In opening the second regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly in 2015, 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 May 26, Their Imperial Majesties the Emperor and Empress visited the Tokyo Memorial Hall to pay respects to the victims of the war and pray for peace. Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly President Naoki Takashima and I welcomed Their Imperial Majesties and gave an explanation on the damage caused by the air raid. On behalf of the citizens of Tokyo, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to them for their visit.

1. Vision for a mature city

Seventy years have passed since the end of the war. Japan rose from the burning ashes of defeat to achieve high economic growth, and became one of the world’s leading economic powers. The 1964 Tokyo Games served a major role in advancing Japan’s economic growth, giving rise to industrialization and a motorized society. It was an era in which the entire nation pushed ahead toward one common goal—to achieve economic affluence.

Unlike the Games held over 50 years ago, the 2020 Games will be held in a mature city. Now, we are seeking a more comfortable way of life, focusing on true quality of life, not just economic affluence. We must change our approach to match the level of maturity of society. For example, as the graying of society continues to advance, pedestrian bridges and short pedestrian signal cycles at crosswalks could present obstacles to senior citizens with reduced mobility. It would also be important to transition our society from motorization, where automobiles take priority, to de-motorization, where bicycles and pedestrians are able to coexist alongside automobiles.

We will face the reality of our rapidly aging society and declining population, and create a city where anyone can fully demonstrate his or her ambitions and abilities and actively participate in society. In order to firmly respond to changes in society, we must draw up a future vision for Tokyo that takes in and goes beyond the vision for Tokyo 10 years from now, which was specifically outlined in the Long-Term Vision for Tokyo. Therefore, in addition to studies already underway for the formulation of what is tentatively called the Grand Design for Urban Development, we will also begin studies that focus on the vision for life in Tokyo in the 2040s.

There are a range of possibilities for the lives of Tokyo residents in the 2040s, more than a quarter of a century into the future. The historic Oath in Five Articles, issued by the Emperor Meiji in 1868, states, “Deliberate assemblies shall be widely established and all matters decided by public discussion” (translation by Donald Keene). Using this approach, as early as this month, we will launch a study committee to solidify an image for the future by holding wide-ranging discussions with outside experts and specialists on not only urban development, but topics such as health and welfare, the arts and culture, business, work styles, and science and technology. Ultimately, I want to incorporate these ideas, including those in the field of urban development, into what we are tentatively calling Tokyo’s Grand Design.