Policy Speech by the Governor of Tokyo, Koike Yuriko, at the Fourth Regular Session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, 2020

In the opening of the fourth regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly in 2020, I wish to relate my basic stance on future metropolitan administration.

On November 12, Honorable Citizen Dr. Koshiba Masatoshi passed away. I offer my sincere condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.

1. Advance COVID-19 response with the people of Tokyo

I would like to first speak about our response to COVID-19, which is now entering a critical stage.

Protecting the invaluable lives of the people of Tokyo

The virus is now rapidly spreading in Tokyo. There is no telling how the situation will develop, especially with new positive cases increasing among older persons who are at high risk of becoming severely ill and the number of severe cases also trending at a high level. We must prevent any further spread of the virus by all costs in order to protect the lives of the people of Tokyo and to reduce the burden on the health care workers at the frontlines of COVID-19 response.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) has built up a system for conducting up to about 68,000 tests a day, and is currently strengthening the system for accepting patients with an eye to securing 300 beds for severe cases and is working for the further utilization of designated hotels for recovery. On December 16, we will establish a new dedicated medical facility at the former Tokyo Metropolitan Fuchu Medical Center for the Disabled. By identifying positive cases early on and swiftly hospitalizing patients or sending them to designated hotels, we will restrict the spread of the virus and the exacerbation of symptoms.

Protecting the invaluable lives of Tokyo citizens. I have constantly raised this as the most important mission I must fulfill as the governor of Tokyo. To that end, I will continue to devote myself to doing what needs to be done, centering on the three pillars of “no deaths,” “no severe cases,” and “preventing the collapse of the health care delivery system.”

Getting through this critical stage early on with the people and businesses of Tokyo

The cooperation of the people and businesses of Tokyo is none other than the lifeline protecting each individual. I ask once again for the people of Tokyo to thoroughly follow the basic guidelines from the Tokyo iCDC Expert Board, including wearing a mask, frequent hand washing, ventilation, and disinfection. For the 20 days from November 28 until December 17, I am requesting that karaoke businesses and establishments serving alcohol in Tokyo’s 23 special wards and the Tama area shorten their business hours. Although this is a large burden on businesses, we must stop the spread of the virus here and now. I ask for your kind understanding. Grants will be provided to small and medium enterprises that fully cooperate with this request. Just the other day I took discretionary action to enact a supplementary budget for that purpose.

During this 20-day period, I also ask that the people of Tokyo avoid non-essential outings. If you must go out, please take the utmost precautions to avoid infection. Together with the people and businesses of Tokyo, we must quickly get through this critical stage. We will prepare all possible countermeasures with the determination to implement short-term, intensive response.

A supplementary budget bill for a thorough COVID-19 response that includes the year-end and new year

At this regular session I am proposing a supplementary budget totaling 230.8 billion yen centering on strengthening and enhancing the health care delivery system and safety nets. We will continue to advance initiatives such as provision of bonuses to medical workers and loans for living expenses to households that have been impacted by business suspensions. Taking into account requests from assembly members as well, we will also implement detailed measures for response during the year-end and new year period, which will include ensuring medical consultation and testing systems, responding to the financial needs of SMEs, and providing temporary housing to those who have lost their place of residence. By also partnering with the municipalities in the implementation of such measures, we will ensure that the people of Tokyo feel safe.

Establishing a working style in the “New Normal”

I am again promoting Smooth Biz as it is also effective against the spread of COVID-19. With regard to the “Tokyo Rule,” an initiative conducted jointly with business organizations and labor unions to further spread the adoption of remote work, from next week we will launch a system in which companies supportive of the Tokyo Rule register, establish, and declare their rules. We will strongly promote the establishment of remote work by businesses in Tokyo by providing support such as new loan programs for these companies that formulated their own rules and are promoting telework. From tomorrow, we will kick off the Winter Smooth Biz Period again this year. This and other initiatives will be taken to spread remote work and staggered commuting hours as a work style in the “new normal.” I ask for cooperation from the people and businesses of Tokyo.

