Policy Speech by the Governor of Tokyo, Yuriko Koike, at the Second Regular Session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, 2018

In opening the second regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly in 2018, I wish to relate my basic stance on future metropolitan administration.

1. Introduction

The legacy of our predecessors who transformed Tokyo

This year marks exactly 150 years since Edo was renamed Tokyo. During the course of that history, a major trigger that spurred Tokyo’s evolution as a city was the project to reconstruct Tokyo following the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 undertaken by Shinpei Goto, who had previously served as the city of Tokyo’s seventh mayor. The project, which was planned on a scale of 3 billion yen, over twice the national budget at the time, was eventually scaled back considerably. However, it created the framework for modern Tokyo, including major arteries such as Showa-dori Avenue and Yasukuni-dori Avenue, and modern bridges. Through this project, many new parks, which serve as places for Tokyo residents to relax, as well as evacuation areas and hubs for rescue activities in times of disaster, were also created, including Sumida Park, which is called Japan’s first authentic riverside park.

The Tokyo 1964 Olympic and Paralympic Games, symbolizing Japan’s post-war recovery, also drove the evolution of Tokyo. The Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train line and metropolitan expressway built on the occasion of the Games, accelerated high economic growth, and continue to fulfill a crucial role today as the transportation and distribution network that supports the vitality of the capital. The 1964 Games built the foundation for today’s mature society. In addition to hard infrastructure, the Games produced pictograms, which transcend language barriers and can be understood by all, to be used as information signage throughout the city; contributed to beautification of the city by improving waste collection and making it more efficient; and advanced technological developments in frozen food, which became a method of supplying ingredients for meals to the Athletes’ Village, among other contributions.

Strategic initiatives for new advances

On the foundation of such valuable legacies created by those who came before us, Tokyo, powered by the dynamic activities of its people working toward a bright future, had developed into one of the world’s leading cities. For Tokyo to continue making progress and to ensure its mutually beneficial coexistence with the rest of Japan, Tokyo must evolve in new ways as a mature city and transform into a society that continues to generate growth even as the population declines.

The key to achieving this is to build an environment where diverse lifestyles are respected and anyone who lives in Tokyo can shine vibrantly using the Tokyo 2020 Games as the driving force. For example, as we are about to enter an era with a life expectancy of 100 years, we will provide support so that senior citizens can continue working, learning, and participating in society, according to their respective wishes and desires. Another example is advancing barrier-free improvements in not only hard infrastructure such as roads and public transportation, but in measures to promote mutual understanding, remove barriers to information access, and other “soft” ways to bring out the dynamism of each and every Tokyo resident. Such initiatives will lead to growth for Tokyo beyond 2020.

Cultivating Tokyo’s strengths to win in the ever intensifying competition among cities is also a crucial element for further growth. We must boldly take up challenges in growth areas, including realizing our vision to make Tokyo Asia’s number one global financial city and supporting innovative projects through the special economic zones system.

To quickly and steadily advance such policies, we recently positioned eight TMG-wide themes, including the aforementioned, as strategic policy themes, and established a system to speedily address these challenges under cross-bureau cooperation. As the leader of these efforts, I will also actively work to grasp the situation on the ground with my own eyes and listen to the voices of as many Tokyo citizens as possible to further advance initiatives to realize the “three cities” of Tokyo (Safe City, Diversity/Diverse City, and Smart City). Focusing on what I felt on the frontlines of metropolitan administration, I hope to accelerate the policies set forth in the Action Plan for 2020, and achieve solid outcomes that will realize the “three cities,” leading to the further evolution of Tokyo.

2. Protecting the people from passive smoking

An equally crucial issue for Tokyo’s new advances is measures to prevent passive smoking, which are outlined in the proposed ordinance we are presenting at this regular session of the Assembly. While also making efforts to align the contents with the Diet’s bill, the Ordinance to Prevent Passive Smoking was drafted with the aim to prevent the ill effects on health caused by second-hand smoke exposure indoors. In our bill, we have incorporated the TMG’s own rules that focus on people: protecting employees, who may find it difficult to avoid second-hand smoke and children, whose health is easily impacted. It is a policy that truly embodies the “health first” concept.

