Policy speech by the Governor of Tokyo, Koike Yuriko, at the Fourth Regular Session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, 2019

In opening the fourth regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly in 2019, I wish to relate my basic stance on future metropolitan administration.
Honorable citizen Ms. Ogata Sadako passed away on October 22nd. On October 24th, honorable citizen of Tokyo, Ms. Yachigusa Kaoru, also passed away. I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to their families. May they rest in peace.

1. Strengthen city power in order to protect the lives and assets of the citizens

Take effective measures without passing up opportunities

This autumn, typhoons approaching or landing on Japan caused record rainfalls and windstorms. They also left deep scars in Tokyo such as flooded rivers, collapsed roads and severed lifelines. There are still many people suffering from the disasters. Once again, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to families who lost their loved ones and heartfelt sympathies to all those suffering from the disaster.

The TMG has taken speedy measures such as restoration of infrastructure, temporary provision of metropolitan housing, and provision of support to rebuild the agriculture, forestry and fisheries industries. I also visited the sites to see the situation with my own eyes. The supplementary budget submitted to this regular assembly includes measures to aid people affected by the disasters in regaining their daily lives as soon as possible, and disaster management projects that must be urgently promoted as devastating wind and flood damage are occurring every year in various parts of Japan.

Specifically, we will newly establish a subsidy system for residents to repair damaged homes that are not eligible for national government support, and provide financial support to municipalities hit by the disaster through a special subsidy. Also, in order to secure power supply in the event of a disaster, battery chargers for smartphones and other devices will be installed at all metropolitan temporary shelters, and purchase of emergency power supplies for homes such as storage batteries will be subsidized. Furthermore, we will advance a wide range of measures such as building up stockpiles of tarpaulin and sand bags, and introducing drones for faster information gathering.

In order to ensure early recovery from damage and to protect Tokyo residents from frequent disasters, we will not pass up any opportunity to take effective measures. I would appreciate your deliberation on this matter.

Be as prepared as you can

With one natural disaster after another, what we need to do now against the next devastating threat is to shore up preparations as much as we can, without being bound by accepted practice or past experiences.

Construction of regulating reservoirs effective in reducing inundation damage

As regulating reservoirs has been successful in reducing inundation damage, for Ring Road No.7 Underground Regulating Reservoir, which is currently under construction, further excavation of the tunnel will start by the end of the fiscal year. We will work steadily toward the completion of this underground reservoir, Japan's largest, which will also be effective against localized and torrential rainfall of 100 mm per hour. In addition, we will take further steps for the realization of new regulating reservoirs. We are proceeding with the selection of candidate sites and types of structure for eight rivers that were deemed to require early consideration after the urgent comprehensive inspection last year.

Advancing the burying of utility cables at the Tokyo islands

In the Tokyo islands, a series of power failures due to the collapse of utility poles and fallen trees inconvenienced the lives of many islanders. We have to accelerate our efforts to bury utility lines on the islands, which are located on the paths of typhoons. During the current fiscal year, we will start work promptly on the severely damaged metropolitan roads in Oshima Town, and as for other regions, in cooperation with local towns and villages, investigate the specific requirements and determine places in need of maintenance.

Encourage proper evacuation procedures to save lives

During the recent typhoon, proper evacuation was performed in some neighborhood communities where appropriate actions to be taken in the event of storms and floods were shared within the community in advance. At the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, we will continue to actively disseminate the Tokyo My Timeline, a tool for each Tokyo citizen to acquire knowledge necessary at the time of evacuation and organize what actions they need to take in advance. Also, we will promote initiatives to encourage the proper evacuation of all Tokyo citizens through efforts such as further strengthening the dissemination of information, and raising awareness with a picture book published last month, the Tokyo Bousai Ehon, targeted for children and their parents.