To protect precious lives

“Fully protect the lives of the people of Tokyo.” It goes without saying that we must protect lives from the virus, but we must also definitely not forget to protect the lives of those who have lost work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, those living in adversity, and those who are concerned about their future. By reinforcing efforts to build safety nets while supporting those in various predicaments, we will continue to firmly protect the precious lives of each and every one of our residents.

2. Combine the power of people and digital technology to unleash Tokyo's potential

Through bold structural reforms, change the metropolitan government to change Tokyo

We have been devoting our efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in this year 2020. Even now, it is a year of challenges for humankind, as the world continues to search in the dark for solutions. In the 75 years since the end of World War II, Japan has faced several major hardships, but each time it has emerged stronger than the last, and society itself has evolved. The development of energy-saving technologies based on the lessons learned from the oil crisis and the acceleration of seismic retrofitting after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, are some leading examples. Also, initiatives applying civic tech, in which citizens use the power of IT to solve social issues, have seen a gradual expansion since the Great East Japan Earthquake, and were recently utilized in the construction of our COVID-19 Information Website.

We are now in the midst of what is said to be the greatest crisis in postwar history, and while placing the highest priority on protecting the lives of the people of Tokyo and the city's economy, we must boldly move forward with structural reforms to overcome the issues highlighted by the COVID-19 crisis in order to soar into the future. Discussions have been underway on structural reform of society, and at the end of last month, experts submitted a diversity of proposals on how to create positive change, such as realize a new future through digital transformation; place the highest value on safety and security; strengthen various social safety nets and substantially increase diversity; and aim to be the top economic and financial city in Asia. Based on these suggestions for the future direction of Tokyo, we will promote specific reforms to build a better society.

With regard to the structural reform of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government which is based on the principle of "change the metropolitan government to change Tokyo," we are currently pushing forward with core projects that need to be implemented with top priority. We will prepare a cutting-edge digital work environment in order to dramatically improve the productivity of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. We will thoroughly disclose the data held by the metropolitan government as open data and gather the wisdom of the public and private sectors to resolve Tokyo's issues. Recently, we announced the progress of these initiatives, which will provide value exceeding the expectations of Tokyo residents. Going forward, we will roll out leading projects in each bureau, and with the cooperation of the national government, municipalities, and the private sector as well, accelerate the speed of reforms through the concerted effort of the entire metropolitan government.

“Structural reform of society" and "structural reform of the metropolitan government.” On these two wheels, we will vigorously move ahead while incorporating the perspective of sustainable recovery. From there on, I would like to realize a city where everyone can truly feel happy by enhancing both QOL, the quality of life for the people of Tokyo, and QOS, the quality of government services.

Become the world’s city of choice through a “hybrid of the real and the virtual”

Accelerate digital transformation under a new structure

The key to such structural reforms is DX, digital transformation, which effectively utilizes the "virtual" world. The speed of economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis is said to depend in part on digital competitiveness, making this now the time for Tokyo to immediately accelerate digitalization. In order to play the leading role here, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has decided to establish a new bureau that will have the features and system to advance the digitalization of the metropolitan government. It will be the core organization for powerful promotion of digitalization through activities including extensive use of ICT specialists, leading metropolitan government-wide operational reforms through the use of advanced technology, as well as raising the digital capabilities of all employees. We will propose an ordinance at this assembly’s first regular session next year, with the aim to establish the bureau by reorganizing the current Office for Strategic Policy and ICT Promotion.

Make the power of "people" shine even brighter

In addition, I would like to have the power of people taking active part in the real world shine even brighter. Tokyo has continued to develop as one of the world's leading megacities through the creation of additional value made possible by people connecting and combining their wisdom and technologies. We will continue to draw out the full power of people, Tokyo’s pride, and also thoroughly utilize the power of digital technology, which holds great potential. This digital power will also help to further enhance the power of people. And this continuous creation of new value through "hybridization of the real and the virtual" holds the key to Tokyo’s victory in the increasingly fierce competition among the cities of the world and for Tokyo to also evolve further into a city where everyone can live in comfort.