Specifically, from the standpoint of protecting both customers and employees equally, the ordinance prohibits smoking indoors at restaurants and drinking establishments that hire employees regardless of the size of the business, and only permits smoking in dedicated smoking rooms. To protect children, along with banning smoking on the grounds of kindergartens, daycare centers, elementary, junior high, and high schools, the ordinance also bans children from entering smoking rooms at other facilities. Through such measures that will include making over 80 percent of restaurants and drinking establishments subject to regulation, I believe that we will be able to more effectively protect the health of Tokyo citizens. Meanwhile, we will expand support for the building of dedicated smoking rooms by restaurants and bars, as well as the creation of public smoking areas, as a consideration to smokers and to reduce the burden on businesses.

The ordinance will be phased into effect and fully enforced, including penalties, by the Tokyo 2020 Games. Under the strong belief that we must protect the people, we will work with the municipalities, and while receiving the understanding and support of relevant groups and others, we will advance measures befitting the host city of the Games. I want to pass on to future generations a society where everyone -- both smokers and non-smokers -- can live comfortably, as one form of a Tokyo that has evolved to higher levels.

3. We will not tolerate a revision of the tax system that targets Tokyo

As Tokyo boldly advances initiatives as the engine driving Japan’s growth even as the population declines, the central government, arguing that it must correct tax revenue inequalities among Japan’s local governments, has started deliberations to further seize financial resources from Tokyo. However, the inequality in tax revenues asserted by the central government has already been adjusted through the local allocation tax, and the redistribution of local corporate taxes currently under study by the central government has already been settled through previous revisions to the tax system. On countless occasions to date, the central government has revised the tax system to target Tokyo, and has without sound reason taken away fiscal resources from Tokyo amounting to six trillion yen. And, it must be said that the central government’s actions are completely baseless this time as well.

Just as I have stated many times before, what we really need to pursue for growth of the entire country is enhancing sources of tax revenue in a manner befitting the roles of local governments based on the principles of decentralization. The central government’s attitude of turning a blind eye to this essential issue and focusing only on short-term solutions is absolutely unacceptable. The stopgap measures that have been implemented over and over in the past are not what is needed now. Rather, it is necessary to confront the issue of how local tax revenues should be from a broad perspective with a view to true decentralization. Through the new study committee we will launch at this time, I hope to deepen fundamental debate with the members of this Assembly, the municipalities, and experts.

Last month, I also asked for advice from the Tokyo Metropolitan Tax System Study Committee regarding matters such as how a tax system that establishes true local autonomy should be overall. Based on discussions aimed at achieving growth for Tokyo and Japan, we will strongly object to the irrational review of the tax system, while spreading understanding among the people of Tokyo and other prefectures as well.

4. Opening of the Toyosu Market and redevelopment of the Tsukiji area

Next, I would like to speak about the relocation of the wholesale market to Toyosu. With regard to the safety of Toyosu Market, which will serve as the “kitchen” for Tokyo’s residents well into the future, we are steadily advancing additional construction measures to absolutely ensure safety. Next month, construction is scheduled to be completed. We will then follow the necessary steps to ensure that all of the people of Tokyo and businesses at the market can feel reassured, including having the Expert Council check the effectiveness of the additional measures and filing an application with the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister for approval of the market.

Concerning the “Senkyaku Banrai” shopping and entertainment complex, which will create vitality at Toyosu Market, we held earnest discussions with the business operator and received their proposal to begin construction on the complex promptly after the Tokyo 2020 Games. We hope to reach a final agreement with the operator after also gaining the understanding of Koto-ku where the facility is to be located. Regarding the creation of vitality by the TMG, all related TMG bureaus will work together to come up with ideas from the perspective of establishing a new Toyosu brand and promoting the appeal of the area that will draw crowds.

Last month, the Tsukiji Redevelopment Study Panel compiled an overview of urban redevelopment of the area. It is the TMG’s mission to maximize the value of Tsukiji, an asset of the people of Tokyo situated in a prime location, based on the council’s valuable recommendations. Now, along with launching a study committee within the TMG and involving all bureaus, we will also gather opinions from experts, and study urban development policy from an administrative standpoint.

