Ceremony to Start a Campaign to Promote Tourism to ‘Tokyo Islands Now Recovering from Typhoon Damage’

On March 6, Governor Koike attended the opening ceremony for “Fukko Tabi! (A happy travel to islands now recovering from typhoon damage!),” a campaign to promote tourism on Hachijojima and Aogashima, two islands of Tokyo hit heavily by Typhoons No. 22 and 23 last October. 

Also present at the ceremony were Hachijo Town Mayor Yamashita Tomonari, Aogashima Village Mayor Sasaki Hiroshi, and Miss Hachijo Town, Asanuma Kazumi.

The governor said, “I believe the serious damage the typhoons brought to the islands’ lifelines and industries last October is still fresh in your memory. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has worked in close cooperation with the islands to support their recovery with a sense of urgency. With the mindset of turning crisis into opportunity, we aim not merely to restore things to what they once were, but to make the islands even more attractive than before.

“Serving as the basis for this effort is tourism, the islands’ key industry. On Hachijojima, the freesia season will begin shortly. I hope visitors will enjoy the island’s traditional culture and dishes featuring fresh seafood, amid the magnificent scenery of the island in full bloom. Aogashima is well-known for being an isolated place. It is also popular for its caldera and the dynamic, majestic natural surroundings. I really hope you will enjoy your visit,” she emphasized.