Tokyo, a city achieving "new growth" through digitalization. Tokyo, where "people" shine. The Grand Reform of Tokyo 2.0 is truly aimed toward realizing this evolution, and we will boldly push forward with this effort to create a world-class city Tokyo that achieves a balance between maturity and ongoing growth.

Toward an Olympic and Paralympic Games where everyone can feel safe

With regard to the Tokyo 2020 Games, which we aim to host with the understanding and cooperation of the people of Tokyo and the rest of Japan, we are conducting intensive discussions with the national government, the Organising Committee, and others to ensure thorough measures against COVID-19. An interim report will be compiled by the end of this year, and preparations will be firmly made to ensure the safe operation of the Games for everyone, including athletes, spectators, and volunteers.

As for the review for simplifying the Tokyo Games, which is currently expected to reduce costs by about 30 billion yen, we will make further efforts with the International Federations, National Olympic Committees, and other stakeholders, and also continue discussions with the IOC, the national government, and the Organising Committee, including matters concerning how to bear the additional costs arising from the postponement.

Last month, we held a postponed ceremony for completion of the Tokyo Aquatics Centre. This and five other new permanent facilities built by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government are now being used widely for competitions and by Tokyo residents. From this month, the Olympic flame, which lights the path of hope for the Games, has been exhibited in various parts of Japan and the torches to pass on the flame have started to be displayed around Tokyo’s municipalities. Through these efforts, we would like to build up the excitement and bring the Games closer to the people of Tokyo and Japan.

“If we continue our efforts, the Olympic flame will light the end of this dark tunnel.” Keeping in mind the words of IOC President Bach, with whom I was recently able to directly confirm our collaboration for the Tokyo 2020 Games, we will continue to take steady steps on the road to a successful Olympic and Paralympic Games.

3. Leading Tokyo’s economy to new growth

What we must do now, along with containing the spread of infection, is to rebuild our battered economy, and restore vitality and hope among people so that they can take strong steps toward a bright future. While the most important thing for us right now is to prevent the spread of infection, we will advance initiatives that will realize new growth for the further evolution of Tokyo.

Becoming the world’s city of choice as an international financial center

We will have Tokyo take the indisputable position as the number one global financial city in Asia. This is Tokyo’s mission as the driver of Japan’s growth and as a city with an overwhelmingly large number of financial ecosystems. And, it is no exaggeration to say that, amidst intensifying inter-city competition, this is our last chance to demonstrate Tokyo’s presence as the world’s city of choice. Last month, seizing the opportunity to accelerate our efforts to attract financial businesses from Asia, we set up the first overseas Business Development Center Tokyo in Hong Kong. We are also actively rolling out initiatives, such as offering temporary office spaces to foreign financial companies searching for opportunities to expand their business in Tokyo.

This month, we also established a new advisory board and have started working on the revision of the Global Financial City: Tokyo Vision. We are advancing discussion from new perspectives such as the SDGs and digital technologies. We will develop effective measures in tune with the international situation and changing times and will not cease in our efforts to promote the vision.

Toward new growth together with startups

In accelerating the urgent issue of digital transformation (DX), the growth of startups that generate innovation using 5G (fifth generation) mobile technology is indispensable. Recently, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) became the first local government to be granted a license to set up a local 5G base station, and opened the “DX Promotion Center” with a 5G network at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Technology Research Institute. We wish to have SMEs and startups fully utilize this facility to conduct demonstration tests for high-value-added products that use digital technologies, as Tokyo strives to bolster the power of its industries for new growth.