Upgrade projects for disaster management

New issues are being highlighted by each occurrence of storm and flood damage, which are increasing in severity every year. What challenges were revealed by the recent typhoon and how should we make improvements? Last month, in order to take all possible precautions against natural disasters, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government launched the large scale storm and flood damage review committee, headed by the vice governor, to promote prompt verification of the issue. Recently, we compiled the results and together with the revision of the flood damage section of the regional disaster management plans scheduled to be announced next fiscal year, we will further upgrade disaster management programs.

Accelerating initial response at disaster sites

For even faster first response at the disaster site, the Tokyo Fire Department will launch a First Aid Team next month that utilizes highly mobile and environmentally-friendly electric tricycles. The trike will enable early emergency rescue in narrow areas that are difficult to enter. Its light footwork can be leveraged to mitigate damage from accidents in normal times as well, as part of our efforts to further enhance measures to make Tokyo a “safe city.”

Measures against climate change can no longer be delayed

The extreme heat and heavy rains of recent years are making us again acutely aware of the enormous impact of global warming that is threatening our daily lives. As measures against climate change cannot be delayed any further, we will promote policies for realization of Zero Emission Tokyo while sharing this understanding with the Tokyo citizens.

Building a resilient city that protects citizens from the impacts of climate change

Promotion of energy conservation and expanded usage of renewable energy. Wide adoption of zero emission vehicles such as electric cars. And encouragement of progressive innovations. In order to realize a carbon-free society, we must develop the diverse initiatives taken in a wide range of fields into measures to address climate change. We will announce the Zero Emission Tokyo Strategy by the end of this year, which presents a specific roadmap for such efforts to have Tokyo help achieve the world’s goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Also, taking into account climate change impacts in Tokyo, we will formulate a Tokyo climate change adaptation policy, presenting approaches for avoiding or reducing damage in a wide range of fields including natural disasters, public health, and agriculture. With these approaches, we will implement comprehensive measures from the aspects of both climate change mitigation and adaptation, and build a resilient city that protects its citizens from extreme weather.

Announcement of the Plastic Reduction Program

For sustainable use of plastic, the final report submitted by the Tokyo Waste Management Council in October broadly indicated long term goals and immediate measures. It also touches on urgent measures for proper treatment and effective use of plastic waste in Japan to respond to international import restrictions. Based on these various proposals, we will announce the Tokyo Plastic Strategy, which lays out specific measures to be taken, by the end of this year.

2. Propel “investment in the future” for Tokyo’s maturity and ongoing growth

Formulate a vision for long-term strategy and a new vision for metropolitan government reform

Tokyo’s growth and maturity will happen by widely advancing investment in the future such as making Tokyo a city with high earning power and implementing measures to connect people, in addition to bolstering urban strength centering on response to disasters and climate change. Our long-term strategic vision will be released at the end of this year to clarify our course of action. In August we presented our vision for the future and the challenges we need to overcome to achieve that vision as discussion points for realizing “Future Tokyo.” Recently, we brought together Tokyo’s insights for the formulation of the long-term strategic vision by soliciting comments from Tokyo’s citizens and exchanging opinions with local municipalities, universities, and a variety of organizations. We have also received many drawings of a yet unseen Tokyo overflowing with dreams from our children who will forge the future. We will continue to advance flexible and bold studies based on these suggestions for the formulation of our long-term strategy, which will become the compass pointing to Tokyo’s bright future where the citizens come first.

In this era of intense change, we must also continuously generate new ideas that think out of the box, and in order to build the Tokyo we are pursuing, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government itself must undergo a massive transformation. The TMG has been promoting the Reform Plan for 2020 to increase productivity and enhance functionality, and the staff are also gaining a mindset for reform. Carrying on with these accomplishments, I will advance further reform for a metropolitan government that can underpin strategic policy development. A new vision for metropolitan government reform that will guide us will also be released at the end of this year.

