Policy Speech by the Governor of Tokyo, Koike Yuriko, at the Third Regular Session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, 2024
In opening the third regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly in 2024, I wish to speak about my policy concerning future metropolitan administration.
Assembly member Ishikawa Ryoichi passed away on June 16. I would like to extend my deep condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Early this morning, ballistic missiles were launched by North Korea. Their successive missile launches pose a grave threat to our country’s peace and security, and are definitely not to be tolerated. I will be sure that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government firmly upholds its duty to protect the lives of our residents from armed attacks and other threats.
1. Foreword
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Receiving the support of many Tokyo citizens in the recently held gubernatorial election, I was charged with taking the helm of the Tokyo government for a third term. I am humbled and determined to live up to this mandate. Under our Tokyo Grand Reform 3.0, we will find solutions to issues, take action, and leave results. We will accelerate the dynamic actions taken by the metropolitan government and make Tokyo the world’s best city.
The world’s movements far surpass the norm or anything we have hitherto experienced. We face natural disasters, energy, the international situation, and, moreover, a dwindling birth rate leading to an aging and shrinking population. Of particular note are the recent advancements in generative AI, which is proceeding at a pace wherein 1 year seems to be equivalent to 10 or 20 years in the past. We will not be able to protect our lifestyles and livelihoods if we consider and proceed with matters in the same ways as before.
I am fully committed to making Tokyo a place where everyone living here will genuinely feel that “Tokyo has become better.” This is the mission mandated to the governor of Tokyo. In order to respond to such enormous expectations without fail, I have not lost any time in building a system headed by the vice governors to have all the bureaus of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government actively engage in the promises I made to the citizens of Tokyo during the campaign. Determined to lead the era, we will work to deliver on these promises and ensure a bright future for the people of Tokyo.
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A country’s population is its foundation and a crucial factor determining its power. It would not be an exaggeration to say that efforts to address the population issue are directly linked to the future form of a state. Recently, it has been implied that Japan’s population reduction is connected with the concentration of resources in Tokyo, but this is a truly misguided argument that will reduce the power of Tokyo, the source of our country’s vitality.
A large portion of Tokyo’s population growth is actually due to the increase of our foreign population. Tokyo is not unilaterally depriving other regions of their young people. Tokyo’s marriage rate also tops the country. Looking at the birthrate among married women, this also surpasses the national average. These facts are all backed by data. And, to begin with, people are free to choose where they wish to live. Most important here would be an environment that seamlessly supports the lives of each individual. Firmly believing in this, Tokyo is drawing upon its wisdom and making continuous efforts to build a society that can grant the wishes of all those who want to get married and to have and raise children. If Japan lacks strategies based on a broad national perspective and continues to think in a short-sighted manner that includes fighting over a larger portion of the domestic pie, it will only decline. What is demanded now is considering what needs to be done to make the pie itself larger, and translating this into action as soon as possible.
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It is imperative that we do not follow the times, but surpass it. We must attempt to be one step, two steps ahead of the times. That is because we are now welcoming in an era where we must design new models to cover all aspects, from politics to economy and society. We will update the vision Tokyo should aim for by boldly forecasting a future further down the line. This will be “New Tokyo 2050 (working name).” While also encouraging the participation of the people of Tokyo through the use of AI, and unshackled by old ideas and preconceptions, we will draw up a strategy that will be a new vision for Tokyo in the 2050s.
And serving as leverage for the implementation of strategy is further structural reform of the Tokyo government. We will strive for digital transformation that will go beyond boundaries of bureaus and policy areas and will harness the power of digital technologies to find solutions to societal issues that are growing increasingly complex and diverse. Amid such efforts, we will thoroughly engage in BPR, business process re-engineering, for optimal business processes. Along with GovTech Tokyo, a very reliable group of experts, we will accelerate steps to a digital society, including raising the quality of administrative services to a level that Tokyo’s citizens can perceive as convenient, engaging in developments utilizing our technological strengths, and actively using AI.
