2. Creating a bright future beyond the 2020 Games

Overcoming the negative aspects of growth

First, by clearing away the negative aspects brought about by economic growth one at a time, including environmental issues, traffic congestion, and long working hours, and turning them into positive ones, Tokyo will lead the way to a higher level of maturity.

Dealing with environmental issues

I believe that the use of hydrogen will be one of the keys to dealing with the environmental issues we face. Recently, road testing on fuel cell buses was carried out to pinpoint any possible issues in preparation for operation of these vehicles by Toei Bus. I took a test ride on one of the buses as well. Along with how quietly the bus runs, the ride is very smooth as the electric motor does not require gearshifts. The experience convinced me that these buses are friendly to children and senior citizens and befitting a mature society. I hope to also make great use of these vehicles as a mode of transportation at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

In realizing a hydrogen society, while there are a range of issues involved such as preparing the necessary infrastructure and promoting understanding with respect to the safety of hydrogen, deregulation by the central government in particular would be indispensable. For example, in the establishment of a hydrogen station, regulations that require the station to be situated eight meters from the road are a major obstacle in Tokyo where land prices are high. We will continue to push the central government for further deregulation and steadily move forward with initiatives.

This summer, hot days continued one after another. A new record was set in Tokyo for the number of consecutive days of extreme heat with temperatures that reached 35 degrees Celsius or above. Advancing measures against the summer heat in preparation for the 2020 Games will also lead to making Tokyo a more comfortable city. At the liaison council meeting held with the central government, Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, and other related organizations, various measures were confirmed, including measures for competition venues and the creation of a system for emergency medical care. Next, we will establish a Tokyo Metropolitan Government-wide promotion council and accelerate measures such as the installation of solar heat-blocking pavement and water-retaining pavement.

Furthermore, we will roll out comprehensive measures for environmental issues shared by all of humanity. Measures include increasing greenery through the planting of roadside trees and the building of parks, promoting energy efficiency, and reducing CO2 emissions.

De-motorization

We will also promote society’s transition from motorization, where automobiles are central to daily life, to de-motorization. The opening of the Central Circular Route Shinagawa Line has greatly improved the road situation. We will continue to aim to make this the first metropolis in the world with no traffic congestion by proceeding with efforts such as the construction of unfinished portions of the Tokyo Outer Ring Road (Gaikan) and a review of the expressway toll system, which will lead to traffic with no business in central Tokyo being routed around the city. At the same time, by advancing bicycle measures, including the creation of bike lanes and bike share systems, I hope to make Tokyo a healthy and eco-friendly city.

In addition, we will turn roads into spaces that are more fun and lively. On designated streets within the Marunouchi and Nihombashi Muromachi districts, it is now possible to enjoy a relaxing stroll through the establishment of pedestrian-friendly zones where vehicles are restricted from entering. This month, on Marunouchi Gyoko-dori Street, JAPAN NIGHT 2015, an event to promote tourism and Japanese culture, will be held as part of the JATA Tourism EXPO Japan. Deregulation implemented through the special economic zones system made this possible. The event is also a public area management field test, in which a group made up of local businesses and organizations takes the initiative in using its revenues to manage the road and enhance the appeal of the area. We will expand new schemes for road utilization to other areas and create even more vitality.

Restoring Tokyo as a city of water

As a result of post-World War II development, many of Tokyo’s rivers were filled in, converted into covered drains, or covered over by expressways. However, when Tokyo was called Edo from the 17th to mid-19th century, the city was known as a “city of water.” Yakatabune pleasure boats floated on the Sumida River, allowing passengers to enjoy the cool breezes during the hot summers, and the Tamagawa Josui Channel’s wooden water pipes supplied Edo with drinking water.

I hope to make Tokyo a city of water once again. This summer, the beach at Kasai Kaihin Park was open to swimmers for the first time in 50 years. This achievement was brought about by the improvement in the water quality of Tokyo Bay, made possible by advances in sewerage technology, and the desire of local residents to restore the bay. One of the major attractions of Tokyo is that it is a metropolis with nature close at hand. We will also improve water quality in the inner and outer moats that once protected Edo Castle by greatly reducing the amount of sewage that flows into the moats when there is heavy rain, and make the area along these bodies of water a place where visitors can sense history. Working toward the revitalization of water transportation as well, together with local wards, experts in the field, and water transportation companies, we will advance the study and testing of routes with the aim of promoting Tokyo as a city of water to the world.

