Government

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

February.15.2023

Tokyo Metropolitan Government

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

1. Foreword

The recent occurrence of a major earthquake with its epicenter in southeastern Turkey has caused tremendous damage. I would like to express my deepest condolences to those who lost their loved ones and extend my heartfelt sympathy to all those affected. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government immediately dispatched personnel from the Metropolitan Police Department and the Tokyo Fire Department as part of the Japan Disaster Relief Rescue Team. We will continue to provide necessary support that matches the needs there.

This year marks the centennial of the Great Kanto Earthquake, which claimed many precious lives. The framework supporting Tokyo today, such as its streets, bridges, and rivers, was built after the earthquake based on the Imperial Capital Reconstruction Plan by Goto Shinpei, who also served as the seventh mayor of Tokyo. In this age we live in as well, we need an unwavering commitment to protecting the lives of the people of Tokyo, and a strategy that takes a hard look at the future. Building upon the foundation that our predecessors established, we will make Tokyo even more abundant and radiant.

Climate change, infectious diseases, energy insecurity—we are also facing a mountain of global-scale problems. Now is the time for the world to gather its wisdom and spur each other on to address these challenges. Turning our eyes to the situation in our country, we are confronted by the harsh reality of a declining birthrate. In any age, it is "people" who pave the way to the future. The declining birthrate is undeniably a national issue associated with the very existence of our country. That is why Tokyo, the capital of Japan, must take the leadership for a rethinking of the situation. We will surge ahead with the Grand Reform of Tokyo for a bright future that achieves a balance between maturity and ongoing growth、and where everyone can thrive.

Compiled with this in mind, the FY2023 budget proposal focuses on policies that take the perspective of the citizens of Tokyo, such as investment in children, safety and security, and leaving a beautiful planet for the future, and is requesting 8.041 trillion yen, the most ever for an initial general account budget. While boldly allocating finances for "investment in the future," such as 1.6 trillion yen—200 billion yen more than the previous fiscal year—for measures to halt the declining birthrate, a thorough review of projects has also been conducted, securing 114.1 billion yen in finances. In addition, three new funds were created in the final supplementary budget proposal. While maintaining the soundness of finances, we will implement strategic measures from a medium- to long-term perspectives.

Last month, we upgraded Future Tokyo: Tokyo’s Long-Term Strategy, which serves as a compass for Tokyo’s policies. While confronting the harsh realities of our country head-on, we will thoroughly consider what Tokyo should do now and what Tokyo can do, and refine our policies with our future vision firmly in mind. We will also aim for even higher levels of structural reform of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which will spur on our strategies. The keywords are open and flat. We will accelerate our steps toward a digital government and also incorporate new ideas from outside the government. By further boosting the activities of the TMG organization, we will further enhance the quality of services provided.

We will also strengthen the organizational structure that supports the TMG to allow more accurate response to changes in society and the needs of our residents. In order to protect the lives and wellbeing of the citizens of Tokyo, and to ensure the robustness of welfare, public health, and healthcare services into the future, we will abolish the Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health, separating social welfare and public health with the establishment of two new bureaus. We will also newly establish the Office for Startup and Global Financial City Strategy. These new organizations will take the lead for Tokyo’s growth and finding solutions to social issues. Through the seamless integration of the budget, strategy, and organization, we will promote the grand reform of Tokyo at top speed.

 2. Creating a society that puts children first

Next, I would like to speak about our main policies.

The number of children, who are our future, continues to decline. Our country needs to seriously consider the perspectives of each and every person who wants to have a child. We must make it possible for people to realize the universally held desires of achieving self-fulfillment and engaging in the pursuit of happiness. With such resolve, we have decided to provide all households with children from birth up to the age of eighteen with a continuous monthly allowance of 5,000 yen per child, regardless of the parent or guardian’s income. This will convey the message that Tokyo is serious about supporting the desire to have children. In addition to making childcare for second-born children free of charge through the age of two and advancing preparations to make tuition at Tokyo Metropolitan University effectively free of charge, among other efforts, we will work to reduce the financial burden associated with raising children.