Tokyo Data Highway is essential to Tokyo’s growth and maturity

One of the foundations for creating the future Tokyo based on these visions is a super high-speed internet system. This first year of a new Reiwa era in Japan is also globally known as the first year of 5G. As 5G, the next-generation telecommunications standard, spreads throughout the United States, South Korea, and other countries of the world, Tokyo must accelerate its growth by leading the world in the 5G network race and creating new value. A 5G network will also contribute to the establishment of an even more mature society where no one is left behind wherever they are, such as by making remote medicine possible. By achieving Society 5.0, the Japanese government initiative that aims to use advanced technology for economic growth and to solve social problems as the population declines and grays even more, the Tokyo Data Highway is indeed fundamental infrastructure for Tokyo as it pursues a balance between maturity and ongoing growth.

In addition to infrastructure that can be seen, such as roads and railways, this new invisible infrastructure will be built, without falling behind the world, to lead Tokyo’s digital shift. For this to happen, the TMG itself must have thorough knowledge of advanced technology. We will employ 10 highly-specialized and extremely experienced ICT personnel for managerial positions this month. We will also newly create a recruitment category for ICT personnel and begin recruiting from next fiscal year. These and more efforts will be taken to reinforce our system to promote digital policies.

Last month we hosted the Tokyo Data Highway Summit. Chaired by Japan’s leading internet experts, and with the participation of the leaders of telecommunications, discussions were held on specific strategies to quickly build the next-generation network. To accelerate installation of the base stations necessary to create that network, the TMG will lend much support to private-sector initiatives by making the databases of TMG-owned facilities publicly available, establishing one-stop consultation desks, and other measures. Centering around this summit that gathers expert knowledge for “updating” Tokyo, we will strongly team up with the private sector and accelerate creation of the world’s fastest mobile network as an investment in the future.

3. Increase the value of Tokyo’s proud infrastructure and resources for sustainable growth

While advancing construction of this new foundation for Tokyo’s development, we will realize Tokyo’s sustainable growth as we respond to the changing times by further raising the value of our present infrastructure and resources and working to boost the city.

Road network supporting Tokyo’s growth

With regard to our roadway network that supports Tokyo’s growth and draws out its latent strength, on the day before yesterday, the Komatsugawa Junction connecting the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway’s Central Circular Route with the Komatsugawa Route newly opened to traffic. With the opening of this junction, there are now more routes connecting Tokyo to Saitama and Chiba, which will help ease traffic congestion in central Tokyo. This month also brought the opening of the Shibuya entry ramp on the outbound lane of the Shibuya line. This is expected to improve access to the suburbs and ease chronic congestion around Shibuya Station. With a focus on increased productivity and greater disaster resilience not only for Tokyo, but the National Capital Region as a whole, we will steadily continue to form an arterial road network that will demonstrate high stock effects.

Vitalization of the wholesale market, the foundation of citizens’ rich lives

Tokyo’s wholesale markets are also important infrastructure for a diverse food culture and other elements enriching citizens’ lives. I have visited 10 markets and met with wholesalers who are striving toward even further development. I once again would like to express my sincere respect to them. The TMG will also make efforts to further vitalize the wholesale markets. The key to that is the amendment to the Central Wholesale Market Ordinance presented to this regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly. As logistics and commercial transactions continue to diversify, in order for wholesale markets to continue to serve their central role in the distribution of fresh food and others we must create an environment that is easier to use by many businesses, including this amendment to the law. This amendment will ease regulations to boost trading vitality while maintaining systems to ensure fair trading and food safety and security. We will fully support innovative initiatives by market parties and will put in our utmost efforts so that all of Tokyo’s citizens may continue to rest assured and enjoy a satisfying consumer lifestyle.

Broaden the range of unique venues to attract MICE

With the world’s attention on us in the run up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, it has never been a better time than now to attract international conferences and other MICE events and link this to Tokyo’s growth. Tokyo has many unique venues, places that can be used to make conferences or receptions special. We will aggressively work to attract events while leveraging those attractive resources.

