Governor Exchange Views with Special Ward Mayors

Governor Koike attended a meeting on December 4 to exchange views with the Metropolitan Tokyo Mayors’ Council, which groups the heads of Tokyo’s 23 special wards.

At the outset of the meeting, she remarked, “We face a mountain of challenges as the climate crisis deepens and the decline in population accelerates. At the same time, the evolution of AI and technology is indeed astonishingly fast, placing us in an era that is extremely unstable and uncertain."

“Under these circumstances, the capital Tokyo is required to seize the opportunities that arise from times of upheaval, solidify its growth and lead Japan forward,” the governor noted. “I want to further build a relationship where we can join forces with you from the special wards, and boldly open the way to a bright future.”

During the exchange of opinions, Governor Koike said, “We are taking into account the opinions and requests from you, and also incorporating them into the ‘Tokyo 2050 Strategy.’ Aiming to realize them, we will work hard and engage in formulating the budget for the next fiscal year.”

She further remarked: “Climate change, which brings about threats beyond our current common sense, and the prolonged surge in prices are making the environment surrounding Tokyo and the lives of its residents increasingly severe in many respects.” Then the governor proposed: “To resolve these issues and further promote Tokyo’s growth and development, it is essential for the special wards and the metropolitan government to cooperate and collaborate more than ever before.”

“At the national level, discussions are underway regarding the so-called ‘measures to correct fiscal disparities,’ with Tokyo’s financial resources in mind,” she argued. “However, as I have long stated, we must not engage in a mere scramble for a piece of the pie.”

“What truly matters is strengthening and securing financial resources for local governments as a whole—such as how to enhance local authority and advance the transfer of tax revenue sources,” Governor Koike told the special ward mayors. “I call on you, as partners in supporting the great metropolis of Tokyo together as one, to make Tokyo the best city in the world.”