The declining birth rate issue has always been a complicated one. One step alone will not solve all of the complexly intertwined issues involved. That is why, since becoming governor, I have taken the initiative to provide seamless support for every stage of this process from meeting a life partner and marriage, to pregnancy, childbirth and ensuring the healthy growth and development of children, including implementing measures to eliminate waiting lists for child daycare. I will not let up on these efforts and will work to further expand and enhance measures.

One cause said to be contributing to the declining birthrate is the growing number of people choosing not to get married or choosing to marry later in life. From the time I was a member of the Diet, I have been devoting efforts to activities aimed at helping people to find marriage partners. At the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, I have also worked to build momentum for such activities. Through efforts such as creating matchmaking events that utilize metropolitan government-owned facilities starting next fiscal year and ensuring housing stability for those about to embark on married life, we will firmly support those attempting to take the first step in this process.

The experience of raising a child will certainly provide sustenance and motivation to parents in various settings of life, including their career. Parents should not have to choose between raising a child and having a career. We must transform society so that people can shine in both areas. Therefore, we will ensure that a mindset that recognizes the importance of and generates respect for “the job of parenting” permeates throughout society. This includes supporting companies working to create an environment that enables as many men as possible to play an active role in the “the job of parenting.”

And, as the participation of women in society continues to advance, interest related to the freezing and storing of unfertilized eggs by healthy women for future use is growing. With an eye to providing full-scale support for social egg freezing in the future, we will launch programs such as support for the cost of egg freezing for those who participate in a Tokyo Metropolitan Government study. I hope that women will take advantage of such programs to expand the options available to them as they map out their life plan, enabling them to live their best life.

We will support all people in their efforts to achieve a fulfilling life, because this is an investment in the future of Tokyo itself.

It is our responsibility to create an environment now that will allow children to grow up carefree and nurture their own abilities. The “Children’s Future Action” plan that we compiled last month is filled with policies for children from the perspective of children. With a sense of urgency, we will shift to implementing these policies and build a society that puts children first.

For the smiles of children

It is vital for children, who are full of curiosity, to have as many opportunities as possible to learn and have various types of experiences from early in their development. We will establish a system to have children accepted at facilities such as daycare centers on a regular basis, regardless of the employment status of the parent or guardian, to facilitate their sound development through interaction with others. Additionally, we will develop a high-quality program to encourage learning that transcends the boundaries between daycare centers, kindergartens, and other facilities to enhance opportunities for children to have diverse and rich experiences related to nature, the arts, and other fields. Through play, children interact with each other and acquire essential real world skills. We will prepare an environment that generates smiles among children, including supporting municipalities that work to create opportunities for play utilizing local resources while incorporating the opinions of children.

For the sound development of all children

We will implement individually tailored support to ensure the sound development of all children.

First, concerning the issue of child abuse, which is becoming increasingly serious, we will establish three new child guidance offices in the Tama area and work to fundamentally reorganize and strengthen systems. In addition, by securing human resources, such as child welfare officers, and enhancing human resource development, and strengthening collaboration with municipalities through the establishment of satellite offices and other efforts, we will also ensure seamless handling of incidents requiring an immediate response.

For Children with Medical Complexity, we will extend support to facilities that expand capacity for the acceptance of children, as well as work to increase the number of facilities that will admit children for short-term stays, including encouraging corporations to enter this field to create and operate new facilities. Along with the TMG’s own support for the activities of coordinators that ensure the smooth arrangement of various types of assistance, we will also firmly cultivate human resources to take on the responsibility of supporting those in need of care, including enhancing practical training for visiting nurses.

And for children exhibiting absenteeism, the number of which is consistently on the rise, not only is it necessary to implement preventative efforts, but also to secure various educational opportunities to develop their potential. We will assign support staff to designated classrooms in schools to guide the studies of children, and expand the circle of initiatives to create virtual places online where children feel like they belong. Furthermore, through conducting a study, we will thoroughly examine issues and the environment surrounding children who attend alternative schools called free schools and other institutions and have this information contribute to the formulation of effective measures in the future.

