Governor’s Address at FY2026 First TMG Executive Meeting

On April 1, 2026, Governor Koike attended the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) executive meeting and delivered the following address to senior management.

Forward

Today is April 1, the start of the new fiscal year. Vice Governor Yamashita assumed office, and leadership changes have taken place across several bureaus. As we begin with a renewed organizational structure, I would like to share a few remarks.

Navigating Turbulent Times

Tokyo’s ongoing major reforms are steadily yielding results. I am truly encouraged to hear many residents remark on how Tokyo has improved and how the city has become parent-friendly. I believe this is a direct result of everyone’s dedicated efforts.

Meanwhile, the situation in the Middle East has become a global crisis, with daily news of conflicting developments. If this continues, Japan may face its third post-war oil crisis—potentially the most severe to date. Amidst such a national challenge, we must consider how Japan can move forward and the role Tokyo should play. Unless we seriously consider strengthening our international competitiveness and urgently take strategic steps to leverage Japan’s strengths, we risk being swept along by the turbulent currents of our time.

We must further advance policies centered on Tokyo residents and foster the true growth potential to guide not only the metropolis but also the whole nation toward sustainable development. Through close coordination with the national government under the new council, soon to begin full scale operations, we will seriously consider how Japan can expand the size of its pie.

The rapidly changing world will not wait for us. Let us therefore step up the speed of Tokyo’s governance by a notch or two. Today, I would like to share a few important points in this regard.

Viewing Tokyo from a Global Perspective

First, we must look beyond the boundaries of metropolitan government and adopt a broad and long-term view of current affairs.

We are witnessing a global environment characterized by constant change, rapid technological advancement, and volatile stock and foreign exchange markets. To lead through such uncertainties, it is crucial to be alert to these shifts and consider how they may affect the lives of Tokyo residents—not only today but also in the future.

Take the current situation in the Middle East. Once again, it highlights Japan’s fundamental vulnerability stemming from resource scarcity. Addressing this energy crisis, which directly affects the daily lives of Tokyoites, is our top priority. Let us all promote the HTT strategy of herasu (save), tsukuru (generate), and tameru (store) energy along with summer heat countermeasures. I also encourage you to carry out your daily duties while viewing Tokyo from a global perspective. As part of our smart energy-saving efforts, please continue to wear cool and comfortable work attire in line with the Tokyo Cool Biz initiative.

Spearheading Solutions by Integrated Strengths of Our Bureaus

Also, we must show our resolve to integrate the strengths of each bureau and lead by example in finding solutions.

We will revitalize Tokyo and help make Japan stronger and more prosperous. Meeting these expectations requires a coordinated response. Where do the challenges lie? Are there outdated regulations or systems? How can we overcome the obstacles? By drawing on flexible thinking and our combined expertise, we must mobilize the full resources of the TMG to achieve breakthroughs.

Achieving a Great Cause with “Mind, Technique, and Body”

As I noted recently, I have long believed that the traditional concept of “mind, technique, and body” is essential for driving progress, and I would like to emphasize this once again.

“Mind” refers to awareness. Formulating a policy is only the first step; it achieves maximum effect when people relate to it. “Technique” refers to technology. For example, effective AI use can improve TMG’s Quality of Service (QoS). Lastly, “body” refers to systems and organizational structures. We need various systems to support Tokyo residents and businesses, as well as the organizational framework for their implementation.

As people come to have increasingly diverse and complex values, it is ever more important for those implementing policies to firmly uphold the three pillars—mind, technique, and body.

Everything Is Based on People’s Trust

As I have outlined so far, Tokyo’s policies cannot function without the trust of its residents. I urge everyone here, and every TMG employee, to brace up, have a strong sense of ownership, and ensure full compliance.

As the TMG adopts more diverse work styles, including open plan offices and telework, the importance of internal communication, support systems, and organizational management continues to grow. I strongly urge the entire organization to work together and implement multifaceted measures to prevent compliance related incidents.

Creating a Place Where Employees Thrive

The TMG must also keep evolving into a sustainable organization where employees can fully realize their potential.

Let us continue to create a comfortable work environment for both men and women. I encourage you to foster an open and flat atmosphere in which both young staff members and experienced professionals can engage in frank and constructive dialogue.

I also want you, as experienced managers, to pass on to the next generation the true meaning of public service and the fulfillment it offers. Through these efforts, I believe the TMG will grow into a more sustainable organization.

In Conclusion

Now, let us transform an uncertain tomorrow into one with “peace of mind and hope.” The key lies in “people” and “investment in the future.” I would like to share this message with all of you as we embark on the new fiscal year with a strong start. Let us all work together as one TMG team to build a safe and secure Tokyo, the world’s greatest city, where people shine, brimming with vitality.

That concludes my remarks. Let’s do our best.