Speech by the Governor of Tokyo, Yuriko Koike, at the Second Extraordinary Session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, 2019

Before delivering my words on the occasion of the enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor, I would like to extend my deep condolences to those who lost their loved ones in the disaster caused by the recent Typhoon Hagibis and express my heartfelt sympathy to everyone impacted by that devastating typhoon. The whole of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is committed to ensuring the speedy recovery of the areas that were affected and further strengthening Tokyo’s disaster management capabilities.

In opening the second extraordinary session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, I wish to make the following remarks with the utmost respect.

Tomorrow, on October 22nd, Sokuirei-Seiden-no-gi, the Ceremony of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor at the Seiden (State Hall) will take place. As the governor of Japan’s capital, Tokyo, I would like to express my felicitations on this auspicious occasion. I plan to attend the ceremony on behalf of Tokyo’s residents. I would like to sincerely wish Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako continued happiness and health, and everlasting prosperity for the world in the new Reiwa era.

On this day before the auspicious advent of the new imperial era, I am renewing my resolve to dedicate further efforts to advance metropolitan government affairs for enhancement of resident welfare and the further development of Tokyo and Japan. With firm determination for the future and deep wishes for world peace, together with the Tokyo residents, I would like to offer my sincere felicitations on the accession to the throne by His Majesty the Emperor.

With this, I would like to conclude my remarks.