Based on requests by market operators and the local ward, we studied a shortening of the construction period of the unfinished portion of Ring Road No. 2. By also receiving the cooperation of businesses operators at the market, the temporary aboveground section of the road, which was scheduled to be completed about two months after the market relocates, is now expected to be completed within one month of the market relocation. The completion of the aboveground section of road by the end of fiscal 2019 and a tunnel for the main line in fiscal 2022 will not only create a new road network that links the waterfront area to the heart of Tokyo, but will also ensure smooth transportation in the area.

5. Unwavering advancement of reform

Enhancing the volitional implementation and effectiveness of Reform for 2020

Let’s now move on to Tokyo Metropolitan Government reform. At the end of last fiscal year, we compiled the Reform Plan for 2020 and entered the phase of full scale reform implementation. We have taken this opportunity to create systems for TMG employees to continuously take the initiative in advancing measures through the reform mindset they have cultivated to date. This includes the establishment of councils to promote reform, headed by each of my vice governors, which will manage the progress of reform in each of the TMG bureaus. While having these councils and the Reform Office verify the progress of reforms and using the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Action) cycle for TMG bureaus to advance further reforms, we will raise the effectiveness of Reform for 2020 without fail.

The incorporation of opinions and advice from broad perspectives is also effective in firmly managing this cycle. Therefore, at this time, we have decided to establish a new Tokyo Metropolitan Government Reform Advisory Council made up of business leaders accomplished in areas such as work-style reform, and experts in various fields, including government reform and legal affairs, to seek objective advice. While receiving advice on matters ranging from overarching themes, such as taking reform to the next level, to individual initiatives, such as the promotion of flexible work-styles, I am determined to push forward metropolitan government reform without letting up.

As part of our efforts to “enhance visibility,” our objective analysis of the industrial water supply services last fiscal year revealed that amid decreasing revenues, an increase in demand cannot be expected, and large sums of money would be required to renew the aging facilities. After studying the best course of action to take and based on last week’s recommendations from the panel of experts, we decided to address this outstanding issue of many years and move toward discontinuing the service. For users of this service, while listening closely to their voices, we will provide a detailed response. Tackling the various issues that we have been putting off until now is the very purpose of the “Grand Reform of Tokyo.”

Toward proper management of extra-governmental organizations

With regard to extra-governmental organizations working to strengthen their management foundations through reform as members of the “TMG group,” yesterday, we released business reform plans for all 33 organizations. Each organization clarifies its own business challenges heading toward 2020 and sets forth strategies and business targets to resolve these challenges, while also reflecting an outside perspective. To ensure the contents of the plans are befitting to organizations that work alongside the TMG to realize policies, I met with the leaders of each of the organizations to discuss the current situation and challenges prior to release. We will promote volitional management reform and efforts by these organizations to make management information more visible through evaluations conducted every fiscal year by the TMG on the initiatives taken based on the plans which also give due consideration to the opinions of outside experts.

All-out implementation of tendering system reform

The trial implementation of tendering system reforms that we started advancing last June has produced results in raising the competitiveness and transparency of bidding, including an increase in the number of entries. Now, while applying those results, we will improve a portion of the system by giving consideration to small and medium-sized enterprises and other standpoints, and implement reforms in earnest. While always maintaining a clear picture of the situation surrounding the system, we will continue to ensure competitiveness and adhere to fair and transparent operation of the system.

6. Ensuring the success of the Rugby World Cup and the Tokyo 2020 Games

The historic stage of the Rugby World Cup 2019

The FIFA World Cup in Russia will begin on the day after tomorrow -- another global sports event following the PyeongChang Winter Games. I look forward to seeing Team Japan putting up a good fight against the world’s strongest teams.

Following soccer will finally be rugby. At the event celebrating 500 days to go to Rugby World Cup 2019 held during last month’s holidays, a day counter counting down the days to the event was displayed, making me again very well aware of the steady approach of the event. The official team camps have been selected and are just awaiting the final formalizing paperwork, and with the national team playing three test matches this month, the players also getting geared up for this historic Rugby World Cup to be held for the first time in Asia. We will also work closely with the other 11 host cities in Japan and make the event a success.