Realization of work-life balance

By raising work productivity and revising long working hours, and other ways we work, we will be able to generate more time to spend with our children and enjoy hobbies, thus enriching the quality of life. In aiming to create a comfortable, mature society, the achievement of work-life balance would be essential.

Recently, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government held the Tokyo Symposium: Tokyo, A Town Where Women Shine event on the theme of rethinking work styles and promoting the active engagement of women in society. At the event, I discussed various topics with people promoting the success of women on the frontlines, including the importance of enriching private life, use of housekeeping and child care services, and changing attitudes so that society will better support having and raising a child. We will reflect the knowledge gained from this symposium in the “White Paper on the Social Participation of Women” to be drawn up within this fiscal year. Starting this year, we will also recognize people who have opened up opportunities for the active participation of women in society through their own ideas and actions by granting them an award. I hope that promoting excellent initiatives and role models in this field will prove to be a major driving force in changing society.

A society where women shine is also a society where men shine. I want to make Tokyo a city where everyone, men and women alike, can be successful.

Changing with the times to build a foundation that supports a high quality of life for Tokyo residents

Next, we must appropriately deal with changes such as a rapidly graying society and globalization. Ensuring safety and security while raising the quality of life for Tokyo residents will lead to a comfortable, mature society.

Measures to address an aging society

The number of children on waiting lists for child care is 7,814 as of April 1 of this year. Although the number has decreased for the first time in three years, there is still a shortage of child care services. With the revised Act on National Strategic Special Zones now in effect, the idea to establish child care centers in parks that I had been proposing can be realized. Concrete steps are starting up in areas such as Arakawa Ward and Setagaya Ward. The TMG will advance the utilization of parks according to local needs. We have also selected a company to operate the child care center inside the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which will serve as a symbolic initiative to promote the establishment of on-site child care centers at workplaces. In this way, we will continue to devote our efforts to eliminating waiting lists for child care.

The TMG will also advance measures to address the rapid graying of society. In order to build a comprehensive regional care system so that senior citizens can continue to live in the community they are familiar with, we have launched a study council and discussions that will lead to the formation of new measures are currently underway. It is planned to release an interim report next month and a final report within this fiscal year. In addition, coordination between medical care and nursing care is essential for communities to support people with dementia and their families. This time we have newly designated 29 medical institutions as dementia treatment centers, and starting this month, there will be 41 in operation in Tokyo. Leveraging Tokyo’s distinctive characteristics as a city gathering human resources and private sector organizations such as non-profit organizations, we will advance the building of a comprehensive regional care system appropriate for a metropolis.

Ensuring safety and security

Moving on, I will now speak about ensuring safety and security.

Last week, with heavy rains generated by Typhoon Etau causing serious damage from the Northern Kanto area to the Tohoku area, the Metropolitan Police Department, units from the Tokyo Fire Department and City of Inagi Fire Department, and disaster medical assistance teams from hospitals in Tokyo (Tokyo DMAT) were dispatched to help with rescue and relief activities. Damage, including flooding below and above floor level, even occurred in parts of the Tokyo Metropolis. Last year, the TMG revised the Basic Policy on Measures for Torrential Rain in order to be able to deal with torrential rainfall of up to 75 mm an hour in the ward area and 65 mm in the Tama area and other scenarios. Based on this policy, we will continue to steadily work on measures for torrential rainfall and sediment disasters.

For disasters, including an earthquake that directly strikes the capital, in order to keep damages to a minimum, it is vital to strengthen self-help and mutual assistance capabilities. As such, we have prepared “Disaster Preparedness Tokyo” (Tokyo Bousai Book), which is being delivered to every household in Tokyo starting this month. The manual is filled with content that can be put to immediate use, including how to prepare in advance for a disaster and how to cope when a disaster occurs, taking aspects such as Tokyo’s local characteristics, urban structure, and lifestyle into consideration. At Tokyo fire stations, weekly seminars that use Disaster Preparedness Tokyo are being held. In addition, at all Tokyo schools, we will promote disaster preparedness education that takes place at school as well as in the home using a pamphlet closely linked to this manual. Many residents have contacted the office in charge to report that they have not yet received their manual. Please be assured that the book is being delivered to every household as soon as preparations are completed. This project is being very well received by everyone, young and old, with all eagerly awaiting their copy. As such, we will do our utmost to promptly deliver the book to every household. On the first of this month, I personally presented Prime Minister Abe with a copy of this book at the joint comprehensive disaster management drill that we held with the City of Tachikawa. Working with the central government, local governments, and others, we will also continue to advance measures that address structural aspects such as the fireproofing of districts with close-set wooden houses and the seismic reinforcement of buildings, and enhance our overall disaster resilience.

