2. Balancing quality of life and economic growth

Japan should aim to become a society that strikes a balance between sustainable economic growth and comfortable living. We will steadily implement our policy measures so that Tokyo becomes a city that generates comfort by constantly evolving, a city where anyone can fully demonstrate his or her abilities while leading a pleasant life.

Improving the quality of life

Safety and security are the crucial foundation of life

First, we must secure public safety and security, which form the cornerstone of life for Tokyo citizens.

Protection against terrorism is extremely important. As a number of global events will be held in Japan—the Ise-Shima Summit next May, the Rugby World Cup in 2019, and the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020—in full cooperation with the central government and other relevant organizations we will do everything to ensure the safety of the capital.

The risk of cyberterrorism is also rising. We have established the Cybersecurity Committee with the participation of all bureaus of the TMG, including the public enterprise bureaus, which manage the important infrastructure of the city. Next fiscal year, we will set up the Tokyo CSIRT (Computer Security Incident Response Team), a specialized organization that will quickly respond to emergencies. The Metropolitan Police Department will also enhance its functions as Tokyo’s cybersecurity headquarters and take measures that incorporate private-sector expertise. These organizations will work to enhance cybersecurity in cooperation with the National Center of Incident Readiness and Strategy for Cybersecurity (NISC) and the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games as well.

To minimize damage from possible disasters, such as an earthquake directly hitting the capital, it is important to enhance each person’s ability to help himself or herself. After we started distributing the “Disaster Preparedness Tokyo” manual to all households in Tokyo, we received many requests for it from companies and people living outside Tokyo. To meet these requests we began selling the manual, and I have already given instructions for additional copies to be printed. I hope many people will make use of this manual. Starting this year, we made November 19 the Emergency Stockpile Day, and we are taking measures to raise public awareness of the need to maintain stockpiles. Last month, for example, we held an event to spread the concept of “daily stockpiles”—keeping extra supplies of usual food and other daily items to prepare for emergencies without doing something special. Also at the Conference of the Leaders of the Nine Metropolitan/Prefectural/Municipal Authorities, I proposed that we encourage households to maintain stockpiles and we agreed to jointly study how to promote this. Through such stronger partnership with surrounding governments, we will contribute to enhancing the disaster resilience of the entire National Capital Region.

As for the maintenance and management of infrastructure, we will pursue both safety and lower costs. Using the latest technology, the TMG conducted detailed inspection on all the road tunnels it manages, and based on the inspection outcomes, recently compiled the preventive maintenance plan for tunnels. We will steadily implement measures according to the plan, with the aim to keep the tunnels safe for the next 100 years.

In Tokyo, the number of deaths due to traffic accidents has been so high that the total for 2015 may surpass that of last year. I would like to call on everybody to observe traffic rules and manners, particularly at this time of the year when traffic accidents often occur. As we prepare to compile the 10th Traffic Safety Plan, thorough discussions will be held over such issues as bicycle accidents and fatal accidents involving seniors, for the formulation of effective measures.

To become a city with an advanced welfare system

Next, I would like to speak about policy implementation for realization of a city with an advanced welfare system.

To meet the needs of an aging society, we are advancing studies on how a comprehensive regional care system can allow senior citizens to continue living in the community they are familiar with. Recently, an interim report on the study was released. It lists challenges we need to address, such as using nursing care equipment incorporating robot technology, preparing various places for end-of-life care, and supporting dementia patients, as well as possible solutions to these issues. We will deepen talks from the viewpoints of “medical care and long-term care,” “preventive long-term care and living support,” and “housing for seniors,” in order to draw up the final report to be released at the end of this fiscal year.

The situation surrounding the child-rearing environment is becoming increasingly complex. It is the responsibility of society as a whole to enable all children, regardless of the environment they were born and raised in, to grow into healthy, independent adults. In response to the urgent proposal for promotion of child care in a family-like atmosphere submitted by an expert committee of the Child Welfare Council in late October, we will strengthen the system of child guidance centers, increase the number of registered foster families and enhance their child-rearing capabilities.

The TMG submitted a proposal for the opening of a daycare center in Shioiri Park, a metropolitan park in Arakawa Ward, at a National Strategic Special Zone Meeting for the Tokyo Area, and it was recently approved. Also, we have selected fund managers for a public-private fund for infrastructure contributing to improved welfare services, which aims to draw private-sector investment for construction of child care and other facilities. We will also ease regulations and use new methods to accelerate our efforts to become a city with an advanced welfare system.