Now, I will move on to efforts to foster the skills needed to be successful in a global environment. In today’s society, now more than ever, it is necessary to have a good command of the international language of English and engage in exchange that transcends national borders. We will fundamentally strengthen measures so that when people think of Tokyo, they automatically associate it with English, and the city is widely known for its ability to communicate in English.

First, at elementary schools, by having native Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) present at schools all day, every day of the week, opportunities will be created for children to have intensive exposure to real English during the course of their daily school life. We will also expand the grade levels that an English speaking test will be administered to. Expanding the test to include first and second year junior high school students will lead to greater motivation to learn as students advance with each grade level. In addition, we will hold an English presentation contest for high school students which will help students to polish not only their speaking skills, but also their ability to capture the hearts of the audience through rich forms of expression. I also hope that students will utilize the overnight stay program to be provided by Tokyo Global Gateway, our facility for English language learning in Aomi, which will enable them to be totally immersed in English, to acquire solid language skills.

In addition, with the introduction of a fall admissions system for the Faculty of Science at Tokyo Metropolitan University, new students will first be welcomed under this system from October 2024. In an educational environment that is aligned with global standards, we will enable students to cultivate the skills necessary to compete on the world stage through friendly competition with outstanding international students.

 3. A city where each individual takes center stage to demonstrate the full power of people

We will build a society where each individual takes center stage. This includes not just children, but everyone, regardless of age, gender, or whether or not they have a disability.

We want all women to be able to fully demonstrate their abilities and shine in their own way. To achieve this, Tokyo must continue to change. For example, I believe that society's awareness of health issues unique to women is still insufficient. In addition to promoting understanding within companies to create a comfortable work environment, we will also nurture the budding growth of FemTech for technology-based solutions to such problems. In addition, in order to overcome various barriers to women's empowerment, such as the so-called "salary barrier" and the "glass ceiling," a newly established expert panel will hold fundamental discussions that start from the social structure, for a dramatic strengthening of measures. We will also significantly strengthen the TMG’s organization to promote these measures so that we can support women to shine in various settings, including large company workplaces.

Respecting each other's differences and building a society full of diversity where everyone can play an active role. With this in mind, Tokyo was the first local government in Japan to establish a system based on an ordinance for the spread of social firms, which are creating employment for many people with disabilities. Society as a whole must firmly support those who wish to live independently, but, for various reasons, face difficulties in finding employment. Some people with developmental disabilities, for example, possess exceptional concentration and analytical skills. Such diverse characteristics will be respected and significantly demonstrated in fields such as IT, where they can contribute to innovations. Known as neurodiversity, we will enlarge this trend, and through trial employment and other opportunities, expand places where people with disabilities can play active role.

It will be essential to advance the creation of social infrastructure to become a mature city where the elderly can lead vibrant lives.

We will promote the introduction of "scientific long-term care," such as by supporting businesses that provide effective care based on objective data on matters such as physical functions, and promote DX at long-term care facilities to realize a comfortable work environment, and will have such efforts also lead to the securing of long-term care personnel. The elderly can also make their own lives more convenient and comfortable by making better use of digital tools. We will provide detailed support for senior citizens who are uncomfortable with smartphones by establishing easily accessible places where they can casually consult and interact with smartphone supporters recruited from among the residents of Tokyo.

Securing housing is also a prerequisite for an abundant life. We will upgrade the support measures of the housing safety-net system, Tokyo Sasaeru, and promote the development of an environment for rental housing that elderly people and others who need consideration can feel safe using.

Improved systems for health care is essential for people to lead healthy lives and age in place. In response to cardiovascular disease, which is the largest cause for requiring long-term care, new “heart failure support” hospitals will be established to strengthen the system of cooperation between medical and long-term care in the community. In addition, we will firmly respond to the increasing need for home medical care such as by building online consultation systems and 24-hour consultation systems, while deepening cooperation between family doctors and medical institutions making home visits.