2. Nurturing people and building a bright future where people can continue to shine
In order to make Tokyo the best city in the world, it would be crucial to take initiatives to realize a future where people, who are the source of a city’s vitality, can continue to shine.
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I feel that our support, which seamlessly covers the various stages of life, such as egg freezing and 018 support (monthly support for children up to 18 years of age), is giving much hope to moms and dads and those planning to get married. In order to further lighten the burden of raising children, since last month, we have been holding discussions with experts for the creation of Tokyo’s own accreditation system to eliminate waiting lists for after-school childcare and to enhance the quality of care. In addition, we are now entering an age where one out of four individuals get married through matchmaking apps. The AI matchmaking system operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, “TOKYO Enmusubi,” will finally go into full operation from this month to support people in finding partners. In addition, in order to promote the spread of dwellings where families can feel safe and comfortable raising children, with regard to our “Tokyo Kodomo Sukusuku Jutaku (housing where children can thrive),” which certifies multi-family residences that have secured fall prevention measures and other safety measures for children, we are examining how to best expand this certification to also include detached houses.
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Building an environment that cultivates the strengths of children
An environment that cultivates resilience in children, the principal actors of the future, so that they can make it through times of uncertainty is the foundation of a society where people shine. We will further enhance their practical English skills, and provide more opportunities for digital experiences that foster creativity. Meanwhile, the waves of change are also sweeping relentlessly across the world of education. Within such tumultuous waters, nurturing globally-minded individuals who can demonstrate their abilities in a global environment holds the key to a sustainable future. While fully utilizing the know-how and networks of our diverse metropolitan high schools, we will apply bold concepts to create a new style of education at metropolitan high schools that will allow children with various aspirations and thinking to make their own learning choices and resolutely embark into society.
A survey conducted by the national government revealed that elementary and junior high school non-attendance is at an all-time high. Accordingly, we must also prepare a system that puts children first—one that listens to the voices of children and has their growth supported by society as a whole. At this regular session of the Assembly, we have submitted a bill on an ordinance concerning the opening of Tachikawa Midori High School, a “challenge” school that supports diverse students, including those who have experienced being unable to attend school. In addition, we will formulate a new plan to improve the learning and educational environment for metropolitan high school students who are experiencing difficulties in their studies. Moreover, in collaboration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, based on scientific evidence, we will also work to create a comfortable school climate for children that will lead to a reduction in bullying and absenteeism, and the improvement of mental health.
Improving community response to child abuse is also a very large challenge. We will advance studies to establish a new Child Guidance Office in Meguro-ku by FY 2031.
Supporting the activities of young people
Initiatives to ensure that young people can hold hopes for the future and lead vibrant lives are also crucial. For the first time in 30 years, we established a Vocational Skills Development Center in the same building as the Tokyo Shigoto Center, which is visited by many young people. Responding to a wide range of reskilling needs, support will be provided to allow people to fully demonstrate their abilities. And an increasing number of companies facing serious labor shortages are taking measures to secure outstanding human resources by supporting their employees in returning student loans through the utilization of TMG and national government programs. Through efforts such as holding joint job interviews that bring such companies and young people together, we will work to stabilize the financial foundation of young people, as this has a large impact on their life choices.
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Basic Ordinance for Women Empowerment (working name)
We recently opened the Working Women Square in Aoyama to help women take steps in the career of their choice. The empowerment of women holds the key to Japan's future growth. As the times are now at a major turning point, we would like to enact the Basic Ordinance on Women Empowerment (working name), a game changer that will break through the current situation in which we lag far behind the rest of the world. Under the Tokyo Kurashikata (Lifestyle) Council, academic experts and others will advance new discussions on the establishment of this ordinance.
