Policy Speech by the Governor of Tokyo, Koike Yuriko, at the Third Regular Session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, 2021

In opening the third regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly in 2021, I wish to relate my basic stance on future metropolitan administration.

1. Our aims now that the Tokyo 2020 Games have ended

The experience of leading the Games to success are irreplaceable treasures

The Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, where exciting competitions unfolded for about a month and delivered courage and strong emotions throughout the world, has been brought to a close. Even now, I vividly remember how thrilled I was this summer by the athletes’ powerful performances.

Not only were the Games postponed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they were also held without spectators. A new page was etched in Olympic and Paralympic history through Tokyo’s management of operations down to the last detail and strict infection prevention measures taken amid this unprecedented adversity. The experiences of leading the Games to success are irreplaceable treasures. I wish to once again give thanks from the bottom of my heart to the people of Tokyo and the rest of Japan, the countries of the world, and all related personnel for their huge support and cooperation for the Games.

Use the Games experience as a springboard for the next stage of metropolitan administration

With this global festival of sport now ended, we must use this experience as a springboard to carve out Tokyo’s bright future. At the Games where safety was ensured and diversity was respected, the sight that left the most lasting impression on me was the radiance emitted by “people,” centering on the athletes and volunteers. Through the Games, I reinforced my resolve to thoroughly implement crisis management for protection of the lives of Tokyo’s citizens from all manners of threats, and to develop the Games legacy for a future in which each person can shine in their own way.

The increasing frequency and severity of storms resulting from climate change; large-scale earthquakes, including one directly hitting the capital, which could strike at any time; and invisible, unknown infectious diseases that could become huge global threats, such as the current coronavirus. Infallible crisis management that protects the people of Tokyo from all kinds of disasters is the fundamental premise for a society where everyone can be fully active. Based on each disaster’s characteristics and while also considering situations in which they occur simultaneously or consecutively, we must be able to rally the full resources of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government at any time to ensure the safety and security of the people of Tokyo. This is our most basic duty.

And regarding the outstanding legacy generated through the experience of holding the Games, we will have this lead to Tokyo’s true maturity. Specifically, we will remove the many physical, institutional, and psychological barriers that strongly remain in our society to create a “barrier-free” society. This is not limited to urban development, but is the development of a society imbued with kindness and compassion, where people naturally lend a hand to those in need of assistance or consideration. In such a society, anyone will be able to spread their wings and fly as they wish, regardless of age, gender, or impairment. We will create that environment.

For the happiness of the citizens of Tokyo, we must move the metropolitan administration to the next stage. I am confident that the foundation for this is impeccable crisis management and development of the Games legacy, which includes becoming barrier-free. While building this unwavering foundation, we will work to evolve all policies from the perspective of sustainable recovery. For such strategic advancement of metropolitan administration, we will also deepen studies on reinforcing our organization and build a system to steadily implement necessary initiatives. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will unite to take Tokyo, Japan’s capital, to further heights and powerfully lead the sustainable development of Japan as a whole.

2. Devoting our efforts to measures against COVID-19, the crisis confronting us

It is our mandate to protect the precious lives of our citizens through solid crisis management. To fulfill this responsibility, we must overcome the crisis we are facing now, COVID-19. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) is currently implementing state of emergency measures which will remain in effect until the end of this month. I would like to express my deep appreciation once again to the people and businesses of Tokyo who have been cooperating with us and health care workers who are battling this virus day and night. With regard to the handling of the COVID-19 situation after this month, the TMG will determine its response based on input, such as expert opinions and the basic guidelines issued by the national government.

Protecting residents’ lives without fail and showing a path toward economic recovery

The number of new positive cases is trending downward, thanks to everyone’s great efforts. But if we relax our endeavors now, the infection might start spreading again. So that our past efforts will not be in vain, we need to renew our resolve to “not get infected or infect others.” I would like to share the importance of this with each and every resident of Tokyo. And, in order to firmly protect people’s lives, which are more important than anything else, we must ensure that we are well prepared against the virus, both quantitatively and qualitatively.

At the same time, we will identify what restrictions should be placed on activities, and advance initiatives to restore our economy in balance with efforts to prevent infection. As COVID-19 continues to impact society, it is imperative that we show a path that will enable the residents and businesses of Tokyo to live with hope.

Compilation of a supplementary budget to implement measures that are needed now

Securing a health care provision system that can fully respond to COVID-19; accelerating measures aimed at containing the spread of infection; and rolling out initiatives for economic recovery in stages. Based on these concepts, we compiled and proposed a supplementary budget totaling 338.7 billion yen to this regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly to promptly implement measures that are needed now.