Through the power of sports, we will build an environment where everyone can shine. With the opening of the Tokyo Aquatics Centre this April, all of the new permanent facilities that were built on the occasion of the Tokyo 2020 Games will be open for business operations. Next month, the Para Sports Training Center will open in the Ajinomoto Stadium as a base for improving Para sports competitiveness. By leveraging the diverse and distinguishing features of each of the facilities, we will create an abundant society in which sports are an integral part of everyday life. It also goes without saying that we will take the opportunity of hosting the World Championships in Athletics and the Deaflympics in 2025 to ensure an even more inclusive society. We will build a city that is friendly to everyone through various efforts, including fostering human resources who can communicate through sign language, enhancing education for understanding disabilities, and, moreover, the diffusion of new communication technologies that utilize digital technology.

A former executive of the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee was arrested the other day concerning an operations contract ordered by the Organising Committee. It is truly regrettable that such an incident has arisen. We have informed the liquidation corporation for the Organising Committee to continue cooperating fully with the investigation. At the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, we are already conducting an investigation, mainly by outside experts, into the governance and management of the Organising Committee. As I have said many times before, there is nothing more important in hosting an international competition than gaining the trust of the people of Tokyo and Japan. For the events in 2025, while also following the guidelines for Tokyo's involvement that were formulated at the end of last year, we will advance preparations to ensure their transparency and fairness.

 4. The foundation for all activities: a safe and sustainable city

Next is safety and security, the foundation of all our activities. We will ensure that the policies we have developed with the future in mind are implemented without fail to realize a sustainable city that is unshakable at any and all times.

First, I would like to speak about our COVID-19 response. Three years have passed in this fight we waged against this invisible enemy together with the citizens, businesses and health care professionals of Tokyo. The "Tokyo Model," which has also been highly evaluated by foreign experts, is truly the fruit of everyone’s efforts. Once again, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for all the cooperation we have received.

The national government recently announced its policy to change the categorization of COVID-19 to "Class 5," the same class as seasonal influenza, effective from May 8. It is of utmost importance that the transition to this new stage does not cause confusion among Tokyo residents or at hospitals. We have once again requested the national government to present a specific policy for a phased transition that sufficiently considers the views of those working in the field.

The TMG will continue to firmly protect high-risk individuals and maintain a system that can respond agilely in the event of a resurgence of the virus. Moreover, we will support medical institutions that are not currently accepting COVID patients and build a foundation for coexistence with COVID. We will promote measures from these three perspectives. At this regular assembly, we are also proposing a supplementary budget for the expenditures required to implement these measures.

I ask the residents and businesses of Tokyo to continue taking basic steps to prevent infection, such as airing out rooms, avoiding the three Cs, and hand washing. Based on the national government’s policy on the wearing of masks, the TMG will also respect the independent decisions of individuals. We will inform the public in an easy-to-understand manner about situations in which wearing a mask would be effective in protecting those at high risk of becoming seriously ill, and will encourage the wearing of masks in such situations. With the lives and health of Tokyo residents as our highest priority, we will ensure a sustainable recovery and a Tokyo full of vibrancy. Your continued support and cooperation shall be highly appreciated.

We will also secure the safety and security of Tokyo residents for the next 100 years. With these strong aspirations and determination, we will move forward with the "Tokyo Resilience Project.” The scale of this project over the next 10 years is estimated at 6 trillion yen. While also using a fund to be newly established, we will advance initiatives continuously and with a sense of urgency.

Promoting urban development for a city that does not “collapse or burn, and protects lives”

First, earthquake countermeasures. It is estimated that there is a 70 percent possibility of a major earthquake directly striking the National Capital Region within the next 30 years. Based on the results of the damage estimates released last year, we are shoring up measures to always be prepared. Our efforts to date have led to the earthquake resistance of about 90 percent of residences. In order to further mitigate damage, we will encourage the seismic retrofitting of some 200,000 wooden houses built before 2000, which have relatively low earthquake resistance. Based on my own experience in the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, the removal of utility poles will also be urgently promoted. Metropolitan roads in the central core area are already nearly completely free of utility poles, and in the next fiscal year, we will strengthen our efforts to remove them from private roads in areas where wooden houses are set closely together and in private housing developments. In the islands, we will strive to shorten the construction period by taking approaches that consider the area’s features, and accelerate the complete removal of utility poles on the islands of Toshima and Mikurijima, the first islands undergoing this initiative. We will also speed up the fire resistance of areas with closely set wooden houses, build disaster management boats that will enable water transport in the event of a disaster, and other measures to promote urban development for a city that does not “collapse or burn, and protects lives.”