Creating a long-life society where older adults can live authentically
It is estimated that next year, there will be one out of six older adults in Tokyo with dementia. Yesterday, we held a symposium that served as an opportunity to spread proper understanding of this disease to the people of Tokyo. At the employees’ cafeteria in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building, we also held an event where people with dementia took food orders. Through such efforts, we will continue to send out a strong message to society that even those who suffer from dementia can still actively participate in society if they receive the understanding of those around them.
Tokyo Ordinance for Customer Harassment Prevention
So that all of society prevents harassment or abusive behavior by customers, we have submitted a bill—the first of its kind in Japan—to this Assembly. While considering the opinions of experts and many others, we are also examining the formulation of guidelines and other means to ensure that it will be effective. Tokyo will take the lead in paving the way to a society where everyone can equally and comfortably engage in consumer activities and all those who work can fully exhibit their skills.
3. Boldly engaging in global competition through an aggressive approach
Next, I will speak about measures to win in the intense global competition among cities, where every minute counts. By accurately anticipating what lies ahead and taking an aggressive approach, we will pursue the creation of new values that support the achievement of this goal.
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As part of the Tokyo Bay eSG project, which aims to facilitate the launch of cutting-edge technologies into the world from the bay area, we will establish a new base at the Miraikan-The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation to send out information on measures and encourage exchange. The TMG has also designated its own zone to propel the societal adoption of autonomous driving technologies for which expectations continue to grow in light of the aging and shrinking population. We will deepen collaboration with municipalities in the area, including Minato, Koto, and Shinagawa wards whose mayors I recently met for discussions, and accelerate action to solve social issues through the use of technology..
The Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB), the center that we established to facilitate interaction between challenge seekers and supporters from Japan and abroad, has been holding events on a nearly daily basis, and has already welcomed over 50,000 visitors. Since its opening less than a year ago, the TIB has rapidly boosted its presence as a node. With the TIB and SusHi Tech Tokyo concept, which aims to realize a sustainable city through the use of advanced technology, at the core of our efforts, we will make Tokyo a city that produces unicorns that bring about change in the world. For example, we will support the creation of innovation clusters, groups of organizations that provide strong support for businesses and their related industries, focusing on areas of strength for Tokyo, including the life sciences field. We have also launched a new project to promote the formation of communities of students and young people who are interested in starting a company and taking on challenges, in order to broaden the entrepreneurial base for startups. To accelerate open innovation, we will also further enhance opportunities for startups to connect with overseas cities and meet with investors at next year’s SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025. Through discussions on the future of cities and opportunities to experience the latest technology, we hope that this event will inspire people to take action for a better future.
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Direction of urban development to come
Looking ahead to the future and advancing 100-year plans is how we must approach urban development. Currently, we find ourselves right in the midst of dramatic change said to only occur once in a century. We must see this as an opportunity to take Tokyo to the next level. While steadily advancing the measures that have made the city what it is today, we will continue to showcase Tokyo’s world-class appeal, including history and culture that date back to the Edo period. Doing so will allow us to create a city with distinctive character. Throughout Tokyo, we will also incorporate the types of innovation that will support the advancement of cities in the future, including AI and the latest technologies. Vitality and greenery, the city’s residents, and the resonance of diversity come together to weave the fabric of Tokyo and its appeal. We will continue to advance urban development with the aim of creating a one-of-a-kind city vibrant with charms unique to our city.
Urban development with an emphasis on water and greenery
We will work to incorporate even more water and greenery, which bring a sense of ease and calm to our lives, into the development of this megalopolis. Under the umbrella of Tokyo Green Biz, which was launched last year, we have been implementing measures to protect, nurture, and utilize greenery, including setting higher standards for the green coverage ratio in the Tokyo Bay area to guide private-sector development projects. To expand the base for this movement, we have made a new digital map available to the public to promote spots in Tokyo brimming with greenery and event information. And, in order to encourage Tokyo residents to form a deeper attachment to greenery, we seek to further expand its functions from a user's perspective within this year. It has been decided that Tokyo will host the national Midori no Aigo greenery conservation event in spring 2026. By holding this event and working with the people of Tokyo, companies that support initiatives, and a range of people and organizations involved, we will expand the circle of support for green urban development. Furthermore, we will continue efforts to vitalize ferries as a commonly used mode of transportation. These include helping commuting by ferry gain further traction through the addition of a third route to the already existing Nihombashi-Toyosu and Harumi-Hinode route, which is targeted to begin operations by the end of this year. Through these efforts, we will create a sustainable city covered by an extensive network of water and greenery.
