Honorary Tokyo Citizens and Those of Distinguished Service Awarded

On October 1, Governor Koike attended the ceremony to publicly commend Honorary Citizens of Tokyo and Those of Distinguished Service for FY2026.

The title of ‘Honorary Citizen’ is awarded to those who have contributed to the development of society and culture, in recognition of their achievements and to honor them as the focus of the respect and affection of Tokyo residents.

The recipients of the title of Honorary Citizen of Tokyo were Ms. Kadono Eiko, an author of children’s stories; Mr. Tamori, a TV personality; and Mr. Torihara Mitsunori, honorary advisor to Tokyo Gas Co. and former honorary chairman of the Japanese Para-Sports Association, a public interest incorporated foundation. Furthermore, 290 individuals, including 18 organizations, were honored as Those of Distinguished Service of Tokyo in 13 categories, including community activities.

The governor said: “Natural disasters have become ever more severe and frequent both at home and abroad. Their impact is extremely serious. Meanwhile, advances in AI have brought tremendous changes to various human activities. To grasp changes that would go beyond our imagination and turn them into steady growth when circumstances in our country grow increasingly harsh, we have no choice but to harness the power of the ‘people’ and devote ourselves wholeheartedly to the tasks at hand while keeping our eyes firmly fixed on the future.”

She concluded her address, saying, “While reflecting on the achievements of all those who have built Tokyo as we know it today, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will do our utmost to realize a Tokyo that is the world’s leading city, brimming with dreams and hope, and to pass this legacy on to the next generation. We ask you to lend your support by drawing on the wealth of knowledge and experience you have cultivated over many years.”