Shore up preparations against storms and flooding

Due to the impacts of climate change, heavy rainfall disasters of scales said to strike only once every several decades, are occurring in many parts of the world. Urgent preparations are critical. To that end, in order to accelerate the building of regulating reservoirs capable of holding a total of about 1.5 million cubic meters, we have decided to move up the target dates for the launch of new projects from the original FY2030, beginning with the launch of the Senkawa No. 1 Regulating Reservoir (working name) project in the next fiscal year. In addition, in consideration of rising sea levels and other future changes, we will raise the height of seawalls in stages, and will also provide support for flooding and earthquake measures for municipal sewer systems. While also looking at new systems to promote the construction of high-spec levees, in order to accelerate developments to raise the ground height of the eastern low-lying area, we will steadily shore up preparations through efforts including working with the national government to study highly effective approaches.

Heightening awareness of disaster preparedness among Tokyo residents

Self-support, mutual support, and public support—only when these three function together can we fully demonstrate Tokyo's true resilience. Leveraging the centennial of the Great Kanto Earthquake, we will create a movement to raise the disaster preparedness awareness of each and every Tokyo citizen. First, we will take this opportunity to completely renew the manuals, “Disaster Preparedness Tokyo (Tokyo Bosai)” which is well known among Tokyo residents, and the "Disaster Readiness Guide (Tokyo Kurashi Bousai)” which incorporates women's perspectives. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will support neighborhood associations, which play a key role in local disaster preparedness, by encouraging them to conduct self-inspections and providing support for any shortfalls in their preparations. Along with this, working together with resident association federations, we will distribute smart circuit breakers for free to households in areas with a dense concentration of wooden houses. These shut off power when detecting shaking and are effective in preventing fires from breaking out in the event of an earthquake. In addition, we will enhance the equipment and materials essential for the activities of volunteer fire corps, and based on visits to disaster-stricken areas, promote their effective training to improve community disaster preparedness. Furthermore, in order to protect the citizens of Tokyo from the growing threat of missile attacks, we will clarify the risks and conduct technical studies on matter such as the requirements and equipment needed for shelters.

Next, measures for a carbon neutral society, an area of fierce competition in the world. Through the implementation of pioneering measures, Tokyo will strive to strike a balance between averting the climate crisis and ensuring energy security, for the realization of a sustainable city.

Preparation for enforcement of the amended Environmental Security Ordinance

The first system in Japan to require major home builders and suppliers to install solar panels in newly built small and medium-sized buildings will begin from April 2025. What we do over the two years leading up to the start of this new system will determine how well this system operates. Interest in housing that is friendly to both the household budget and the planet is on the increase, albeit due partially to the soaring prices of energy. We will take this as an opportunity to accelerate Tokyo’s green shift, and foster understanding and support among Tokyo residents and businesses. In addition to strengthening support for home builders and others who are taking initiatives for the new system, we will take into account the housing situation in Tokyo and support the installation of small and lightweight panels that are also suitable for narrow roofs. We will also build routes to recycle panels used in residences, which must not be overlooked from the perspective of sustainability. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will also “lead by example” by doubling the number of solar panels installed in metropolitan facilities. Power storage and recharging facilities will also be enhanced. The people and businesses of Tokyo and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will form a solid front in accelerating the movement for solar power generation.

Promoting energy savings by SMEs

Next, energy savings. With the term “decarbonization” becoming firmly established in business models, the HTT strategy of “herasu (save), “tsukuru (generate)," and "tameru (store）” electricity becomes an essential strategy for SME growth. We support efforts such as introducing energy management systems that make power consumption visible and renewing air conditioning facilities to highly efficient systems. In addition to supporting these self-efforts to save energy, we will boost emissions trading by SMEs for a reduction of carbon emissions across industries. As the first step, we will support their use of the J-Credit System, a domestic emissions trading scheme, to further promote the decarbonization of SMEs.