Strengthening and enhancing the health care provision system

The main rule of crisis management is, first, to be more than ready. With an eye to the upcoming winter season, we will secure a health care delivery system that can respond appropriately even if the infection situation reaches a disaster level. Specifically, we will increase the number of hospital beds secured in Tokyo to about 9,200 by establishing new temporary medical care facilities and increasing the beds at oxygen and medical care stations. At designated hotels for recovery, we will improve the recovery environment for COVID-19 patients such as providing antibody cocktail treatments. For those recovering at home, we will have midwives provide prenatal care for pregnant women and implement swift patient-physician matchups through virtual waiting rooms using an online clinical consultation system. Through these measures, we will strengthen detailed services tailored to the COVID-19 patient’s symptoms, and build a system where patients can recover with peace of mind.

Initiatives for containment of the virus

What hold the keys to containing the spread of the infection are vaccines and enhancement of testing. The percentage of those who are 12 or older who have received their second dose of the vaccine is expected to be around 63 percent by the end of this month. In order to keep this trend going, we will subsidize small- to medium-sized enterprises and universities for the necessary costs of implementing workplace vaccinations. Regarding the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, the so-called booster shot, the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science will advance research on the presence of antibodies following the COVID-19 booster shot to study what methods are effective. Moreover, we will continue to give PCR tests in strategic and intensive manners at places such as entertainment districts and facilities for senior citizens. And, to prevent the infection from spreading among children and students, we will prepare testing systems for schools and day care centers.

Initiatives for economic recovery

Based on the assumption that restrictions currently placed on our activities will be eased in the future, in preparation for the recovery of our economy, we will provide focused support to restaurant and tourism businesses that are bearing the brunt of the pandemic. Specifically, for eating and drinking establishments that are trying to restart their business full-scale, we will send experts and subsidize their efforts to strengthen their business foundations. Furthermore, we will support initiatives that will lead to enhancement of the earning power of tourism businesses, such as measures for digitalization and the development of micro-tourism plans.

Advancing the measures needed to overcome this crisis

As the waves of the infection are subsiding, it is now more crucial than ever for us to adopt medium- and long-term perspectives and prepare ourselves to endure any conceivable situation. By swiftly implementing the policy measures laid out in the supplementary budget proposal, and prioritizing “no deaths or severe cases of COVID-19,” we will further strengthen the system for protecting the lives and health of Tokyo’s residents. In addition, we will powerfully support business activities which are the source of Tokyo’s energy. Moreover, we will continue to boldly advance needed initiatives, including a study on measures focusing on future normalization of our economic activities, and overcome this crisis by all means.

3. Nurturing the legacy of the Tokyo 2020 Games to build a society brimming with diversity

In Tokyo, the first city ever to host the summer Paralympic Games twice, Paralympians gave performances that had no limits. The sight of these Paralympians taught us that their individual differences were the wellsprings for their brilliance and empowered them to overcome any difficulties. The Tokyo 2020 Games left invisible yet firm footprints in people’s hearts, which will lead to the creation of a society brimming with diversity, where no discrimination or barriers exist. We must carefully cultivate this legacy to ensure the realization of a Tokyo where people shine.

Promotion of para sports

We would like to carry on to the future the courage and inspiration that each and every Paralympian who competed at the Tokyo 2020 Games gave us. With this in mind, we will make efforts to further promote para sports. By focusing on measures such as securing places and opportunities to play para sports in our neighborhoods and developing personnel who support them, we will have para sports take root everywhere. We will develop an environment where anyone can enjoy sports regardless of whether they have an impairment or not.

Studying the same-sex partnership system

At the Tokyo 2020 Games, a record number of over 200 athletes publicly disclosed themselves as LGBTQ. Sexual minorities around the world today earnestly wish to live true to themselves. Regarding the same-sex partnership system, for which more and more Tokyo residents and Japanese citizens are showing understanding, next month, the TMG will launch a survey to grasp the situation by hearing the opinions of same-sex couples and Tokyo’s residents. Based on the results of this survey, we will deepen our examination of the approach to be taken by the TMG.

Enhancement of special needs education

We will also work to enhance our special needs education. To have children with and without disabilities develop respect for each other by learning together and supporting each other—under this concept, we have launched studies for the formulation of the next implementation plan for Tokyo’s special needs education. Through this plan, we will advance measures that cater to current educational needs, such as securing diverse learning places for children and students with developmental disabilities and enhancing support for children with disabilities requiring medical care, in order to roll out inclusive education where no one is left behind.

Transitioning to a gender-equal selection system for admission to metropolitan high schools

With regard to metropolitan high school admission tests, the current system of putting separate caps on male and female students will be replaced by a system that does not distinguish by sex. In transitioning to this system, starting from the entrance exams next spring, a corrective measure currently implemented in some schools will be expanded to all metropolitan high schools. By advancing consultation with stakeholders, the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education will vigorously work to promptly introduce a gender-equal admission system.

