment has the power to give courage and vitality to people. This October, the very first WBSC U-15 Women’s Softball World Cup will be held here in Tokyo. Through the intense competition shown by the athletes, we aim to deliver hopes and dreams to children in the same age group. To that end, we will work with relevant organizations to lead the tournament to success.

In preparation for the 2025 Deaflympics, the organizing committee has been launched and full-fledged preparations are advancing at a rapid pace. We will make this an event that not only the deaf athletes, but also other deaf people and the younger generations, who are our future, can call their own. The creation of the emblem has also begun with such wishes in mind. Taking the wonderful opportunity presented by the competition, we will work to further promote understanding related to diversity.

Realizing an inclusive society where everyone can lead vibrant lives

Our efforts to build an inclusive city advanced as a result of the Tokyo 2020 Games. We will further promote these efforts and will continue to do all that we can to realize an inclusive society where everyone can lead vibrant lives.

With respect to the Partnership Oath System that we launched last November, there is no question that the circle of support for the initiative is growing. Improvements must not stop with government services; we must have this lead to the alleviation of various difficulties experienced by sexual minorities within society. We will strengthen collaboration with economic organizations and visit companies to launch new types of detailed support aimed at promoting understanding with regard to sexual minorities, among other efforts.

Social firms facilitate the participation of those who have difficulty finding and sustaining employment, including the disabled, in line with their individual characteristics and abilities. And, the number of certified social firms is steadily increasing. To have this trend contribute to even greater momentum, we will hold a kickoff event at Tokyo International Forum this month to raise awareness. We will use this occasion to develop initiatives both for those who work and for businesses to ensure that the desire to be independent is supported by society as a whole.

Our society continues to age. And, we have no other choice but to squarely confront this situation. As the working age population decreases, issues such as securing adequate human resources for nursing care and the higher cost of social security are becoming more serious. We will support the use of digital technology as a tool to monitor physical condition and detect illnesses in order to promote health. Taking into consideration the increasing number of senior citizens living alone, we will also support municipalities that promote the establishment of places where seniors can connect to the community. While continuing to study issues from a broad perspective, we will formulate the next Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Welfare Plan for Senior Citizens, seeking to ensure that seniors can continue to lead vibrant and active lives in the communities they are familiar with.

6. In conclusion

 

Global society evolves at an extremely rapid pace and in extremely complex ways. Japan currently faces a declining birth rate and a graying, shrinking population. Merely seeking conventional solutions and fighting over pieces of the domestic pie only serve to undermine our global competitiveness. Instead, what we must do now is turn to the global market of eight billion people and pursue surefire strategies to expand the size of our pie. That means we should earnestly endeavor to structurally transform our industries, our economy, and our society, and join hands with local governments across the country to restore vitality to Japan.

To accomplish this, it is important for us to first hone our own strengths and potential as the capital of Japan and boost our international presence as a global city. We will encourage greater movement and interaction of people across borders, attract new investment, and accelerate our city’s growth and maturity. It is precisely now at the start of the post-COVID era that these dynamic efforts will propel us toward expanding as a sustainable city and achieving a sustainable recovery. Together, let’s take swift, bold action as challengers seeking a bright future for the 14 million residents of Tokyo and for our country.

Including the matters to which I have already referred, a total of 53 bills, including 1 budget bill and 21 ordinance bills, 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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