4. Continuing to generate charms to captivate the world
The charms of Tokyo are derived from none other than diversity. We will strive to captivate the world by further refining the diverse face of our city, including sports, arts and culture, as well as everything from the old to the new.
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The spirited efforts of Japanese athletes at this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games, including the dazzling feat of Kitaguchi Haruka winning our country’s first-ever gold medal in women’s field events, inspired courage and excitement in many across Tokyo and Japan. We will resolutely pass down and further expand the power of sports, and a prime opportunity to do so will be through the upcoming World Athletics Championships and the Deaflympics, both of which will take place in Tokyo next year. Tickets are already on sale for the World Athletics Championships, and a workshop themed around the competition was held for children last month at the Japan National Stadium. Children are also currently voting to determine the medal design for the Deaflympics. Through these initiatives and more, we will work hand in hand with the next generation to advance preparations for both events.
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Last year, Tokyo welcomed approximately 19.54 million visitors from overseas, setting a record high. The new “killer content” that will attract even more inbound tourists will be projection mapping displays that leverage Tokyo’s strengths. Many visitors enjoyed watching colorful light shows at TOKYO LIGHTS, an international competition for creators of projection mapping works. We must further refine the charms of Tokyo, which are drawing more attention domestically and globally. We will hold events next month celebrating the first anniversary of Anime Tokyo Station in Ikebukuro, which has drawn over 100,000 visitors to date, and will continue to fully convey the appeal of the facility to many people, including inbound tourists. Additionally, in Tokyo Waterfront City, we will advance the construction of Odaiba Fountain (working name), which will be one of the largest fountains in the world and a new landmark of Tokyo, targeting a completion date at the end of fiscal year 2025.
It is also essential that we shine a light on Tokyo’s potential and draw this out as a new charm. We will rebrand the history and culture of Edo, which is still vibrant today, and widely promote it within Japan and abroad. While holding discussions with subject-matter experts, we will make efforts including unearthing assets and hidden historical gems that are comparable to those of World Heritage sites, to build a strong global reputation for EDO, Tokyo’s history and culture.
5. Protecting and bolstering the lives and livelihoods of Tokyo residents
It goes without saying that safety and security are the foundation for protecting and bolstering the lives and livelihoods of Tokyo residents now and into the future. We will advance the realization of a safe city at full speed.
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Measures against heavy rain
I imagine many Tokyo residents have noticed clear differences in rainfall patterns in recent years compared to before, such as fierce typhoons and isolated heavy downpours seemingly occurring multiple days in a row. In Shinjuku, there was even an instance of a utility hole cover being blown into the air due to pressure generated by a sudden surge in rainwater. The core principle of disaster management is making extensive and thorough preparations. In response to the recent Typhoon Shanshan, we took preemptive action, including by swiftly setting up a system for emergency response operations and canceling the annual comprehensive disaster drill in order to prioritize safety. I ask that everyone take appropriate measures in their daily lives, such as checking hazard maps, in line with the mindset of always being prepared.
Historically, during the Showa era (1926–1989), there were frequent instances of flood damage impacting over 100,000 buildings, and even in the Heisei era (1989–2019), one instance of heavy rainfall exceeding 100 millimeters per hour caused devastating flood damage to approximately 6,000 buildings. We have been implementing numerous measures that prioritize protecting people’s lives. During the series of heavy rains this summer, the regulating reservoirs we built collected a total of around 1.15 million cubic meters of rainwater, thereby keeping damage to a minimum. While continuing to construct regulating reservoirs and connecting them into an underground network, we will also steadily work to launch our project to construct underground diversion channels leading to Tokyo Bay. It is essential that we have the understanding and cooperation of Tokyo residents. In addition to promoting the installation of rainwater infiltration systems in individual residences, we will also build rain gardens and other green infrastructure at 30 public facilities in Tokyo, which will allow people to get an intimate sense of the importance of rainwater-related measures.