4. A Tokyo that shines in the world

After leading the Tokyo 2020 Games to a success amidst an unprecedented crisis, Tokyo is garnering the increased trust and interest of the world, presenting the metropolis with a golden opportunity to take the initiative in the international community. We will not let this chance slip by and will boldly roll out the policies needed to make Tokyo shine in the world, such as responding to the climate crisis, elevating Tokyo’s status as a global financial city, and developing the Bay Area.

Confronting the climate crisis together with the world

In conjunction with the hosting of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, Tokyo, in cooperation with cities from the five continents, including Paris and Los Angeles, called to the world for the realization of “sustainable recovery.” In addition, by using Tokyo’s growing presence, the TMG will host an international forum, “TIME TO ACT: Climate Action Forum,” ahead of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), which starts next month, to send a message from Tokyo that we must take effective actions against the climate crisis. Under the slogan, “TIME TO ACT,” we will share our knowledge and experience concerning measures such as transitioning to zero emissions buildings and utilizing hydrogen-related technologies, and contribute to the world’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.

Buildings, such as houses, are used over decades. With an eye to 2050, when we aim to realize a “Zero Emission Tokyo,” we need to convert these buildings into sustainable buildings that also excel in environmental and disaster management performance. A study will be conducted on our introduction of a unique system where buildings that meet certain criteria are obliged to install solar panels. While advancing intensive discussions with experts and other stakeholders for revision of the Environmental Master Plan, we will radically strengthen our measures by involving all relevant parties, and take TMG environmental policies to a new level.

Global financial city Tokyo, leading the world

Confronted by the climate crisis that humanity must conquer, expectations on sustainable finance, which renders financial support to actions for decarbonization, are only becoming higher. Against this backdrop, promoting the Tokyo Green Finance Initiative to build a solid financial market that solves social issues will dramatically raise Tokyo’s presence not only in the environmental field but as an international financial center that attracts the world. Furthermore, we will accelerate digitalization in the financial field to create an attractive business environment that can lure various financial players. This autumn, the Global Financial City: Tokyo Vision will be revised to further enhance these measures and to take firm steps toward becoming a leading international financial center.

Dramatically enhance the Bay Area’s potential

Many of the competition facilities for the Tokyo 2020 Games are concentrated in the Tokyo Waterfront City area. The stunning urban view from the Olympic and Paralympic Village received much global attention through social media. Regarding the temporary venue in Ariake, the stage for new sports that thrilled the whole nation, such as skateboarding, we will deepen coordination with the local municipality and stakeholders to decide on what kind of legacy can be left against the backdrop of brisk interest in urban sports.

Expectations on the Bay Area are rising even more with the Tokyo Games. Its potential will increase significantly if the area is directly connected to the city center and Haneda Airport. Based on the report by the national government’s advisory council, we will promote initiatives to build up the subway network in cooperation with other relevant parties. As to extension of Subway Line No. 8 (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line) and construction of the Shinagawa Subway Line, we will work for early initiation of the projects while providing financial support with the national government and other parties to Tokyo Metro, the implementing body. As for the Rinkai Subway Line, which links the city center and the waterfront area, we will proactively move ahead with studies on project formulation. Also, with regard to preparations for selling half of the Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. shares held by the Tokyo government and national government for further enhancement of the subway network and improvement of user services, we will proceed while considering matters such as progress in construction of the new lines.

5. Tokyo is creating the future with digital transformation

At the opening ceremony for the 2020 Games, around 1,800 drones staged a perfectly coordinated performance. Facial recognition systems were installed at every competition venue and contributed significantly to the safe operation of the Games. By leveraging the experience we gained through this time’s Games, which gave us an inkling of future society brought about by DX (digital transformation), we will spread digital and cutting-edge technologies to every corner of society. And we will build a comfortable and highly convenient city by utilizing the power of digital technology in various fields such as urban development, disaster readiness, and education.

Realize Smart Tokyo

For the realization of Smart Tokyo, we will promote initiatives together with local communities through ongoing dialogue with local businesses and other stakeholders using online tools. In the Nishi-Shinjuku area, utilizing smart poles that are being installed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, we will carry out demonstration tests that can lead to solving various social issues. In the beginning of the new year, we will begin demonstrations including operations of autonomous driving buses and taxis, as well as a new automated delivery service using robots, and will use the knowledge and results gained to jump start the early commercialization of such advanced technologies.

Also, this fiscal year in a hilly district in the Minami Osawa area, we will start a MaaS (Mobility as a Service) demonstration test that also includes electric bicycle sharing. By promoting these efforts we will create towns where people can travel to their destination easily, and are full of richness and vitality.

