Forum: ‘Governor, This is How I Want to Change Tokyo!’

Governor Koike attended an annual forum aimed at discussing Tokyo’s future with senior high school students on December 25, along with TV personality Harry Sugiyama and aspiring entrepreneur Komeya Aimi, both acting as facilitators.

The event, titled “Forum with the Governor: ‘Governor, This is How I Want to Change Tokyo!,’” has been convened every December since 2022. Komeya, a university student, helped organize a student-led program at the startup and innovation conference SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024.

At the outset, Governor Koike said, “Generative AI has been evolving at an incredible speed—faster than any rapid progress we could have imagined. In this environment, the key challenge is whether we can harness digital technologies like AI to accelerate innovation and forge a bright future.”

She added, “Today, I’d like to listen to diverse views from you, who represent the next generation, on the themes of how to utilize AI and enrich our lives, and what kind of future we can thus envision.”  

After 12 students from four senior high schools in Tokyo presented their ideas, the governor remarked, “I felt reassured by the wonderful proposals from all of you who will shoulder the future of Tokyo. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government aims to become the world's best city where all people shine and each individual can feel happiness.”

“The ideas you presented today will give us major hints in carving out Tokyo's future. Each of you is a force that will drive the next era. I hope you will continue to refine your infinite possibilities with bold ideas,” she went on.

Noting that 2026 is the eighth year of the Reiwa era in the Japanese calendar, the governor said the figure of eight is shaped like the infinity symbol on its side. “I am looking forward to seeing the infinite potential you have.”