The power of education to nurture talent

Two Japanese have been selected to receive the Nobel Prize this year: Distinguished Emeritus Professor Satoshi Omura of Kitasato University and Professor Takaaki Kajita, director of the University of Tokyo's Institute for Cosmic Ray Research. This is very encouraging news, which provides the people of Tokyo and Japan with dreams, hopes, and energy. It is the power of education that nurtures such excellent talent. Last month, we put together the fundamental principles for Tokyo’s education, based on the outcome of discussions at the comprehensive education council.

Regarding metropolitan high school reform, in order to develop science, technology, and manufacturing, which are the strengths of Japan, we will take measures such as setting up a “Science Academy” (tentative title) to provide a systematic education in science over a six-year period, and enhancing schools designated as Science Innovation Schools. To cultivate globally proficient talent, we will further enhance foreign language education by, for example, establishing a new “kokusai” (international perspectives) high school and a combined primary, junior high, and senior high school. Plans for the “English Village” (tentative title), which we have been studying, are beginning to take shape, with the expert panel recently submitting its report.

Starting in fiscal 2018, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology plans to add moral education to the curriculum of primary and junior high schools. In Tokyo, we will begin advancing initiatives from fiscal 2016. By designating schools that will play a central role in promoting moral education, our program will also serve as a model for other prefectures.

Furthermore, we are now working to formulate a plan dedicated to education for children with developmental disabilities, aiming to draw out their full potential and enable them to live independently and participate in society. This will be first of its kind in Japan. To provide more detailed support, we will build up the system by steadily introducing special needs classes to all public primary schools in Tokyo, and have metropolitan high schools offer career education and programs to enhance sociability.

A city bustling with economic activity

Competition between cities around the world is intensifying as globalization progresses and each strives to take the lead with pioneering initiatives. Since receiving your approval on the friendship city agreement with London at the last regular session, we have signed agreements for cooperation and exchange with London, Moscow, and Paris, in specific areas such as urban development and sports. In October, I visited Paris and London. I was able to get a first-hand experience of the excitement surrounding the Rugby World Cup. I also observed and discussed their initiatives in areas including the environment, tourism, culture, and volunteering. While incorporating lessons we can learn from other leading cities around the world, we will pursue a growth strategy ensuring that the mature city of Tokyo continues to be a dynamic city bustling with economic activity.

The foundation for growth—infrastructure

A properly functioning urban infrastructure is the necessary foundation for a vigorous economy. One of Tokyo’s weaknesses is its lack of international flight connectivity. This makes increasing the capacity of Haneda Airport an urgent priority. Starting this month, the national government is scheduled to hold the second round of briefing meetings for Tokyo citizens living in areas that will come under the proposed changes in airplane flight paths. The TMG will continue to actively cooperate with the national government to smoothly expand airport capacity while ensuring that citizens’ concerns are given due consideration.

Roads built under city plans are indispensable as urban infrastructure that not only improves traffic and logistics, but sustains everyone’s daily lives and plays a crucial role in rescue and recovery in times of emergency. Before the end of the year, we will announce a new plan for road development identifying those roads that should take priority for construction over the coming 10 years. We will aim to alleviate congestion and improve disaster resilience by completing most of the network of skeletal roads within the city, while strengthening inter-prefectural collaboration that takes into account the stage of completion of the three ring expressways. And as part of our efforts to ease congestion, we are putting a bill before this session proposing a new toll structure for expressways. Your deliberation on this matter is highly appreciated.

The reconstruction of metropolitan housing provides us with the opportunity to build communities that suit the character and needs of the local area. In Kita-Aoyama, space will be generated by replacing low-rise apartments with high-rise buildings, and we aim to position the area at the forefront of culture and fashion by leveraging the energy of the private sector. In Tama New Town, we will systematically rebuild the aging apartment buildings of the Suwa housing complex, while constructing attached welfare facilities. Ultimately, the aim is to create a bustling area along the Minami Tama One highway, now under construction, by generating open spaces and attracting commercial and industrial facilities. By advancing such community development we will revitalize local areas, which in turn will contribute to the dynamism of Tokyo as a whole.