We will also strengthen counterterrorism measures. Next year, the 2016 Ise-Shima G-7 Summit will be held in Mie Prefecture. However, in the past, an act of terrorism did take place in a capital far removed from the site of the summit. We will thus be fully prepared to protect Tokyo from threats, including cyber attacks. With respect to security at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, we will implement full-scale measures based on expert opinions and the recent bag inspections that were carried out on a trial basis, while taking into consideration the convenience of Tokyo residents. Your understanding and support would be greatly appreciated.

City diplomacy

Tokyo’s future will be strongly influenced by how it responds to this global age where everything from economics to culture is increasingly international. By engaging in cooperation and exchange with other cities that face the same challenges, I plan to make Tokyo even better.

In Tokyo we already possess a wealth of cutting-edge technology and know-how, refined over the years in the process of solving various urban issues. These technologies―among them underground regulating reservoirs to handle torrential rainfall, and measures to prevent road subsidence―have recently been compiled in the Tokyo Tech Book. As part of our city diplomacy efforts, we will introduce these solutions to cities overseas so they may also use and benefit from them, and in this way contribute to the international community. The Tokyo Tech Book has Japanese and English explanations arranged side-by-side in double-page spread format, and it has been highly praised by overseas guests when I present them with a copy.

Now, please allow me to speak about the establishment of a friendship city relationship with London. Negotiations had been ongoing since my meeting with the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, last year, and as we have now reached a basic agreement, we are putting this bill before the assembly for approval. The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games presented London with the opportunity to become the top city in the world. I believe this friendship city relationship between Tokyo and London will bring great benefit to both cities. With the approval of this assembly, when Mayor Johnson visits Japan next month, we plan to hold a formal signing at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government office. I ask for your cooperation on this matter.

Education policies to secure Tokyo’s future

Today’s younger generations will play the key role in tackling the challenges of our era and securing a bright future. First, we need to nurture individuals who are comfortable playing a role on the global stage. I believe that cultivating globally minded talent should be a key pillar of education policy going forward and we will strive to realize this by creating an educational environment with a rich international outlook. Measures will include setting up the “English Village” (tentative title) and introducing a more substantial English language curriculum from primary school level.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games present a golden opportunity for our children—a precious source of inspiration that will remain with them throughout their lives. Based on the interim report released by the expert panel for Olympic and Paralympic education last month, initiatives will be launched at all schools in Tokyo from the next fiscal year. By allowing every child to get involved with the Games, to experience them and take part in some way, we will nurture in them self-esteem, confidence, and an international outlook.

In life, over and over again we will face challenges that we have to think about and overcome by ourselves. Rather than being overspecialized, we need to be able to understand things from an all-round perspective and for this, we need to develop basic academic skills, and the ability to think and to make sound judgments. We will work to raise academic ability even further by, among others, increasing and improving the quality of supplementary instruction offered after school and promoting teaching that caters to varied levels of ability.

Falling behind at school is one of the factors contributing to two major problems for education—truancy and dropping out of school. Among metropolitan high schools, the “challenge schools” set up for former truant and drop-out students are showing great results. Going forward we will promote measures for primary and middle schools as well, collaborating with the municipalities to study ways to help such children. Truancy and dropping out of school could force these young people into non-regular employment. In order to prevent this, we will promote education that is planned in detail to serve the individual needs of each child.

A further concern is the great increase in the number of children spending long hours using social networking systems. We must not turn a blind eye to the potential dangers of SNS use, which can have a detrimental effect on academic performance and also become a hotbed for bullying. We will study measures to address these concerns, such as establishing appropriate rules regarding SNS use.

We are currently holding discussions with the Board of Education about these issues and the future direction for education in Tokyo. These discussions will serve as a basis for the outline of the basic policy for education to be formulated before the end of the year.

Growth strategy for Tokyo

We will promote high-value-added industries and create new wealth so as to ensure a bright future that is comfortable and dynamic.

Position tourism as a key industry

The number of foreign tourists to Japan has been increasing rapidly in recent years, presenting a great opportunity for us to convey the charms of Tokyo to the world.

