In opening the second regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly in 2016, 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.

Honorable Citizen, Mr. Akira Tago, passed away on March 6. I would like to express my sincerest condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.

Concerning issues over my overseas travel expenses, use of the official car, and political funds, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt apologies to the citizens of Tokyo and honorable members of this Assembly for the enormous trouble I am causing. My lack of discretion is entirely to blame for the large amount of criticism I am receiving from the citizens of Tokyo. I take this very seriously and will change my ways.

With respect to overseas travel expenses, I will no longer fly first class or stay in hotel “suite rooms,” and will have a strict review of overall costs conducted. We will take a firm look at the roles of metropolitan government officials who accompany me on these trips, and take only the minimum number of staff needed. Concerning use of the official car, the car’s use will be strictly managed so that the people of Tokyo never have any doubts about the matter. Furthermore, regarding the issue that has been pointed out about my use of political funds, mainly before taking office as governor, I am currently having lawyers who are former prosecutors very knowledgeable about the Political Funds Control Act strictly investigate the expenditures. I hope to be able to announce the results of this investigation in time for this session of the Assembly and explain them. I am truly sorry for the trouble. I seriously take this time’s criticism to heart. I deeply regret my actions and will start to make amends by striving to immediately provide a sufficient explanation. I am very sorry.

In April, powerful earthquakes struck the Kumamoto region, causing major damage. I offer my prayers to the victims, and express my heartfelt condolences to their families and all those who have been affected. Tokyo has been working steadily to extend needed support to the area, including sending units from the Metropolitan Police Department and Tokyo Fire Department, deploying rescue teams and infrastructure restoration support teams, and transporting blankets and emergency toilets. We will continue to firmly support recovery efforts.

In this series of earthquakes, very strong tremors were produced by the precursor and main earthquake, which were then followed by an unprecedented number of aftershocks. This extremely strong seismic activity is making the situation in the disaster-affected areas even more harsh. In Tokyo as well, we will constantly advance initiatives and further strengthen preparations for a disaster to uphold the safety and security of the residents of Tokyo and Japan, and all who visit the city.

Last month, I visited Fukushima Prefecture for a firsthand look at the current situation in areas affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake such as Namie Town. I met with Fukushima Governor Uchibori and again informed him that Tokyo will continue to support recovery in the area. In Fukushima Prefecture, renewable energies are being positioned as a pillar to support recovery. Therefore, at the meeting we concluded an agreement to advance joint studies aiming for CO2-free production and use of hydrogen that utilizes Fukushima’s renewable energy sources. We will advance initiatives based on the needs of the disaster-affected areas such as developing new technologies and promoting related industries. Last week, I visited Fukushima again for a meeting of the Conference of the Leaders of the Nine Metropolitan/Prefectural/Municipal Authorities where we adopted a joint declaration on recovery and revitalization. While collaborating with the eight other prefectures and municipalities and working on the central government to further accelerate its initiatives as well, we will continue to strongly support the recovery process.

1. Make the Tokyo 2020 Games a success and build a bright future beyond

There are now only two months to go until the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. I look forward to seeing the world inspired by the vibrant performances of athletes testing the limits of body and spirit. I also sincerely hope that the Games will give courage to those living in areas that have been affected by disasters. In order to boost enthusiasm for the Rio Games in Tokyo as well, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and the monument to the Tokyo 1964 Games in Komazawa Olympic Park were illuminated in the national colors of Brazil, green and yellow, to mark 100 days to the Games. We will also support the Rio Games during the Games by setting up live sites in the special-ward and Tama areas of Tokyo, and the three prefectures of the Tohoku region most affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake as well.

Raising anticipation for the Tokyo 2020 Games

In Rio, which is bursting with enthusiasm for the Games, we will promote Tokyo, the next host city, and raise anticipations for the Tokyo 2020 Games. Through a variety of efforts, including establishing a Japan House and holding events where visitors can enjoy Japanese culture, we will arrange opportunities for the world to meet Japan. We will also leave a vivid impression of Tokyo at the flag handover ceremonies where the transfer of the Olympic and Paralympic flags from Rio to Tokyo will take place. In order for the Tokyo 2020 Games to welcome many guests and achieve success, we will seize this opportunity to let the world know of the attractions of Tokyo and Japan.

Making two global events a success through all-Japan efforts

The Tokyo 2020 Games emblems were recently selected. I believe that the emblems in the traditional Japanese color of indigo blue, designed as an arrangement of the checkered pattern known as ichimatsu moyo, have the power to bind together the hearts of the Japanese people as we head toward the Games. In addition, we will strengthen cooperation for the success of the Rugby World Cup 2019 through efforts such as setting up booths to promote all the RWC 2019 host cities at the upcoming test match to be held in Tokyo. All of Japan will unite and move steadily forward for the success of these two global events.

Legacies for beyond the Tokyo 2020 Games

We will build a bright future for Tokyo beyond the success of the Tokyo 2020 Games. This is our enormous responsibility to the generations to come. To fulfill this responsibility, I wish to leave a “comfortable, mature society” to the future―a society where anyone can play an active role, a society that generates wealth and time for personal pusuits while always full of dynamism. Time for personal pursuits will raise the quality of life, and in turn, lead to the generation of new dynamism. Using the Tokyo 2020 Games as a springboard, we will realize a mature society that is sustained by such a virtuous cycle. The Olympic and Paralympic flags, which will be handed over from Rio, are the very symbols of a successful Tokyo 2020 Games and the enormous responsibility we bear for the future beyond the Games. With strong resolution and determination, I will commit myself to the development of Tokyo.