Preparing for the next megaquake
This summer, there was an earthquake centered on the Hyuganada Sea off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture, increasing the likelihood of major disasters such as a Nankai Trough megaquake. We took immediate action and ran an emergency inspection of evacuation facilities on the Tokyo islands, which are expected to suffer tsunami damage from a major earthquake. There is an especially urgent need to improve the disaster resilience of multi-unit residential buildings, which house approximately nine million Tokyo residents. For buildings registered as “Tokyo Todomaru Apartment and Condominium Buildings” where it is safe to shelter in place during a disaster, we began offering subsidies for the installation of emergency power systems and other equipment, and we will newly dispatch experts to conduct inspections and offer advice regarding post-disaster response and measures to address aging water supply and drainage pipes. Another major challenge is improving the disaster resilience of rental apartments, which have a higher turnover of residents compared to condominiums. We will offer support so that residents will be able to swiftly act and help one another immediately after a disaster.
I recently visited the area impacted by the Noto Peninsula earthquake, which occurred over half a year ago, and saw the current conditions there with my own eyes. With the cooperation of local governments and the Clean Authority of Tokyo, we have decided to accept disaster debris that has hindered the recovery of affected areas. We are also incorporating knowledge gained from the Noto Peninsula earthquake into Tokyo’s disaster management measures. We will work closely with local governments in Tokyo to promote measures aimed at enhancing evacuation living environments, such as improving toilet facilities used in times of disaster, and fully prepare against the threat of a major earthquake directly striking Tokyo.
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We are experiencing unprecedented heavy rains and life-threatening scorching heat. As we face the reality of global warming, which has even been called “climate hell,” it is no exaggeration to say that it is the duty of every single one of us to make greater efforts toward decarbonization.
Next fiscal year, Tokyo will become the first in Japan to mandate the installation of solar power generation equipment in newly built homes and buildings. We will locally produce energy by using the roofs of buildings, which are a source of great potential for large cities. This is truly an act of wisdom that will protect the livelihoods of people in Tokyo. We will step up efforts to promote public understanding through the use of various media channels and diverse approaches. We are also advancing the establishment of recycling routes for used solar panels, such as through offering support to businesses engaged in the recycling and reuse of residential solar panels. And we are not only strongly supporting developers of next-generation solar panels that are thin and lightweight and also bendable for installation on pillars and walls, but regarding our initiative to build a model for introducing electric buses to the Toei Bus fleet, we will make concrete preparations for launching the operation of electric buses early next fiscal year. Through implementing both supply-side and demand-side measures, Tokyo will lead Japan’s shift to renewable energy.
COP29 will take place in November. By leveraging the HENCA Tokyo international hydrogen energy conference and the global forum for our TIME TO ACT climate action movement, Tokyo will demonstrate leadership in addressing the climate crisis, which is an issue facing all of humanity.
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Offering aid to residents and businesses suffering from persistent inflation
We cannot turn a blind eye to the circumstances of Tokyo residents and businesses suffering from the effects of persistent inflation. We will continue to implement emergency measures for addressing rising costs faced by medical institutions and facilities, offering aid to transport businesses to reduce the burden of rising fuel costs, and subsidizing propane gas costs for households and businesses. Additionally, to support citizens’ day-to-day lives and the activities of businesses in a way that also generates a positive economic feedback loop, we will again run a campaign to offer cash back in the form of points to customers who use QR code payments at eligible stores in Tokyo. Regarding regular COVID-19 vaccinations that will begin next month for older adults and at-risk groups, we will provide a subsidy to municipalities in order to reduce out-of-pocket expenses, with the aim of improving vaccination rates and preventing the spread of infection. Furthermore, with food costs continuing to rise, in order to allow all cities, towns, and villages in Tokyo to offer free school lunches, we have decided to increase the amount of the general purpose grant provided to them until the national government takes responsibility in making school lunches free. At this regular Assembly session, we have submitted a supplementary budget bill that incorporates these initiatives. We appreciate your deliberations on this bill.