I promoted the charm of such a venue with the mayor of Katsushika-ku in October. We held an event in the Shibamata area to share new possibilities for using Taishakuten-Daikyoji Temple—Tokyo’s only Important Cultural Landscape—and the shopping district leading up to the temple as a unique venue. A similar event is being held today in Meguro-ku at the former residence of the Maeda family. I will continue to expand the use of unique venues and accelerate the attraction of MICE events.

Advance projection mapping to make Tokyo colorful

With our sights on amending the ordinance on outdoor advertising, we are looking into easing regulations to enable more projection mapping which, as a tourism resource, has the potential to increase Tokyo’s charm. We recently put together a proposed revision to the regulations based on field tests on its impact on scenery, traffic safety, and others. This amendment will allow projection mapping to be held flexibly in areas that want to use it to vitalize the community based on the particular area’s rules. I would like to propose this amendment to the ordinance at next year’s first regular session of the Assembly so that this fantastic projection of lights can make Tokyo even more colorful.

The spread of MaaS for more convenient travel and enhanced added value

MaaS—mobility-as-service, a service that is now attracting the world’s attention—enhances the convenience and added-value of transportation such as conveying the charms of the surrounding area in addition to displaying the optimal mode of transportation to one’s destination by combining railway, bus, demand-responsive transit and other travel modes. The TMG will begin a field test for social implementation in three areas with differing characteristics: the central Tokyo area, waterfront area, and Tama region. As the first step in spreading the use of MaaS, we will implement measures such as launching Japan’s first transportation guide linking real-time railway and bus operation data and a system to reserve and pay for different modes of transportation at one place.

4. Tokyo as a mature city where people are connected with each other and everyone can take on challenges

People are the source of a city’s vitality. Tokyo will grow sustainably as a vibrant city where people are connected with each other and play active roles. The TMG will advance wide-ranging measures to build this mature city for the new era.

Making social firms take root in Tokyo

We, together with an expert panel, have studied how we can support the employment of Tokyo citizens under the concept of social inclusion, which calls for members of society to support one another. The TMG just submitted to the Assembly a proposal for a new Ordinance on Promoting Measures Related to Employment Support for Tokyo Residents and Encouraging the Establishment of Social Firms, which aims to create a society where everyone can take on active roles according to their individual characteristics and abilities. The proposed ordinance not only strives to enhance employment support for all Tokyo citizens, but will certify and support “social firms,” where those who are disadvantaged in the job market can work exuberantly under autonomous management. Leveraging this ordinance, we will work with the municipalities to strongly support the employment of Tokyo residents and have social firms take root in Tokyo, in an effort to create a city where people can continue to shine.

Toward enactment of the Ordinance on Assistance for Crime Victims and Others

The Ordinance on Assistance for Crime Victims and Others will help crime victims and their family members, who are suffering from the physical and/or emotional impacts of crime, to stand on their feet again. The bereaved families also participated in the discussion on the ordinance, providing invaluable input from their standpoints. This summer, the basic concepts of the ordinance were announced to the public. After discussing the ordinance in the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly and inviting public comments, we have drawn up an outline of the proposed ordinance, adding provisions including prevention of re-victimization and emergency support services for incidents in which there are a large number of victims. We are again seeking the opinions of Tokyo residents on this draft, and after careful review and study, we aim to submit the ordinance to the First Regular Session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly next year.

To continue protecting the lives and health of Tokyo citizens

Healthcare is the foundation for people to lead productive and fulfilling lives. However, the difficult environment surrounding the healthcare system is projected to worsen in the future, with the onset of a full-fledged super-aging society and shortage of health care workers. Given this situation, metropolitan hospitals, which provide a safety net for Tokyo’s healthcare, must establish an even more stable management base; continue to provide health care that can meet needs under law, respond to societal demands, and take the lead in addressing new medical challenges; and enhance community health care. The TMG had been studying the management structure of the metropolitan hospitals based on the recommendations of the Tokyo Metropolitan Hospitals Management Committee and a long-term vision looking toward the 2040s, without being confined to the past line of discussion.