We will also deal with the growing problem of vacant houses, which has become a national issue. There are many factors behind this phenomenon, including the central government’s housing policies and tax system, a changing social structure due to the aging population and low birthrate, and increased diversification of lifestyles. This means that comprehensive measures that cover a range of policy areas are needed. I believe that an effective way to change these vacant houses into a valuable resource will be to use them as facilities for, for instance, elderly care, child support, and artistic and cultural activities. We will take a metropolitan government-wide approach in studying and working out measures to use this resource effectively.

Toward a smart energy city

Let me now speak of how we will create a smart energy city where economic growth can coexist with preserving the environment. We already possess expertise developed through our efforts in regulating diesel vehicles and reducing traffic congestion in the city. We are also progressing with initiatives to realize a hydrogen society. When I visited Paris recently and met with Mayor Anne Hidalgo, we agreed to promote exchange and collaboration on such environmental policies.

And it is in Paris that the COP21 (UN Framework Convention on Climate Change 21st Conference of the Parties) meeting is taking place. I truly hope that the participating countries will give careful thought to the future of humankind and adopt a high-level agreement. Tokyo has joined the Compact of Mayors, the world’s largest coalition of cities addressing climate change, which supports the success of the COP21 meeting. Regarding the targets the participating cities must set to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, based on the interim report by the council studying our master plan for the environment, we have set an ambitious target of reducing emissions by 30% from 2000 levels by 2030. We will assure Tokyo’s sustainable growth by steadily advancing measures to achieve this goal.

Tourism as a key industry

Recently we unveiled the “& Tokyo” logo and tagline as part of our efforts to brand Tokyo as a tourist destination. We hope that many individuals and businesses will make use of “& Tokyo” as a tool to communicate Tokyo’s merits and attractions. Through overseas promotion and events we will work to increase fans of Tokyo around the world.

We will also devote our efforts to maintaining globally high levels of public safety, to firmly establish Tokyo as a city where tourists can safely enjoy themselves.

We will increase efforts to revitalize water transportation. In London, boats are becoming increasingly accessible, with multilingual guidance and barrier-free facilities, and have become a popular mode of transportation. The TMG is now carrying out survey runs on the routes between Haneda Airport and the city center and Tokyo Waterfront, in preparation for experimental operation in the next fiscal year. Based on opinions obtained from the survey, we will work with the relevant authorities to introduce multilingual guidance and boost convenience of services in order to build an environment where more people can experience the charms of Tokyo’s waterfront.

With the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020, Tokyo will be very much in the spotlight. We will use this great opportunity and make Tokyo a showcase for Japanese attractions and culture. In order to promote various attractions from around Japan, local products from around the country will be on sale year-round on the observation deck of the TMG building, and we will also partner with regional satellite stores in Tokyo.

A major challenge we face is how to secure sufficient accommodation. To address this issue, Ota Ward expressed its intention to employ the special exemption to the Inns and Hotels Act, which under certain conditions allows private residences to be used as accommodations for visitors. This was recently recognized as a national strategic special zone project. The TMG would like to expand this initiative to other municipalities, and, under collaboration with the national government and Ota Ward, will work to make the Ota example a model case. We will also support ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) in their efforts to become more accessible to foreigners in order to raise occupancy rates.

The increase in overseas visitors is striking, and the national government has also begun to look at revising targets upwards. In order to boost tourism as a key industry, flexible implementation of new initiatives is essential. Before the end of this fiscal year, we will set up an expert panel to draw up an action program for the promotion of the tourism industry to be ready within the next fiscal year. By revising this program yearly to also reflect the changing situation, we will roll out our policies in a strategic fashion.

Enhancing the appeal of Tokyo

We also need to enhance Tokyo’s appeal. I feel that there is much more we must do for the brilliant cultural scene of Tokyo. Regarding what is said to be an insufficiency of theaters and halls, we need to be resourceful while also collaborating with the private sector. We will first conduct an extensive review to get a true grasp of the situation and use this understanding to propose effective solutions. Regarding the creation of an Art Brut center, the expert committee of the Tokyo Council for the Arts will examine how this can be done.

As part of the leading project started this year in preparation for the cultural program of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, a public workshop event was held at Komazawa Olympic Park as the first phase of the Tokyo Caravan, a series of events bringing together artists from a range of fields. At the end of the fiscal year, TURN, an art program for people with disabilities will be launched. Along with the initial Tokyo traditional culture experience program, launched at the beginning of this fiscal year, these are some of the ways we will generate a vibrant arts and culture scene.