Pushing forward preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Games with the citizens of Tokyo and all of Japan

Going on, with regard to the Tokyo 2020 Games, last month at the IOC Executive Board meeting, the seven soccer venues for the Olympics were decided, finalizing all the competition venues. By combining strengths with the Organising Committee, the national government, and local governments where the venues are located, including those in the Tohoku area hit by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, we will definitely make this all-Japan event a success.

To secure safety and security, which is the prerequisite for this success, in March we formulated the guidelines on measures to address incidents that threaten the operation of the Games. From the four perspectives of measures to uphold public safety and cybersecurity and measures against disasters and infectious diseases, we will newly work to improve and strengthen initiatives, and will continue testing and reviewing them. With regard to cybersecurity, in April we consolidated related divisions at the Metropolitan Police Department to strengthen response capabilities. While also deepening collaboration with the private sector, we will use all our resources to precisely deal with threats, even those that cannot be seen.

Yesterday, along with the Organising Committee, we announced the guidelines for Games Volunteers and City Volunteers. This summer, in combination with implementing Flex Time Biz over a longer period of time than before and working to popularize telework, we will call for cooperation from companies in curbing transportation demand. Together as one with the people of Tokyo and the rest of Japan, we will advance preparations to deliver a Games that will receive the world’s praise.

For a Olympic and Paralympic Games that will show the world Japan’s recovery from the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, as a new initiative we will hold a tour of the Tohoku area in September for overseas media to send out stronger messages to the world about the current situation of the disaster-stricken areas.  We wish to raise even more interest in the Tohoku area in the run up to the Games to further support the recovery of the area.

Heightening a sense of unity for the Games

It will soon again be July 24, the same day as the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. To have the period of the Games firmly engraved in the minds of the people of Tokyo and the rest of Japan, and to also enhance health and participation in sports, from this day to September 6, we will again this year hold the radio calisthenics project. Along with the medal project, in which we were able to break the 100,000 mark the other day in the collection of small electronic devices at the TMG building, we will continue to work to bring the Games closer to everyone.

The Olympic torch relay is also an important event that will leave the people around Japan with a powerful impression of the Games. The concept for the torch relay was determined in April, and it was decided to have the torch pass through Tokyo for 15 days. We will advance studies with the municipalities and relevant organizations for the selection of a route that will further heighten the sense of unity for the Games.

More focus needs to be directed to the Paralympic Games to ensure the success of Tokyo 2020. To this end, during the Golden Week holidays, we held the No Limits Special event in front of Tokyo station. This event, where participants could experience all 22 Paralympic sports, was very successful. We will continue to build up enthusiasm for the Paralympics through initiatives including a video targeting young people which conveys the appeal of cheering on parasports up close, and in this way make the Paralympics one where the athletes and the packed stadium of spectators are united to give rise to the best performances.

7. For a Tokyo that embraces diversity and where everyone shines

We will continue to advance measures focusing on “people” to achieve a Tokyo where each and every person can shine in their own special way.

Building an inclusive society where everyone is respected

In order to deepen understanding among the citizens and businesses of Tokyo about people with disabilities so that we can achieve a society that is mutually beneficial to all, we have submitted to this assembly a proposal for an ordinance to promote understanding toward the disabled and eliminate discrimination. It goes one step further than current legislation, such as making it obligatory for businesses to provide reasonable accommodations to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Along with this, we wish to work with the citizens of Tokyo to build a society where disabled people can lead more comfortable lives by advancing the provision of various information through conversation in writing, braille, and text-to-speech, and making efforts to spread the use of sign language.

In addition, from the perspective of realizing a society where everyone accepts each other, it is crucial to address discrimination against LGBT and other gender minorities, hate speech, and other new human rights issues.

The Olympic Charter calls for respecting human rights, which does not allow for any kind of discrimination. The Tokyo government has formulated the outline of a proposed ordinance to achieve this. It sets down the measures necessary to eliminate discrimination concerning matters such as gender identity and sexual orientation, and hate speech. With the aim of proposing this ordinance at the third regular session of the assembly, the contents will be reviewed while also taking in the views of our citizens.