In addition, in collaboration with startups, where innovative products and services are created, we will open a center in Nishi-Shinjuku early next year to find solutions for various challenges facing the TMG. Innovative ideas that think out of the box will be unearthed through exchanges among the government, private sector, and startups for the establishment of a new model of public-private partnership.

Real and virtual support of SMEs

The Tokyo International Industry Exhibition, which has served as the forum for SMEs to grasp business opportunities, such as developing new markets and expanding sales orders, will entirely be moved to the “virtual” world this winter, and will be held as one of the largest online trade shows in Japan. As a new form for tradeshows to take in this age of “living with the coronavirus,” we will work to make it a success and lay the groundwork for the sustainable growth of SMEs.

On the other hand, the securing of personnel at SMEs is also an important issue in the “real” world. If more SMEs use foreign personnel with not only language abilities, but highly-developed specialized skills, business opportunities, such as the development of overseas markets, will expand and will also boost the growth of industry in Tokyo. This weekend, we will open the Tokyo International Recruitment Navigation Center to give the SMEs detailed support for securing diverse human resources from employment to retention. From both “real” and “virtual” worlds, we will strongly support the development of the SMEs that sustain Tokyo’s economy and jobs.

Enhancing the earning power of Tokyo’s agriculture

We will make Tokyo Smart Agriculture that utilizes advanced technologies a reality, and raise the earning power of agriculture. To serve as the forum to promote this initiative, we recently launched a research and development platform comprising diverse actors, such as the private sector, research organizations, and producers. Starting early next year, we will also carry out initiatives aimed at adopting new agricultural technologies, including remote training using local 5G networks. By bringing together the wisdom and technologies of the industry, government and academia, we will work to generate innovation that expedites the development of Tokyo’s agriculture.

Reinforcing the development of IT talent in metropolitan technical high schools

Japan is being left behind in the global competition, since it missed riding the wave of digitalization. With this strong sense of crisis, in partnership with the private sector, we will launch a new educational program, “Tokyo P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools),” in April next year to nurture global IT talent without delay. This will be the first five-year curriculum that combines technical high school and vocational school education in Japan, and with the full support of IT companies with cutting-edge technologies, we will offer students specialized and practical learning. We will first implement it at the Tokyo Metropolitan Machida Technical High School and then expand it to other schools in the future, in order to accelerate the development of talent who can generate new value through the power of technology.

Creating a new form of tourism

How do we support the tourism industry, which shoulders a significant part of Tokyo’s economy, amid restrictions on people’s movement and socioeconomic activities? It is now more crucial than ever for us to have a clear vision of the future direction of tourism promotion that considers these recent changes in circumstances. The other day, the TMG Advisory Board on Tourism Promotion compiled its views on the basic policy for tourism in this age of “living with COVID-19.” With the advisory board’s valuable recommendations that look toward the future, such as preparing an environment where everyone can travel safely and with peace of mind, making good use of the attractions of the Tama and Island areas, and creating new appeal for long-term travelers including facilities and services, we will work to create a new form of tourism, while properly taking preventive measures against infection.

4. Urban development for a city that is both attractive and resilient

Next, I will speak about urban development for the creation of an attractive and resilient city that firmly supports Tokyo’s socioeconomic activities and lays the foundation for its safety, the peace of mind of its citizens, and “new growth.”

Revision of the storm and flood damage section of the regional disaster management plan

First, I will talk about disaster mitigation measures to create a resilient city that will protect the lives of Tokyo residents. Last month, heavy rain emergency warnings were issued for Miyake-mura and Mikurajima-mura. The TMG responded to the situation in cooperation with the local municipalities and luckily, no serious damage resulted from these heavy rains. But we must not forget about the massive sediment disaster that occurred in Oshima-machi seven years ago. As witnessed by the succession of powerful typhoons last year, wind and flood damage is becoming more severe and frequent. The TMG has implemented an emergency overhaul of its disaster management projects and established a large-scale storm and flood damage review council in a metropolitan government-wide effort to upgrade disaster measures. And, recently, a preliminary draft for revisions to the flood damage section of the regional disaster management plan was drawn up. The plan reflects, among others, the verification results of the council’s review and the perspective of preventing a compound disaster with the coronavirus. We will further study the regional disaster management plan based on resident feedback and discussion at the Assembly.