A city where everyone can participate fully in society

Tokyo’s dynamism comes from the people living and working here being able to make use of their abilities and fulfill their aspirations. There is an old saying, “A person with no regular occupation can have no stability of mind.” To promote regular employment, the TMG started a program this year offering subsidies, in addition to those provided by the national government, to companies that are working to shift their part-time workers to regular employment. Applications for our subsidies have already well exceeded our expectations. To further promote such efforts by companies, we will hold a Symposium to Address the Issue of Non-Regular Employment the day after tomorrow. By showing examples of companies that are actively shifting to regular employment, and explaining the support provided by the TMG, we hope to further encourage this trend.

We also need to reform work styles. At the beginning of the New Year, we will draw up a white paper on promoting the active participation of women. We will pursue a revolution in work styles—advocating a good work-life balance by encouraging improved efficiency at work so that more time is available for personal pursuits.

I believe that volunteering can play a vital role in Tokyo’s growth by providing a way for individuals to make the most of their own abilities. For example, the experience and knowledge of senior citizens are invaluable resources for local communities. The TMG would like to support older people who want to make a positive contribution in various ways, such as helping to watch over children. And when I was in London, Lord Chris Holmes, Director of Paralympic Integration for the London Olympics, told me of the amazing contribution of the impaired to the volunteer effort in 2012. We will study how to create the environment necessary for a wide range of individuals including senior citizens, people with impairment, and foreigners living in Tokyo, to be able to participate as volunteers.

Support for SMEs

This year’s Tokyo Venture Technology Award (Grand Prize) was awarded to technology developed by a Tokyo company, which has made advances in the field of projection mapping, making it possible to create images with depth and three-dimensional qualities. Such small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are working to achieve innovation through advanced technology and rich creativity. To fully realize their potential, they need to expand their markets and increase business partners.

Next fiscal year, we will increase opportunities for Tokyo’s SMEs to become acquainted with companies from across the country through measures such as establishing a portal site to provide a range of business information, including information for SMEs located throughout Japan, and also expanding exhibition space dedicated to companies based outside of the Tokyo area at the Tokyo International Industry Exhibition.

In addition, this month, the Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center opened a branch in Thailand to support companies actively seeking to expand into overseas markets. The center will provide services including business consultations and matching SMEs in Tokyo with local companies in Thailand. Working also with the Bangkok office of the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Technology Research Institute, which is providing technical assistance, we hope to firmly support the growth of SMEs.

Leading the Rugby World Cup 2019 and Tokyo 2020 Games to success as one entity

The performance of Japan’s national rugby team at the Rugby World Cup 2015 in England surprised and thrilled the world. We will consider the Rugby World Cup 2019 and the Tokyo 2020 Games, to be held the following year, as one entity, and guide these events to success without fail.

Success of the RWC 2019 to lead into 2020

During my visit to London, I attended the semifinals and finals of the RWC 2015. The experience was very useful in learning about traffic measures, extending hospitality to spectators, and other related matters. Moreover, I learned first-hand that for the tournament to be successful, special efforts are required to convey the passion and excitement of rugby, as well as the wonder of sport as a whole, to as many as possible. At RWC 2019, we will also incorporate fan zones, similar to the one I observed at Trafalgar Square, where anyone can enjoy public viewing events, experience how rugby is played, and participate in other activities free of charge. I also hope to try new approaches that make full use of technological innovations such as 3D imaging.

The RWC 2019 will be held in twelve cities across Japan, and the success of the tournament will generate excitement nationwide. This wave of excitement across Japan will lead to the success of the Tokyo 2020 Games. And, as was just reported by Assemblyman Kawamatsu, a delegation was also formed by this Assembly and sent to inspect RWC 2015. I hope we can share our respective experiences and also work with the other host cities to make the first Rugby World Cup tournament to be held in Asia a great success.

The Olympic legacy and initiatives through the year 2020

A major challenge facing us now is how to leave a valuable legacy that lasts beyond the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Last month, following studies by the Legacy Committee, we released a preliminary draft of initiatives to be taken by the TMG leading up to the year 2020.

