In opening the third 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.

Let me begin by speaking about the aircraft accident that occurred on July 26. It is very regrettable that a plane departing from Chofu Airport had such an accident. May I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims, as well as my heartfelt sympathy to people who were injured and those whose houses were damaged. Currently, the police and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism are investigating the cause of the accident. Based on the findings of the investigation, while gaining the understanding and cooperation of the cities in the area, we will strengthen safety measures at Chofu Airport so that such an accident never happens again.

Assembly member Mr. Haruyasu Tateishi has recently been commended for his long years of service in the Assembly. I would like to express my sincere respect and heartfelt congratulations to him for his meritorious service in the development of metropolitan administration over the past 30 years.

For the title of Tokyo Honorable Citizen, we have selected Mr. Kisaburo Nakane, Mr. Yoshiharu Fukuhara, and Ms. Kaoru Yachigusa as candidates this year.

Mr. Kisaburo Nakane is a master craftsman of “edo wazao” bamboo fishing rods, handling the whole process from selecting the bamboo to lacquering. In addition to his decades-long dedication to his craft, he has also been committed to passing traditional techniques dating back to the Edo period to younger generations as the director of the guild of edo wazao craftsmen.

Mr. Yoshiharu Fukuhara has not only made great achievements in the business world, but is also well-versed in the arts and culture. He has been devoted to encouraging companies to support cultural activities and has also promoted the arts and culture in his roles as the director of the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography and chairman of the Tokyo Arts and Culture Council.

One of Japan’s leading actresses, Ms. Kaoru Yachigusa is a highly skilled actress who has appeared in a number of great works. Her splendid performance backed by constant efforts has mesmerized many people, from young to old, and her long acting career is serving as an inspiration.

These three prominent citizens are highly respected and admired by Tokyo citizens. With the approval of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, we wish to formally award them the title of Honorable Citizen next month. The cooperation of the assembly would be most appreciated.

1. A new direction for the 21st Century

Japan made the Tokyo 1964 Games a great success, achieved high economic growth, and built an affluent society. Behind that affluence, however, it is true that the negative aspects of that growth also emerged such as pollution, long working hours, and traffic congestion caused by the advancement of motorization. The 20 years of economic stagnation following the collapse of Japan’s bubble economy saw changes in the social structure, including a rapidly aging society, declining population, and globalization. The Great East Japan Earthquake also occurred during this time. Five years from now, we will again host the Olympic and Paralympic Games. If we position the last Games as an event held amid a period of growth, these Games will be held during a period of maturity. We must take the opportunity presented by the Games to aspire to an even higher level of maturity for Tokyo and Japan.

Having been through a time focused solely on growth, followed by a period of deflation and a stagnant economy, what Japan should now work toward is a society that achieves a balance between sustainable growth and a comfortable way of life. This is where Tokyo, always full of dynamism and constantly evolving, will create a better way of life. A higher level of work efficiency and work-life balance will be achieved, and using the wealth and time gained, people will enjoy more enriched lives at work, at home, and while engaging in leisure activities.

To build this kind of mature society, new policies suited to this pursuit will be needed. We must review the policies implemented since Japan’s period of high economic growth and overcome the negative legacies left behind. And, grasping how times continue to change, such as the shift to a rapidly aging society and globalization, we must accurately respond to issues such as safety and security. Furthermore, it would be necessary for us to roll out a growth strategy that generates high added value. Tokyo will indicate a new direction for the 21st century with its pioneering measures.