Strengthen resiliency against disasters utilizing DX

We will make good use of DX to strengthen resiliency against disasters. A “digital twin” can reproduce Tokyo’s buildings and landscapes in cyber space. Analysis using live data, such as traffic congestion information, will lead to solutions to various issues Tokyo confronts. We have recently created a beta version of the system and will conduct a variety of proof of concept projects, including efforts to present safe evacuation routes in the event of a disaster by visualizing people flow data.

Also, for Tokyo citizens to evacuate quickly and properly, we will strengthen the dissemination of real-time information in times of disaster. Currently, on YouTube, we are providing uninterrupted 24-hour live video feeds from river monitoring cameras and sea surface images showing the tide level of the Port of Tokyo. We will also build systems using mobile phone location data to visualize situations such as the concentration of stranded commuters. In such ways, we will take all possible measures to protect the lives of our residents from frequently occurring natural disasters.

Advance DX at places of education

Learning must not be stopped under any circumstance. This makes digital transformation of classrooms an urgent matter. We have decided on an approach to reduce the burden placed on parents and guardians in the purchase of their child’s PC for the establishment of a one-on-one computing environment at Tokyo metropolitan high schools. So that all students will have this essential classroom tool, we will establish a financial support scheme for all households that will put a cap on their costs of purchasing a PC. We will continue to deepen our discussion for its introduction in the next fiscal year.

Formulate an “action guide” to accelerate structural reform of the TMG

To promote DX of the metropolitan government, we are rolling out an initiative to build a service development infrastructure centering on the Bureau of Digital Services established in April. Recently, we prepared guidelines for a “user test,” which incorporates users’ opinions into the development process. The set of values that should be shared among the TMG officials, technical standards, and other points will later be compiled as an “action guide.” We will further accelerate structural reform of the TMG by promoting understanding throughout the government of the concepts raised in the action guide with the aim to substantially raise the quality of Tokyo’s services.

6. Key bills

Now, I would like to speak about the key bills we are presenting to this regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly.

We will prepare the articles of incorporation for the foundation of the Tokyo Metropolitan Hospital Organization, in line with the metropolitan and public corporation’s hospitals becoming a local incorporated administrative agency. As it is expected that the need for healthcare will continue to rise due to arrival of the super-aging society, we must build a system at an early stage that will allow us to not only provide public healthcare without fail but can also speedily respond to various changes in the environment surrounding healthcare. Aiming for the organization’s foundation in July next year, we will steadily proceed with the necessary preparations.

Also, we have selected three candidates for the title of Tokyo Honorable Citizen: Dr. Ui Michio, Mr. Odashima Yushi, and Ms. Muroi Mayako.

Dr. Ui Michio has made enormous contributions to the progress of science. Especially notable amid the current threat by an infectious disease, is his long years of research in pharmacology and biochemistry, which have led to the development of new drugs.

Mr. Odashima Yushi, as a scholar of English literature and a translator, has brought Shakespeare closer to the Japanese people with his humorous introduction of the author.

Ms. Muroi Mayako, even at the age of 100, is still an active pianist and continues to touch the hearts of many.

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. Closing remarks

Disputes continuing around the world, the climate crisis, and COVID-19. Humanity is now facing global-scale difficulties. While sometimes showing glimpses of putting themselves first, each country is searching for multilateral cooperation that goes beyond the conventional framework in various fields such as economy and defense. The world is at a historical turning point as movements such as normalization of socioeconomic activities, which look toward the post-COVID era, accelerate even more.

In this new era of deepening confusion, a nation’s competitiveness is determined by the power of its cities where people gather and are the center of businesses and people’s daily lives. The presence of a city that is the world’s city of choice is the driving force for nationwide growth and fulfilling lives. And in Japan, no city other than the capital, Tokyo, can take on this role. Tokyo has significantly raised its global credibility by successfully hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Using this to our advantage, we will continue to grow as a city that attracts talent, goods, money and information, and using this pool of diverse resources, is always generating innovation. It is also the mission of Tokyo to cooperate with regions across Japan to be a powerful driving force for the development of our country.

In order to achieve this, we must build a truly mature society that remains firm in the face of crisis and has no barriers of any kind, and draw out the power of each individual to the maximum. Now that the 2020 Games are over, I am determined to build a Tokyo that has achieved a balance between maturity and ongoing growth and where everyone shines. I ask for the understanding and cooperation of the assembly and of the people of Tokyo.

Including the matters to which I have already referred, a total of 36 bills, including two budget bills and 18 ordinance bills, have been presented to this regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly to be deliberated among the Assembly members.

This concludes my policy address to the Assembly. Thank you.

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