Regarding new competition venues to be built by the TMG, we will steadily proceed with the design and construction of these facilities under the scrutiny of an advisory committee made up of outside experts. Following the Games, the site of the Olympic Village will be reborn as a model city where a diverse range of people, including foreign nationals and senior citizens, will be able to interact with each other and live comfortably. We will also introduce next-generation fuel cells and build a community that incorporates hydrogen energy in daily life. In preparation to start construction early next fiscal year, we will move forward in reviewing specific plans, utilizing the expertise of the private sector.

Furthermore, the Tokyo 2020 Games offer an excellent opportunity to create an invaluable physical and mental legacy within each and every child that will provide them with sustenance throughout their lives. The Olympic and Paralympic educational program to be promoted at all Tokyo schools starting next fiscal year will place particular focus on promoting understanding toward those with impairments and implementing a full Paralympic educational program, as well as cultivating the spirit of volunteerism. By instilling children with a respect for diversity and acceptance of one another, an inclusive society―one of the ideals the Tokyo 2020 Games aims to achieve―will firmly take root in Tokyo.

The draft that we announced this time also outlines the direction for other tangible and intangible initiatives, including sports, culture, and the environment. I hope to rapidly advance as many of the initiatives contained in the draft as possible, and, without waiting for 2020 to arrive, see these measures in place for the Rugby World Cup in 2019l. We will continue to further refine these initiatives based on discussions with this Assembly and the opinions of Tokyo residents, compile the final version within the year, and also have it reflected in the Action & Legacy Plan, an all-Japan effort to be formulated by the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee.

As the host city of the Paralympic Games

The Paralympic Games have played a major role in the development of London after 2012. I was once again reminded of this when I recently visited the city. For the Tokyo 2020 Games as well, we must leave a legacy that will have people say, “Tokyo and Japan have changed by hosting the Paralympic Games. The attitude and understanding toward people with impairments and the direction of city planning have all improved immensely.”

Concerning city planning, we will take a comprehensive approach to advancing measures that include making roads and parks barrier free, removing utility poles, and installing platform gates and doors at railway stations. Furthermore, we will work with the central government and Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee to formulate accessibility guidelines to make the Games easily accessible for everyone, regardless of whether they have an impairment, and apply these guidelines at all venues to be built by the TMG. I will devote efforts to ensuring that the tangible changes to the city brought about by the Games go on to further promote city planning that incorporates universal design well after the Games.

The spectacular performance of Japanese athletes at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games will bring great excitement to the Games. Therefore, we have launched a new Paralympic athlete program to help cultivate top athletes by offering participants the opportunity to experience various sports and choose the one that best suits them. This fiscal year, we will implement the program for 15 sports, including wheelchair basketball, goalball, and boccia. We will provide support so that many people can seize this opportunity and shine on the global stage.

Success through an all-Japan effort

The Tokyo 2020 Games will not be a success unless the country unites in an all-Japan effort. Recently, we launched a liaison council for the Tokyo 2020 Games made up of members including the TMG, local governments where competition venues are located, the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, and the central government. We will advance preparations smoothly by sharing information on common issues and initiatives, and cooperating to deal with these issues.

Concerning pre-Games training camps, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) signed an MOU with Setagaya Ward and the Japan Olympic Committee (JOC). Tokyo will continue to support the efforts of municipalities that hope to attract training camps by accommodating site inspections, carrying out promotional activities overseas, and subsidizing the development of sports facilities.

During the Rio 2016 Games, we will set up “Live Sites” where coverage of the Rio Games will be broadcast live in the ward and Tama areas of Tokyo, as well as in the three prefectures most affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake (Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures). Through these live images, the public will be able to experience the pure excitement of the Games. These efforts will help encourage the affected areas, which are still working to fully recover, and contribute to building momentum for the Games nationwide. Additionally, as part of the Olympic and Paralympic educational programs, we will conduct educational activities and events that children from Tokyo and these areas will participate in together, and clearly pave the way toward the Tokyo 2020 Games as a Games demonstrating Japan’s recovery from the 2011 disaster.

Next summer, I will travel to Rio de Janeiro to attend the closing handover ceremony as the head of the next host city. I will also avidly promote the attractions of Tokyo and Japan at the Japan House to be established in Rio. We plan to hold events featuring the Olympic and Paralympic flags brought back from Rio, and while getting the rest of Japan caught up in the excitement, we will accelerate our preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Games.