4. The mission of the metropolitan government

Clearly, it is crucial that vitality be restored to other regions of Japan. However, distorting the issue of regional revitalization into a confrontation between “metropolises” and “rural areas,” and depriving Tokyo of its dynamism is a totally wrong approach. If Tokyo and the other areas of Japan do not prosper together, this can only have severely detrimental effects on Japan’s future. Tokyo is the engine that drives Japan’s economy. The central government is relying on high economic growth to achieve fiscal soundness. However, if the brakes are applied to Tokyo’s momentum, the entire country will come to a halt.

Revitalization will be achieved through the combined efforts of the entire nation—not just Tokyo, and not just the other regions of Japan. When I met with Shigeru Ishiba, Minister in Charge of Vitalizing Local Economy, we agreed on the point that our response to challenges such as the graying of the population and declining birthrate in the capital region will have a major impact on Japan’s future. As such, last week, a regional revitalization liaison council was launched with the participation of the central government, the TMG, and Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa prefectures. At the meeting, I proposed that the council establish a major theme for discussion and go beyond perfunctory talks to think about how we should change directions with a view to 20, 30, and 50 years ahead. Minister Ishiba responded that he would welcome any requests for the central government.

While working in cooperation with the central government and Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa prefectures, we will steadily advance measures to address the various challenges arising from the graying of the population. Furthermore, when thinking along a much longer timeline, I think that it is now time for us to make major changes to the course taken by Japan for the last seventy years since the end of World War II, including workstyles, lifestyles, housing measures such as measures for vacant houses, and traffic measures. We cannot just line up data and design a vision for the country on the drawing table. We must hold down-to-earth discussions based on real life, and make Japan a country where an array of options are available to its people at various stages of life.

Keeping a close eye on the lives of the people, preparing an environment where people can do their best, and devising policies for the future are the missions of the metropolitan government. We wish not only today’s residents but also following generations to live equally fulfilling lives in Tokyo, thus contributing to the development of the city. That is why we need a grand design for Tokyo. I wish to join hands with you, the members of this Assembly, and accomplish work that we can boast of to our children and grandchildren, and make the 21st century a brilliant one for Tokyo and Japan.

Including the matters to which I have already referred, a total of 28 proposals including eight ordinance bills and 11 proposed contracts have been presented to this regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly to be deliberated among the Assembly members.

This concludes my policy address to the Assembly. Thank you.