Urban development aimed at the evolution of disaster management projects

In regard to new regulating reservoirs for eight rivers, which we have been studying with the aim of evolving our disaster management projects, this month, we have begun working on the basic design of the first regulating reservoir for the upstream Shakujii River that straddles Musashino-shi and Nishi-Tokyo-shi. With a storage capacity of about 300,000 cubic meters, this regulating reservoir will be the biggest in the Tama area when completed. Along with continuing to steadily advance this project, we will select candidate sites and structural styles for reservoirs of other rivers and have them operational at an early stage.

When Typhoon No. 15 (Faxai) struck last year, about 2,000 utility poles mainly in Chiba prefecture but also in Tokyo were damaged, and some areas suffered extended power outages. As these typhoons may become increasingly powerful in the future, it becomes that much more important to remove utility poles. In order to further speed up this effort, we will formulate a new Strategy to Accelerate Removal of Utility Poles early next year. We will expand the areas where utility poles are removed through, among others, more technical and financial support to the municipalities and promotion of technological developments for cost reduction.

New urban development based on the “sustainable recovery” perspective

For realization of the Grand Design for Urban Development, which lays out the vision of Tokyo in the 2040s, last week, a new proposal for revision of the Master Plan for City Planning Areas, which we had been studying, was compiled after hearing experts’ opinions. The master plan takes the perspective of “sustainable recovery,” and incorporates the basic concepts for future urban development that will lead to the development of an inclusive society and realization of diversified ways of living, working, and recreation. We will present it to the city planning council for discussion, and advance concrete measures geared toward urban development that supports “maturity” and “ongoing growth.”

Building a “beautiful Tokyo” that draws people

Revival of the Nihombashi landscape

We will build a beautiful Tokyo by utilizing its historical waterside spaces, such as the outer moat of the Imperial Palace, rivers, and canals. The relocation of the Nihombashi section of the Metropolitan Expressway underground symbolizes such endeavors, and this month, the moving of utility lines buried underground began as the first step. We will steadily advance the project in order to make Nihombashi the face of Tokyo, where the magnificent scenery of the past is revived and people come and go frequently to enjoy water and greenery.

To a people-centered, recreational space for strolling

Furthermore, in regard to the Tokyo Expressway, the so-called the KK Expressway, whose role as a vehicle-only highway is slated to end, recently, a panel of experts issued a recommendation that it be rebuilt into a pedestrian-centered, lush green public space. From a vehicle- to people-centered space where people can enjoy walking—based on this concept, by the end of this fiscal year, we will announce a policy that aims at fully drawing out the value and attraction of the area as a whole.

Creation of an attractive city environment

Aiming for the world’s highest-standard of air quality

A comfortable urban environment is also essential for the creation of a city brimming with appeal. Recently, PM2.5 measurements at all 80 air quality monitoring stations in Tokyo passed the environmental criteria set by the national government. In order to further improve Tokyo’s air quality, we will make it our goal to achieve the World Health Organization’s guideline levels, which are the strictest air quality standards in the world, by fiscal year 2030. We will further accelerate and enhance our measures for, among others, the environmental impact of vehicles and the reduction of VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions, in order to realize the world’s highest standard of air quality and make soaring progress in becoming the world’s city of choice from the environmental aspect as well.

Initiatives for “Zero Emission Tokyo”

About a year has passed since the Zero Emission Tokyo Strategy was formulated and the Declaration of Tokyo’s Climate Crisis Mobilization was made at the end of last year. We will accelerate the implementation of effective measures, and lead the world through our “actions.”

