Summary of Governor Masuzoe’s New Year Address to the TMG Employees

On Monday, January 4, 2016, the first day of work in the New Year, Governor Yoichi Masuzoe spoke to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government employees. The following is a summary of his New Year Address.

Happy New Year!

Tokyo’s grand design

We need to forge a bright future for Tokyo from a broad and long-term perspective. We launched studies from last year to formulate “Tokyo’s Grand Design,” our vision for Tokyo in the 2040s. The situation will change greatly in 25 years and 30 years.

Solid awareness of the importance of information

I want you to go beyond the barriers within the Tokyo Metropolitan Government organization and share information. In addition, you should maintain a sweeping bird’s-eye view of Japan as a whole. Make information public to all possible extent, and create an environment in which it is easier for residents to cooperate and participate in metropolitan affairs.

Advance policies from the perspective of the field

Under the Long-Term Vision for Tokyo, we are sowing numerous seeds for policies that will bloom in the future. These policies will flower in the actual field of practice. You should therefore ensure that information flows from the ground to the top. At the same time, I want young staff members to boldly take on challenges in new areas and take the initiative to grow.

Raise work productivity through work-life balance

I want you to firmly aim to balance work and life. To do this, you need to raise work efficiency. If we don’t raise efficiency, we will be left behind in the international community.

For the success of RWC 2019 and the 2020 Games

After the Rio Games, the world’s eyes will turn to Tokyo. The international community is closely observing our efforts. In order to deliver a successful Rugby World Cup and Olympic and Paralympic Games, we will engage in efforts in unity with all parties concerned.

Make this a productive year, paving the way to Tokyo’s bright future

From today, I will begin assessing the budget for the coming fiscal year. The bright future of Tokyo will be organized in the form of a budget and explained firmly to the Metropolitan Assembly. Let’s all strive together for the benefit of the Tokyo residents, and make this a rich and productive New Year.