To spread the use of ZEVs

Competition to develop EVs is intensifying around the world. We will not fall behind here, and will strongly promote the spread of ZEVs. Taking the opportunity provided by the Formula E race to be held in spring 2024, we will strategically implement events to build momentum and attract the interest of many people who would like to try out ZEVs or are considering switching to ZEVs.

To encourage this, we will increase incentives for purchasing EV vehicles, which can also be used as storage batteries, to stimulate the market. Along with such initiatives, in addition to fundamentally strengthening support for the introduction of recharging facilities, we will be the first in Japan to promote the installation of quick rechargers next to parking meters for street parking on metropolitan roads in the vicinity of Shiba Park and Daikanyama. By accelerating both the popularization of EVs and the development of recharging infrastructure, we will have EVs penetrate society as regular form of mobility.

Realization of a hydrogen society

Hydrogen technology is also important in raising international competitiveness. In particular, green hydrogen, which emits absolutely no carbon from the production stage, is the trump card for realizing a sustainable society. In order to begin production and use of hydrogen in Tokyo as soon as possible, we will not only provide support to business operators, but will also begin work ourselves on developing facilities.

In order to realize a hydrogen society, it would be necessary to not only continue promoting the introduction of hydrogen for mobility, but also expand its introduction from the perspective of urban development. In the Port of Tokyo, for the formation of a carbon neutral port, we will strongly support businesses that are switching to cargo handling equipment that utilize hydrogen energy, and will also start up a leading project in the Oi Pier. In addition, in the Tokyo waterfront subcenter, we will launch the supply of district heating generated by hydrogen boilers using green hydrogen supplied from Yamanashi Prefecture. This will be a first for Japan. And so that demand for hydrogen, which is forecasted to increase through such initiatives, can be properly met, we will proceed with discussions with related local governments on the building of a large-scale hydrogen supply network, including pipelines.

Promotion of sustainable finance

The realization of a decarbonized society will not be possible without the power of finance. During my recent visit to London, I exchanged views with many people involved in finance, and we agreed that it is important to continue revitalizing the investment environment while strengthening our collaboration. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is leading movements for sustainable finance such as by issuing green bonds ahead of other cities in Japan. To further promote this, in the next fiscal year we will accelerate investment in infrastructure for renewable power generation and storage batteries, and also use the strength of a fund to support SMEs in the supply chain in their initiatives to reduce carbon emissions. We will expand trends in financial market for decarbonization, and will link this to becoming a leading global financial center.

 5. Draw out potentials for a Tokyo that attracts the world

We will draw out the potentials of Tokyo, which has many different faces, from that of a world-class business center and a culture overflowing with individuality to a rich natural environment, and realize a city that attracts the world.

It is said that Shibusawa Eiichi, who was involved in the establishment of numerous companies as the "father of Japanese capitalism,” argued that one cannot achieve happiness without a dream. We want to make Tokyo a more abundant and vibrant city by supporting challengers who have dreams. With such thoughts, we will give our full support to challenges taken up by startups, who will be the drivers of new growth. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is serious about this. With the aforementioned Office for Startup and Global Financial City Strategy at the core, support will be provided as a one-team effort at every stage, from raising funds to developing business, with the aim of becoming the most startup-friendly city in the world.

The key is to create a place where challengers can gather. We will thus establish "Tokyo Innovation Base," as a major base for innovation in Tokyo. We will provide one-stop solutions for all kinds of difficulties that come from taking up challenges, and in cooperation with various private support facilities, we will send out startups from Tokyo, one after another.

We will also engage in investments that boldly support challenges and advancements with an eye toward the world. We will solidify the foundation for the growth of startups by not only attracting overseas venture capital and accelerators with excellent business know-how, but also through measures such as establishing a new mechanism to support startups in raising funds in the initial stage of activities. We will also set up a large fund to support startups born from universities and their diverse accumulation of knowledge, to broaden the base of innovation.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will be the first customer to use the excellent services generated in this way. This will boost the credibility of startups, and by also generating open innovation through collaboration, will lead to solutions to various urban issues. In addition to creating a system to facilitate participation in public procurements, we will dramatically expand the stage where startups can perform by increasing opportunities for collaboration in a variety of settings.