As people are increasingly spending time at home due to the widespread practice of telework and other reasons, it becomes ever more important that energy efficiency measures are taken at home in order to achieve Zero Emission Tokyo. Based on such a perspective, we will continue to implement the Tokyo Zero Emission Points Project in the next fiscal year to encourage people to replace their home appliances with highly energy-efficient products. Through this project, which is for a truly worthy cause and is relatable to the residents because it has the three aspects of contributing to reducing CO2 emissions, revitalizing the economy via investment in energy efficiency, and helping out household finances by cutting electricity bills, we will advance zero emission actions at homes in Tokyo.

Moreover, at this Regular Session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, we have proposed a partial amendment to the fire prevention ordinance. The amendment is based on a revised ministerial ordinance which the TMG had actively worked for. By relaxing regulations, it will become easier to install fast high-power EV charging stations, which will further boost the use of electric vehicles.

Turning our eyes to the world, China is considering making all new car sales eco-friendly vehicles by 2035, and the UK announced that it will ban sales of new gasoline and diesel cars by 2030, five years earlier than previously planned. The world has been moving very fast over the past several months. So that we can keep pace with, or rather, lead this trend, we must make all vehicles running in Tokyo zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) at an early stage. To achieve this vision, we will work further to fully popularize ZEVs in collaboration with the national government, car manufacturers, and other relevant parties, through the expansion of construction of charging stations and other infrastructure, promotion of the development of ZEVs, and the building of momentum by expanding opportunities to drive ZEVs, among other initiatives.

In the recently held US presidential election, the Democratic Party candidate, former Vice President Joe Biden, declared a victory. As a result, we are expecting to see a huge transformation in the environmental policies of not only the US but also the world. By taking this opportunity, I would like to start a global movement for climate change from Tokyo, by making good use of international networks such as the C40 where I currently serve as a vice chair.

5. Realize a Tokyo where "people" shine

In order to further enhance the power of the "people" that Tokyo is proud of, and above all, to build a society where each and every citizen can live happily with dreams and purpose, we will further promote initiatives to make Tokyo a place where people can shine.

Tokyo, where people feel safe and lead healthy lives in the era of a 100-year life span

Next fiscal year will be the third year of the opening of the Tokyo Metropolitan University Premium College, where seniors can learn and interact with each other under the slogan of “lifelong contribution to society.” In order to respond to their strong eagerness to learn, for students who were enrolled in the regular course in their first year, followed by the specialized course in their second year, we will establish a new research student course that will allow them to study for up to two more years. The campus filled with the enthusiasm of seniors is a symbol of Tokyo, the city of Choju (longevity), and we will continue to support the realization of a fulfilling student life.

As the circumstances surrounding our lives are set to change drastically as we respond to trends such as the arrival of a super-aged society and the "new normal,"  public transportation that supports community life must also play a role appropriate to the times. We have recently launched a new study group to draw up a vision of what local public transportation should look like in the 2040s. Through extensive discussions, we will formulate basic policy to realize a city where people truly shine, where everyone, including the elderly and disabled, is able to move around easily and conveniently.

Also, to help resolve the issue of areas with inconvenient transportation, we will encourage municipalities to introduce demand responsive transport (DRT) for flexible operations according to passenger demand. This includes supporting Higashikurume City in such efforts. In addition, at the beginning of next year, we will roll out various measures including a MaaS demonstration experiment with the private sector which seeks to improve transportation convenience through the power of digital technology, to create a vibrant Tokyo where smooth movement supports affluent lifestyles.

Toward a city where everyone can play an active role

The spread of social firms, which provide places for people with employment difficulties to work and serve an active role in society, is one of the keys to realizing a Tokyo where people can shine. In order to strongly support those businesses with high aspirations to establish such social firms, we opened a center last month to provide detailed support including employment expertise and management consultation. While firmly supporting businesses taking on such challenges, we will work for the birth of social firms here in Tokyo that can serve as models by the end of this fiscal year.