Today, the US-North Korea summit is being held for the first time in history. Along with holding expectations that this conference will lead to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, such as by sweeping away nuclear and missile threats, the TMG will firmly raise its voice together with the national government with regard to the kidnapping of Japanese citizens by North Korea, which is a serious violation of human rights.

A society where the joy of having and raising children can be felt

The measures we have been taking to address the daycare waitlist situation in order to build a society where women and men can shine both at raising children and at work, are steadily bearing fruit. For example, as an emergency measure I took immediately after taking office, we launched a system for leasing metropolitan government-owned land to daycare center operators through the municipal government offices, and this April, four centers opened, including a facility in Taito-ku, which was the first to use this system. Company daycare facilities, where we are subsidizing some of the costs of equipment purchased at the time of opening, are also spreading rapidly.

In addition to promoting the building of daycare facilities, we have been implementing various measures such as securing and retaining personnel and enhancing support to users. As a result, the number of waitlisted children in Tokyo as of April 1 this year was about 3,100 less than last year, with the waitlist expected to drop below 5,500 children. In the last fiscal year, the number of authorized daycare centers in Tokyo increased by about 250. We believe that full cooperation with the municipalities led to such good outcomes. We will continue to aggressively advance these initiatives, and along with these efforts, we will begin providing support for employed people to balance work and fertility treatment in order to provide even more detailed support to those who wish to have children. This is a program based on a proposal from the public. In this way, we will extensively roll out policies to achieve a society where people can find joy in work as well as joy in raising children.

Meanwhile, however, there was a very heartbreaking incident recently where a young child lost her life due to abuse from her parents. May she rest in peace. Based on this incident, it has been decided that the organization of the child guidance offices will be bolstered and the range of information shared with the Metropolitan Police Department will be expanded. I will also visit the Child Guidance Office, perhaps tomorrow, and while firmly grasping the situation on the ground, all of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will come together to rapidly strengthen the child guidance system.

Raise abilities in children to brighten their lives

In order to cultivate abilities in children to broadly unfurl their potentials in a globalized society and brighten their lives, we will accelerate international exchange in schools. In the Global Friendship Project, which is underway in public schools in Tokyo for students to learn about the countries and regions scheduled to participate in the Tokyo 2020 Games, initiatives in cooperation with embassies in Tokyo have also begun. As one facet of such activities, the other day, US Ambassador William F. Hagerty and I participated in the sports festival of an elementary school in Meguro-ku and deepened exchange with the school children. Through a variety of activities, we will strive to bring the world closer to our children and deepen their understanding.

Last month, we designated 15 metropolitan schools that are energetically engaging in overseas exchange as “leading schools for international exchange.” Along with working to broadly publicize the activities of each of these leading schools, we will strive to realize various kinds of international exchange at all of the public schools in Tokyo by 2020. This includes establishing an “international exchange concierge” to provide one-stop support to schools for the promotion of exchange.

Regarding metropolitan agricultural high schools, we will work to have them receive GAP (Good Agricultural Practice) certification, which is proof of safety. By having high school students study matters such as food safety and environmental conservation, we will raise personnel for better urban agriculture, and through certification, we will aim to use the produce from these schools as ingredients for food served at the 2020 Games.

For GAP certification, from this April, we have also launched the operation of our own certification system that takes in the distinctive features of urban agriculture. So that many farmers in Tokyo can acquire this certification, we will provide detailed support for promotion of sustainable Tokyo agriculture that is safe and eco-friendly.

Securing safety and security that lay the foundation for everyone to shine

Revision of the Regional Disaster Management Plan (Earthquake Version)

Securing safety and peace of mind, which are essential for building a society where the people shine, will also be steadily advanced. The earthquake version of the Regional Disaster Management Plan, which sets down disaster mitigation, response, and restoration measures, has been revised over the recent years to reflect lessons learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake and damage projections for a Nankai Trough Earthquake and other major earthquakes. We will make more revisions to this based on changes in the situation, such as the occurrence of the Kumamoto Earthquake, and the latest knowledge gained in order to enhance the efficacy of the measures. We will work ceaselessly to set into place an infallible system that will make Tokyo a city full of vitality where everyone can live with a sense of security.