We will steadily carry out our mission to protect the lives and health of the residents of Tokyo. To this end, we will start preparations for the transition of all 14 metropolitan hospitals and hospitals of the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Hospitals Corporation to fall under the umbrella of a local independent administrative agency. With this organizational shift, the metropolitan hospitals will be able to secure medical staff in a stable and flexible manner and exercise more agile management, while hospitals operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Hospitals Corporation, which serve the medical needs of communities as the core hospitals of their respective areas, will further enhance local medical care through economies of scale. Under the new structure, we will respond to healthcare challenges in a flexible and effective manner to create a Tokyo where safe and high-quality healthcare is accessible to everyone now and into the future.

Living a full and comfortable life in the age of “Chōju”

In an age of chōju (the Japanese word for longevity), the world of the 100-year lifespan, we will create a society where senior citizens can live with peace of mind and stay healthy and active throughout their lives. As part of that effort, next month, we will hold the “Tokyo Senior Community Exchange Event.” Held over three days, the event will connect senior residents through enjoyable hobbies and activities. Through this event that will gather many from all around Tokyo, we will support senior citizens in leading long and fulfilling lives by helping them expand their social circles and discover new purpose in their lives.

In addition, in an effort to create an environment where everyone can go out safely and comfortably at any age, last month, in Tama New Town, we conducted a field test for mobility using autonomous wheelchairs. Based on the test results, we will proceed to study the practical application of autonomous wheelchairs by resolving obstacles to mobility such as those posed by topography.

Fostering the ability to resolutely live through the digital and global age

We will also put effort in the development of “people” who forge the future. To nurture human capital who can contribute to society while adapting to the changing times amid the wave of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, technical high schools which have produced many monozukuri (manufacturing) experts are also expected to play new roles. This month, the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education set up a new task force to begin discussing the future vision for technical high schools in a highly advanced IT society. Through extensive study on the future of technical high schools, including the training of personnel who can solve social challenges with cutting-edge monozukuri skills and the enhancement of the appeal of these schools, we will present a vision of technical high schools.

Cultivating a macro perspective of the world and ability to explore challenges is also essential. Last month, in cooperation with universities and research organizations in Japan and abroad, we held a workshop to have metropolitan high school students learn about the world’s latest initiatives concerning renewable energy. Moreover, the Tokyo Metropolitan University hosted an international symposium titled “Five-Continent Student Symposium,” whose name comes from the five continents represented by the Olympic rings. Students from over 20 countries and regions participated and deepened discussions on themes, such as “unity in diversity,” which are the visions of the Tokyo 2020 Games. We will continue to promote practical learning through international programs in order to help students venture out into the world in this global age.

5. Unifying our efforts to deliver a successful Olympic and Paralympic Games

Next, I will speak about the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.

Change of venues for the marathon and race walking events

I had consistently maintained that the best option would be for Tokyo to hold the marathon and race walking events. Despite my effort, however, the decision has been made to move the events to Sapporo. I am terribly disappointed by this decision when I think about the various preparations made by local organizations along the routes, such as the municipalities, community associations, and shopping districts, to enliven the events, the residents who looked forward to cheering on the runners and walkers, and the athletes who were training for the course and climate in Tokyo.

Tokyo, as the host city, will continue to move forward and devote all its resources to prepare for the Games and build momentum. We are determined to lead the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 to success under the concerted effort of the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, Japanese government, IOC, IPC and other relevant organizations, and together with the citizens of Tokyo and the rest of Japan.