In order to further support these municipalities in enhancing environments conducive to parenting, we will seek to eliminate income limits for subsidies covering children’s medical expenses from October 2025, and to this end, we will accelerate discussions with them for covering this expenditure through the use of the general purpose grant.
Promoting the construction of platform doors
Platform doors at stations protect precious lives. Since the construction of platform doors was completed at all Toei Subway stations in February, there have been zero accidents involving people falling onto train tracks. To promote the construction of platform doors at JR and private railway stations as well, last month, we established a council consisting of representatives of railway businesses and relevant administrative bodies. We will gather together the ingenuity of all parties, including our experience using an employee’s idea to overcome a challenge, and aim for the early construction of platform doors with the public and private sectors working hand in hand.
6. Selection of honorable citizens
For the title of Tokyo Honorable Citizen, we have selected three candidates this year, Sawai Shin, Nakadai Tatsuya, and Ryokawa Senyu.
As a Tama-ori textile master craftsman, Sawai Shin has made great contributions to the development of the local textile industry in the Tama area, including the creation of fabrics and fostering the next generation of artisans.
With his broad acting range, Nakadai Tatsuya has long played an active role in theater, film, and other types of productions. He has also devoted his time and energy to the supervision of Mumeijuku, a private theater group that he co-founded to train actors, and to performances held at the Noto Engekido Theater.
As an Edo Ito Ayatsuri Ningyo (marionette) puppeteer, Ryokawa Senyu has performed in a range of productions from the classics to new material, both in Japan and abroad, to contribute to the succession and development of this art.
With the approval of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, we would like to award these three worthy candidates with the title of Honorable Citizen next month. The cooperation of the Assembly would be most appreciated.
7. Closing remarks
Looking back at history, this year marks 170 years since the signing of the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Peace and Amity, which ended Japan’s policy of national seclusion. In addition, with more than 150 years having passed since Japan became a modern state, next year marks 100 years since the start of the Showa era. We are truly at a milestone in history. Holding the baton that our predecessors worked long and hard through turbulent times to pass on to us, I keenly feel the importance of the capital and the heavy responsibility that comes with it.
Just as Koda Rohan, a writer born at the end of the Edo period who closely observed Tokyo’s early days, described a nation’s capital as “the nerve center that determines a nation’s destiny,” I believe that, to this day, Tokyo has always shouldered a mission and a role greater than that of just a metropolis. By fully leveraging the strength that comes from the diverse components that make up Tokyo, which are almost emblematic of the great responsibility we bear, we will squarely take on a range of social issues that must be addressed.
“Protecting the capital” does not end with protecting the lives and livelihoods of the people of Tokyo from threats and disasters. We must breathe new life into a society that has lost its vitality due to its inability to break free from old, outdated ideas, and illuminate the path forward for the country. In other words, Tokyo must fulfill its role as the capital by firmly ensuring a bright future not just for the city but for all of Japan.
Precisely because our country now stands at a crucial crossroads, I will work to make the capital a better place, keeping the major mission of the happiness of the people of Tokyo and the prosperity of the country close to my heart. We will find answers to issues, take action, and achieve results. The understanding and cooperation of this Assembly and the people of Tokyo will be greatly appreciated.
Including the matters to which I have already referred, a total of 90 bills, including 1 budget bill and 59 ordinance bills, have been presented to this regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly for deliberation among the Assembly members.
This concludes my speech to the Assembly. Thank you.
This article is also available in other languages.(日本語)
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