For safe and pleasant town development

With regard to the removal of utility poles with the goal of bolstering the disaster mitigation functions of the city and securing safer pedestrian spaces, based on the ordinance we formulated a plan that sets down policies and goals for the next 10 years. Along with expanding the priority area for removal along metropolitan roads to encompass the area within Ring Road No. 7, it includes measures to accelerate removal, such as reducing construction costs by one-third through technological developments.  Going forward, we will not just limit this to metropolitan roads, but will select specific areas for development along municipal roads to promote efforts throughout the metropolis.

In districts with close-set wooden houses, along with continuing to advance the formation of fire breaks, through the development of attractive relocation sites leveraging private sector ideas, we will further advance the formation of towns that do not burn. In addition, not only will we work to remove vacant houses that may have serious impacts in their communities in the event of a disaster, but with regard to old condominiums, we will set up measures to promote proper maintenance by strengthening the functions of condominium owner associations, with the establishment of an ordinance also in mind. In this way, we will hold a broad perspective in advancing the development of safe and pleasant communities.

Promoting the use of liquid baby formula

In March the national government launched procedures to establish regulatory standards for liquid baby formula, taking the first big step toward its domestic circulation. We have been saying from before that liquid baby formula would be useful in a disaster. I also met with Health, Labour and Welfare Minister Kato the other day to strongly request measures for its early use. We also recently reached an understanding with a private business to conclude an agreement for the urgent and smooth procurement of liquid baby formula from overseas in the time of a disaster. We will continue to deepen collaboration with the national government and relevant organizations so that this milk, which can be stored at room temperatures and can help reduce childcare burdens, will help Tokyo citizens to feel even safer.

8. Developing the strengths of Tokyo to win in the competition among cities

Driven by the vitality of a society where everyone shines, we will develop the strengths of Tokyo, such as implementing cutting-edge environmental measures and realizing a global financial city, in order to emerge victorious in the increasingly competitive race among cities.

Initiatives supporting a pleasant and sustainable urban environment

Outcomes of the international conference on the environment and environmental measures going forward

At the international conference on the environment, which was held last month with representatives from 22 cities around the world, we shared our policies and expertise on waste management, material cycling and air pollution measures, and signed the Tokyo Declaration as a message to the world about our vision and future initiatives. While fully leveraging Tokyo’s increasingly high presence, we wish to have Tokyo serve a world-leading role in the field of the environment.

“Clean city” was a key phrase of the conference. To achieve a clean city, it is crucial that each and every one builds upon and expands their efforts. We will create a “Team Mottainai” with volunteers and companies to broadly encourage individual environmental actions such as reducing food loss and recycling more thoroughly.

Another key phrase of the conference was “clear sky.” In order to achieve clear skies, we declared that by 2030 we will have electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles make up 50 percent of all new cars sold in Tokyo. Prior to this, I met with the Chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association to request cooperation in the technological development and marketing of zero emission vehicles, including electric motorcycles. In the summer, with the cooperation of the manufacturers, we will hold the Tokyo Island Motor Show in Hachijojima and Niijima islands to send out a message on the appeal of electric vehicles. This is one of the efforts we are taking to strengthen public-private cooperation with the aim of further spreading the use of zero-emission vehicles.

We also wish to take the opportunity of the National Arbor Day Festival to be held in Tokyo in November to boost enthusiasm for protection of Tokyo’s precious greenery. As one facet of this, we will put together a vision that looks 50 years and 100 years into the future for the forests of the Tama area and the islands, which support the lives of the citizens of Tokyo, and publicize this at the festival. Such efforts will help us, along with the Tokyo citizens, to leave a sustainable Tokyo that “cultivates forests and fully utilizes trees” to our future generations.

International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress & Exhibition

In September, Tokyo will host the International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress & Exhibition. This is the world’s largest international conference on water and will be held in Japan for the first time. Industry, academia and government will come together to publicize Tokyo’s resilient and sustainable water supply and sewerage systems, and the superb technologies and expertise that support them. Along with contributing to finding solutions to the world’s water problems, the outcomes of the conference will be used to benefit the management of our water supply and sewerage business.

