In opening the first regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly in 2014, I wish to relate my basic stance on future metropolitan administration, and seek the understanding and cooperation of the members of this Assembly and the people of Tokyo.

On December 19, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress presented us with a donation for the island of Oshima, which was severely hit by Typhoon Wipha in October last year. Their Majesties will also be visiting Oshima the day after tomorrow to encourage the residents who are making concerted efforts to restore their island. On behalf of the residents of Tokyo, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Emperor and Empress for their kindness.

1. Introduction

I have been mandated by the citizens of Tokyo to take on the serious responsibilities of the governor of Tokyo. I am now readying myself for the challenges that lie ahead. Today, I am very honored to speak before the members of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, who represent the 13 million residents of Tokyo. 

Throughout the election, I called for actions such as improving social welfare and health care, strengthening our disaster mitigation capabilities, and ensuring the success of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. During the campaign I covered all parts of Tokyo and had the precious opportunity of speaking to and hearing the various views of our citizens. I intend to continue attaching importance to what is occurring on the ground and reflecting these local views in metropolitan affairs. Your understanding and cooperation will be highly appreciated.

A society that properly rewards toil and effort

During one of my campaign speeches, an elderly woman came up to me and thanked me for helping her get her pension back because of the special notice on pension coverage that I established as the minister of health, labour and welfare. These words of appreciation made me feel truly happy that I decided to be a politician. She took the time and energy to come out on that cold day to speak to me.

People worked hard and paid their pension contributions. But when they finally reached the age to receive their pensions, the payment records had disappeared. Were the citizens of Japan angry simply over the fact that they weren’t able to receive their pensions? I don’t believe this is the only reason; I think they felt betrayed by this denial of their lives—their past toil and efforts.

People are able to hold hopes and dreams for the future because we live in a society where we can believe that those strenuous efforts will be properly rewarded. It is the role of government to secure this belief and present people with a bright vision for the future. As the governor of Tokyo, I will take this to heart and commit myself to fulfilling this important mission.

Combining forces with the central government

Tokyo is Japan’s capital. In order to protect and vitalize this center of Japan, we will join forces with the central government. I will also fully leverage the experiences and personal ties I have cultivated during my time in national politics.

I will not take the position of just unfavorably criticizing the central government. While what appears to be bold criticism draws applause at times, there is absolutely no sense to it unless it leads to an improvement in the lives of the Tokyo residents. Politics is definitely not something that can be conducted as a personal pastime. What is necessary is realism and delivery; and responsibility for the results. I believe this is the foundation of politics and the precondition for decentralization as well.

We will firmly work with the central government and generate new ideas to not only prepare for hosting the huge national event that is the Olympic and Paralympic Games, but to benefit the people of Tokyo and Japan as well. If the central government doesn’t make any motions, Tokyo will take the lead in advancing reform without hesitation; we will spur the national government to take action and spread reform throughout Japan.

As the leader among local governments

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) must become even more aware of the fact that it is not only the leader of the local governments but one of them as well.

In today’s highly advanced society, if the prefectures do not venture beyond their administrative borders, the number of problems that can be solved will be limited. This goes for the issues of disaster preparedness, issues concerning the environment, and issues on energy as well. Given this situation, I will emphasize collaboration with other large cities and prefectures, beginning with the other eight prefectures and cities of the National Capital Region. Tokyo will take the initiative in providing them with its policy expertise and will also make strenuous efforts to contribute to the solution of common issues. On the other hand, I hope we will take the stance of actively taking in the best practices of other prefectures and cities, and build a relationship of friendly rivalry.

We will always remain appreciative toward Fukushima, Niigata, and other prefectures for housing the power stations that provided Tokyo with electricity, and will strongly support the recovery efforts of the Tohoku area.