We will have the power of digital technology, which generates innovation, penetrate all corners of Tokyo. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, as the flag bearer for this movement, will work with the municipalities, which are responsible for resident services, to promote digitalization of government as an all-Tokyo effort. This will be strongly promoted by GovTech Tokyo, which will serve as a platform for innovation co-created through public-private endeavors. Preparations are underway with the aim of launching services in September this year.

Along with the digital sector, competition is intensifying in green transformation, or GX, which aims for the shift to clean energy to become a breakthrough for growth. The shift of industries to this new field is urgent. We will strongly support SMEs seeking to seize the opportunity by providing assistance for the development of technologies that will promote business transformation, as well as other support such as the formulation of management strategies for GX and the active use of intellectual property.

It is also important to secure human resources that can properly accommodate the transformation of industry structure. We will implement a reskilling project for some 20,000 people, targeting all generations, including women, young people and senior citizens, with expectations that they will be able to fully display their power in growth industries.

Create new tourism

We will create a new Tokyo tourism of a kind never before seen, and increase our city’s magnetism to attract the world. As we take strong steps toward life with COVID, let us strive to have as many people as possible enjoy the splendor of Tokyo.

Holding a key to this is the metaverse. We will have visitors enjoy a variety of content in digitally recreated cityscape and experience a trip to Tokyo that transcends time and space. Or in conjunction with a MICE event in Tokyo, we can create a new virtual venue to introduce the attractions of Tokyo to a large number of participants. In this way, we will increase the number of Tokyo fans in Japan and abroad and attract more tourists.

One of the highest expectations that inbound visitors have for Tokyo is the diverse cuisine available here. We will actively promote Tokyo through food, centering on gastronomy tourism that allows visitors to enjoy ingredients specific to an area. We will strategically leverage Tokyo's strengths such as by also holding fashion events in various parts of the city and establishing a center in Ikebukuro to exhibit anime and manga, which have a strong fan base around the world.

I would also like to make our resplendent nightscapes our new killer content that attracts the world. The key to this is the use of projection mapping, in which Japan leads the world with its advanced technology. We will not only use projection mapping for events, but also expand it to the entire city, including vivid displays in the Nishi-Shinjuku district centering on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and urban redevelopment areas. In addition, new landmarks will be created in a Port of Tokyo marine park, including the installation of a fountain with a fantastic light display.

Further stimulation of the arts and culture

Next is arts and culture, which are essential for leading an abundant life. In addition to actively supporting the performance activities of small and medium-sized arts organizations that have felt the impacts of the pandemic, we will rent out vacant stores and other open spaces in metropolitan housing as places for creative activities and in this way create an environment that will allow Tokyo residents come in contact with art in places easily accessible to them. We will also develop a new support center to assist the sustainable activities of artists. It will support creative activities from various aspects, from seminars on fundraising to consultations on harassment and copyrights. Furthermore, at the "Civic Creative Base Tokyo," a creative base for new forms of expression, unprecedented ways to enjoy art, such as creations leveraging digital technology and the development of events in collaboration with the community, will be presented to further broaden the possibilities of art.

Comfortable and abundant urban development

We will also create people-centered spaces and promote the development of walkable towns that people want to stroll through again and again. One exemplary project is the KK Line. Next month we will formulate the policy for redeveloping this line which runs through prime land in Ginza. It will be an aerial corridor surrounded by greenery. In order to allow as many people as possible to envision its completion, we will be holding a large-scale walking event during the Golden Week holiday period.

Steady progress is also being made in projects to renew metropolitan parks. Work has started on redevelopment of the Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall. While leveraging private sector strength through the Park-PFI system, it will be revived into a concert hall that will continue to be loved by Tokyo residents and artists. In May, Nerima Joshi Park will open as a new metropolitan park. While carrying on the history of Toshimaen, a private-sector amusement park, and other facilities that used to be there, we will create a park loved by everyone, which is full of vibrancy and greenery, and where children can fully enjoy themselves. We will promote the creation of a system to utilize the Sumida River Terrace, a spacious area where the waterfront can be fully enjoyed, as an event plaza, and will also accelerate the revitalization of boat transportation as an easily accessible means of transportation between the city center and waterfront area. These and other urban development projects will be promoted to create comfortable and abundant towns.