Building the foundation for Tokyo’s sustainable growth

Making Tokyo a global financial city and revitalizing SMEs

To make Tokyo a global financial city, we will implement ambitious measures this fiscal year such as providing both financial and organizational support to new fund managers and implementing practical studies on the establishment of a financial promotion organization. Along with realizing a global financial city that leads the world, we will also continue to pursue new measures that will allow the revitalization of finances to benefit the citizens of Tokyo and SMEs.

With regard to the promotion of SMEs, which support Tokyo’s economy and employment, a council of experts are vigorously discussing the formulation of a medium and long-term vision for effective and continuous implementation of measures that meet the needs of the age. Along with this, while also taking into account the discussions held by the council, we will advance studies with the aim to establish an ordinance clarifying the unwavering ideology and direction of SME promotion.

Focusing the spotlight on manufacturing technology will also lead to boosting SMEs. We have raised our hand to host in 2021, the National Skills Competition, where young people from throughout Japan compete in their manufacturing skills, and the National Abilympics, where those with disabilities compete in the skills they have garnered. We hope to host these festivals of diverse skills to further promote the manufacturing industry and support the further activities of people with disabilities.

Tourism promotion as a growth strategy

Tokyo’s presence as an international tourist destination is growing. This makes the promotion of the tourism industry an important strategy to win in the competition among cities. We will take the occasion of the FIFA World Cup in Russia, which attracts people from around the world, to conduct intense PR activities at locations including Moscow’s airport and express trains. Also, in order to attract more MICE events such as international conferences by promoting the use of Tokyo’s museums and gardens as unique venues, we opened a comprehensive support center last month to provide facility information and effectively match up users to facilities.

In order to draw tourists to Tokyo’s valuable tourism resource, the islands, following the efforts we took in the last fiscal year, this year we are again selling “Shimapo currency,” a gift certificate with added benefits that can be used for lodging or shopping on the islands. Each of the islands boast attractions that enthrall visitors. On the Ogasawara Islands, celebrating the 50th anniversary of reversion to Japan this month, a ceremony will be held at the end of this month -- which I will also be attending -- along with various commemorative events. I hope that more people will go to the Tokyo islands to enjoy their unique treasures.

The transportation and logistics networks supporting Tokyo’s growth

The transportation and logistics networks are truly the foundations supporting Tokyo’s growth strategy. This month marked the opening of the Chiba section of the Tokyo Outer Ring Road (Gaikan), which includes a part of Tokyo. Regarding the section between the Kan-etsu Expressway and the Tomei Expressway, which runs through Tokyo, along with requesting the national government to work for the opening of this section as soon as possible, Tokyo will also actively support its construction through efforts such as procuring the land needed. The opening of the remaining section between Tomei Expressway and Wangan Roadway will complete the three ring expressways of the National Capital Region. We will work together with the national government and related agencies to quickly make concrete plans to realize this. Regarding railways, the creation of a fund to finance the construction of new lines and other developments was passed at the last regular session of this assembly. This fiscal year, we will deepen studies on implementation of projects for six lines including subway line 8 and the Tama city monorail. We will advance negotiations and coordination with the national government, local governments, railway operators and other stakeholders for further improvement of the railway network that leads to sustainable growth and more vitality of the people.

9. Conclusion

“There are three important things that form the core of social activities: 1. People, 2. People, and 3. People,” so said Shinpei Goto, whom I mentioned at the beginning of my speech. By this he argued that nothing can be done without people. In the reconstruction works after the Great Kanto Earthquake, Goto built wide modern roads, parks both large and small, and fire-resistant elementary schools, among others. I believe he aimed for the sustainable development of Tokyo through urban planning that protects people and draws out the power of people.

I am also focusing on people in Tokyo’s administrative affairs. By fully drawing out the vitality of people, I wish for the new evolution of Tokyo. By focusing on each and every citizen and building a Tokyo where everyone can hold a dream for tomorrow and lead vibrant lives, I hope to realize a city that, even as a mature society, can generate sustainable growth. Under this belief, with the understanding and cooperation of the members of the Assembly, I wish to advance policies and measures that will allow all citizens of Tokyo to shine vibrantly.

Including the matters to which I have already referred, a total of 47 proposals have been presented to this regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, including 17 proposed ordinances and 11 proposed contracts, to be deliberated among the Assembly members.

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