We will hold the Taste of Tokyo event again this year in October. In addition to the Marunouchi area, the location of last year’s event, the scale of this year’s event will be expanded to include the Yurakucho and Hibiya areas, and specialty products from across Japan, including the Tohoku region, will be introduced and sold as well. Also featured will be Edomae (Edo-style) sushi, Western adaptations of sushi, and special cuisine featuring TOKYO X brand pork and Iberian pork. Starting this year, halal foods will also be offered, demonstrating the international climate of Tokyo. Also to be introduced will be new technologies that have been developed by integrating engineering and agriculture. In Machida City, such technologies have made the previously difficult hydroponic production of melons possible. I hope many people will enjoy the diverse attractions of Tokyo at the event.

Tokyo has many more charms that have yet to be widely recognized. For example, traditional and historic faces of Tokyo, including historic landmarks such as Shomonzuka (a grave said to enshrine the head of a famous samurai), shrines and temples, and local festivals, will be great attractions to encourage even frequent foreign visitors to come back to Tokyo again. We will explore and find tourism resources hidden in various corners of Tokyo so that we can draw more repeat visitors.

Recently, we held a tour for international participants of a conference in Tokyo to the Tama area, including a visit to a sake brewery in Ome City, sake tasting, and an art exhibition. It proved very popular. By incorporating such programs into our efforts to sell Tokyo as a MICE (Meetings, Incentive travel, Conventions, Exhibitions) destination, I hope to promote the attractive aspects of Tokyo’s Tama area and islands, where people live in harmony with nature.

The tourism industry encompasses a wide range of businesses. We will take measures to enhance its ability to make money and nurture tourism into a major industry of Tokyo.

It is extremely important to strengthen the functions of Tokyo’s gateway, Haneda Airport. As for the plan to have flights pass over the city center, the central government recently held meetings in Tokyo to provide explanations to local residents. The TMG will continue to demand that ways to reduce the impacts of noise be studied and that thorough safety control measures be taken, and, at the same time, will actively cooperate with the central government to deepen the understanding of the local residents and ensure that talks on enhancing the functions will go smoothly.

Development within maturity

At a recently held National Strategic Special Zone Meeting for the Tokyo Area, new projects in three districts using special provisions to the City Planning Act to facilitate urban renewal were approved. Developments in the Yaesu district include the construction of one of Japan’s largest underground bus terminals that will link Tokyo Station to international airports and regional cities, and development of a network of pedestrian walkways linking nearby areas. The project in the Atago district, which is close to the Toranomon Hills skyscraper, plans to build residences and serviced apartments designed to meet the needs of foreigners.

The development of business centers and MICE centers, as well as the creation of a comfortable living environment for foreigners, is turning more and more corners of Tokyo into areas full of vibrancy that meet the needs of the times. We will further accelerate urban renewal efforts so that Tokyo will continue to undergo constant renovation even after 2020 to evolve into a city befitting the maturity of its society.

Tokyo-style growth strategy

The financial, robot, and life sciences industries can generate high added value by fully utilizing their know-how and expertise, and are fields that will play key roles in our mature society.

Together with the central government and other related parties, including those in the financial sector, we have been holding a series of meetings of the Tokyo Global Financial Center Promotion Council to advance initiatives while examining what has been achieved and what to do next. In June, the corporate governance code came into effect. This is anticipated to enhance the transparency of corporate management and encourage active investment from overseas. Amid such trends, the TMG has revealed its plans to position the area spanning from Otemachi to Kabutocho as the core of the financial center and to nurture highly skilled financial professionals. The relevant parties will continue to bring together their expertise and information to generate multiple effects.

The TMG is also helping small and medium-sized enterprises in finding markets and entering growth fields, and in November, we will be holding the Tokyo International Industry Exhibition 2015, a platform bringing together the unique SMEs of the Greater Tokyo Area. As the robot industry—a concentration of advanced technologies—holds great promise, including in the fields of health care and nursing care, this year’s exhibition will have a next-generation robot zone to introduce the technological strengths of companies and research institutions. There will also be an area where the products and technologies of SMEs from other parts of the country are displayed. In this way, we will assist SMEs in their efforts to find new customers and hone their technological prowess.

Tokyo also has many companies in the biotechnology, health care, and medical and nursing care industries, which are developing promising technologies and products. To encourage the growth of startups and other businesses in the life sciences field, the TMG will provide support for their participation in trade shows and business conventions, and their move into incubation facilities and other such locations. We will also provide detailed support to SMEs seeking to enter the medical device industry through an organization serving as the hub for medical engineering cooperation, which we have set up to facilitate collaboration among medical device manufacturers, other makers, and medical institutions.