In addition, we will launch a new program for people who have been forced to leave their jobs due to layoffs or non-renewal of contracts during the COVID-19 crisis, which uses temporary staffing systems to lead to stable employment, and also expand opportunities to match up businesses with jobseekers for people to quickly find new employment. Last month, we opened the Tama Branch of the Work Support Terrace for Women which will be easily accessible for women in the Tama area who wish to resume work after having left the workforce due to childbirth or child-rearing. In the midst of the difficult employment situation, we will continue to provide seamless support in cooperation with Mothers' Hello Work as well.

Last month we also established H.A.A.T. Tama as a center for supporting single parent families in the Tama area. In addition to building up such consultation centers to provide detailed support to single-parent households facing difficulties in various living situations, we will implement measures from the perspectives of employment support, child-rearing and daily life support, and financial support, and realize a society where everyone can play an active role with sense of reassurance.

Formulation of the 4th Support Plan for Crime Victims, etc.

Under the newly enacted "Crime Victims Support Ordinance," we are implementing a variety of measures to have society as a whole support crime victims and their families, such as providing benefit payments and subsidies for relocation expenses. In order to continue to promote initiatives that care for victims, we have now released a draft of the fourth phase of the "Support Plan." The plan includes measures to further enhance support and counseling services, such as strengthening cooperation with related organizations to deliver uninterrupted support and implementing online counseling. We will continue to hold thorough discussions with the aim to formulate this new plan by February.

6. Closing remarks

On November 8, an international gymnastics meet was held at Yoyogi National Gymnasium. At this first international match of an Olympic sport held in Japan during the coronavirus pandemic we were able to again experience the bonds formed with sports when the top athletes from four nations united the venue with powerful and skilled performances. A fully-automated scoring system using AI, which was developed by a Japanese firm, was used for the first time at this meet, providing an opportunity for the pride of Japanese technology to be shown to the world. I have the deepest respect for the staff who obtained the cooperation of the athletes for daily PCR tests and restrictions on their movements, mask wearing, and more, while doing everything in their power to run a safe and secure event. The success of this event truly befitting its name, “Friendship and Solidarity,” was a huge support for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Domestic meets for para-sports such as cycling, wheelchair marathons, and equestrian have been held as we steadily bring back large-scale sporting events. Building upon such experiences, we will establish an environment where sports can be enjoyed without hesitation for realization of a safe and secure Tokyo 2020 Games.

The 1918 Spanish flu pandemic infected up to 600 million people at a time when the world’s population was around 1.9 billion, and deaths have been estimated to be as high as 50 million or 100 million. The Olympic Games Antwerp 1920 were held as the flu pandemic was running the end of its course and while Europe, reduced to ashes in the First World War, was still recovering. The Antwerp Games were truly a symbol of solidarity and recovery after a crisis and marked historic firsts that include the first time the Olympic flag was raised and the first time the Olympic oath was taken by an athlete. In 2021, one hundred years plus one since then, we will deliver a successful Tokyo 2020 Games that will serve as a testament to humanity overcoming the virus and will be a Recovery and Reconstruction Games, which constitute its origins.

The “plus one” days until the Games are valuable. We will truly work as one with the Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the national government, the International Olympic Committee, and the International Paralympic Committee, along with the members of this Assembly and the people of Tokyo and continue dedicating efforts to demonstrate a new Olympic and Paralympic model for sustainable recovery.

Including the matters which I have already referred, a total of 59 bills have been presented to this regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly including 1 budget bill and 13 ordinance bills, to be deliberated among Assembly members.

In closing, I wish to once again state that we will protect the invaluable lives of the people of Tokyo.

I am determined to do this with short-term, intensive measures to quickly get through this critical stage. I ask for the understanding and cooperation of the Assembly members and of the people of Tokyo.
This concludes my policy address to the Assembly. Thank you.

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