 6. To make the Tama and islands areas even more livable and attractive

Next, I would like to talk about Tama and the islands, where possibilities for the future are expanding. This year marks the 130th anniversary of the Tama area coming under the jurisdiction of Tokyo. We will continue to enhance the attractiveness of this area while further deepening cooperation with municipalities. We will take this occasion to further increase the number of fans of Tama and the islands. We will also launch new initiatives to create opportunities for people to interact with the local residents and actually live in the area. Increasing the number of people who are connected to Tama and the islands, and, in turn, the number of people who wish to live there, will become the driving force behind further revitalization of these areas.

The communities of Tama continue to change. Last month, an immersive English learning facility opened in Tachikawa, and the response has been tremendous. Tama's growing appeal will sure to be further accelerated by the ongoing development of its transportation infrastructure, especially with the extension of the Tama Monorail. We will provide full support to the municipalities aiming to create urban development models for new ways of living and working by leveraging the distinguishing features of each station. To further promote the development of such centers, we will newly formulate a "Tama Urban Development Strategy (working name).” Furthermore, a full-scale cycling road race will be held on the course used in the Tokyo 2020 Games. Not only will we make the race safe and enjoyable for all, but we will seize the opportunity of the increased attention toward this area from Japan and abroad to showcase the appeal of Tama to the world.

The Tokyo islands are brimming with many treasures, but I believe that only a very small portion of the islands’ charms are being conveyed to the world. I want to make them shine brighter and let more people know how wonderful they are. I believe that the attraction of the Tokyo islands is being able to enjoy engaging in unique activities, taking in breathtaking views and other outstanding tourism resources, all in a location just a short distance from the city. Through means such as attracting high-quality lodging facilities or promoting the removal of hotels no longer in operation and utilizing their sites, new value will be added to the islands’ appeal to meet the diverse needs of travelers. In conjunction with this, we will build up systems to accommodate international air services and shore up overseas PR activities such as strategically attracting and hosting international conferences on the islands. While also advancing the development of a good living environment, such as through remote healthcare and the digital transformation of education, we will refine the value of the Tokyo Treasure Islands to proudly present them to the world as excellent places to live and to visit.

7. In conclusion

 

This month, startups from within Japan and abroad, which generate innovation using ideas and technology as their tools, and leaders from the world’s cities, will be gathering here in Tokyo. They will be here for two events that we will be holding: City-Tech.Tokyo, an international event to accelerate innovation, and the G-NETS Leaders Summit, an international conference for finding solutions to urban problems. Both events raise the banner of “SusHi Tech Tokyo," which incorporates Tokyo's unwavering commitment to the creation of sustainable new value. People-to-people connections that transcend the borders of countries and cities create new value. We hope to make this opportunity the very starting point for a bright future.

From the days of Goto Shinpei and Shibusawa Eiichi, who built the foundations of Tokyo, to the present day, and 100 years into the future, it has and always will be “people” who take center stage. That is why, since assuming the office of governor, I have raised the banner of “Citizens First” and have dedicated myself to leading the government toward the goal of a Tokyo where individuals can shine. The world is moving rapidly and the environment around us is also changing at a dizzying pace. However, I believe that in any age, we must never lose sight of the need for a society in which everyone can hold dreams and hopes and pursue self-actualization. Each one of the 14 million citizens of Tokyo is the game maker for the next age. We need to sow new seeds and make them bloom for a sustainable, prosperous Tokyo that continues to thrive even 100 years into the future. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will surge ahead with this "investment in the future" together with the members of this Assembly and the citizens and businesses of Tokyo, to ensure the grand reform and evolution of Tokyo.

Including the matters to which I have already referred, a total of 112 bills, including 35 budget bills and 48 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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