Steadily advance preparations and build momentum for the Games to meet the world’s expectations

With regard to the new permanent facilities the TMG is in charge of constructing, the Ariake Arena will be completed next week, and the Tokyo Aquatics Centre, the only remaining facility to be built, is scheduled to be completed in February next year. The training of City Cast volunteers, who will serve as the face of the host city, is proceeding smoothly, and host municipalities for the Paralympic Torch Relay were announced last month. Momentum to deliver a successful Tokyo 2020 Games together with the people of Tokyo and Japan is growing. The successful applicants for the Olympic torchbearers will also be finally announced this month. Moreover, as the preparations progress, verification of the operational capabilities of the Games using test events has entered a stage where we can rehearse under conditions close to the actual events. We will set up a stage where the world’s top athletes can fully display their skills and abilities, and will share the inspiration and excitement that arise from there with the world. We will make every effort to meet the expectations placed on Tokyo as the host city by making each day count.

Measures against traffic congestion and heat

For the alleviation of traffic congestion, which is an essential ingredient for smooth operation of the Games, by practicing what we preach, the TMG first updated its 2020 Action Plan, presenting new measures such as moving up the schedule of TMG-ordered construction work. In addition, to promote understanding on and increase incentives for the Smooth Biz initiative, we awarded companies that had implemented excellent measures during this summer’s “Smooth Biz Initiative Promotion Period,” where we saw a certain amount of success in mitigating congestion. “The Winter Smooth Biz Period” is scheduled next month. We will continue to actively urge companies to work for the firm establishment of Travel Demand Management and adopt various workstyles. Also, in an effort to disperse traffic on the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressways during the Games, I have submitted a bill to the current regular session of the Assembly to give nighttime toll discounts on all lines for ETC users and increase the daytime tolls for private vehicles using sections within Tokyo by 1,000 yen. The combination of these measures will allow us, along with Tokyo’s citizens and companies, to realize a balance betweem “smooth transportation during the Games” and “(continuation of) economic activities and Tokyo residents’ lives.” I would like to ask for your kind understanding and cooperation on these matters.

As for anti-heat measures, we will further bolster our efforts through the supplementary budget based on the results of test events conducted this summer. Specifically, we will set up more rest areas and shade, which are effective at mitigating heat and were also well received by spectators, to secure shaded areas centering around the competition venues, distribute more neck coolers, and provide beverages as a new measure. We will also encourage Tokyo residents to take measures on an individual basis, such as wearing hats. The TMG will employ a multi-layered approach, combining hard and soft measures to counter heat.

With respect to the improvement of water quality at Odaiba Marine Park, we will embark on an environmental reform in waters around the competition venue by using dredged sand from Kozushima island next month. The relevant bureaus of the TMG will continue working together on this matter.

6. Forming a scrum and carving out a bright future

This fall, a huge wave of excitement swept across the nation after the great performance of our national rugby team at the Rugby World Cup 2019^TM. The Japanese players competed against the world’s top-ranked contenders under the slogan “One Team” and made it to the quarterfinal round, showing us the unlimited power of unity. Once again, I would like to pay my sincere respects to the Japanese players and also express my deep gratitude to the other host cities that supported the Rugby World Cup with us, volunteers who welcomed visitors from across the world with their “omotenashi,” and the municipalities and residents who helped in livening up the matches in Tokyo.

The connections between many people led the Rugby World Cup 2019^TM to success, leaving a lasting legacy in everyone’s heart. It’s these people-to-people connections that create a great force. Through the Rugby World Cup, I have become convinced of this fact once again. We will deliver a successful Olympic and Paralympic Games next year, based on the precious lessons gained from operating the matches and the experience of all-Japan unity. And, for the future beyond that, I am determined to strongly push forward initiatives aimed at creating a safe and secure Tokyo that grows sustainably and where everyone can shine, by forming a scrum with the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly members and Tokyo residents.

Including the matters to which I have already referred, a total of 53 proposals have been presented to this regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, including 2 budget bills and 35 proposed ordinances, to be deliberated among the Assembly members.

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