Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) Dean’s Forum
Broadcast: October 29, 2021 (Pre-recorded session)

Governor Koike delivered a speech titled “Post-Tokyo 2020 Games: Global Tokyo’s Post-Covid Comeback” at Johns Hopkins University SAIS Dean’s forum. After exchanging greetings with Interim Dean Kent Calder and discussing her past experiences as a journalist and a Diet member, the Governor began her speech. Topics covered included the following:

• The governor began with the two major crises facing society as a whole: COVID-19 and climate change. The governor discussed how the two are connected with regard to the need to create a sustainable recovery from COVID-19 that builds up a new sustainable future.
• The governor recalled the inspiration provided by Paralympians for overcoming difficulty and of the possibility for every individual to shine. She referred to the need in a sustainable society for the removal of barriers, both physical and social, and to prioritize mutual support for people of all ages and backgrounds.
• In relation to sustainable society, Governor Koike also discussed the use of hydrogen energy during the Games, and plans for future development.
• Governor Koike discussed the Zero Emission Tokyo declaration, and pledge to cut emissions in half by 2030 before reaching net zero by 2050. She discussed some details of the plan, including requiring buildings to cut emissions, the Sustainable Recovery Tokyo Forum, and the TIME TO ACT: Climate Action Forum
• The governor talked about plans to make Tokyo a Global Financial City by attracting financial and asset management experts, which would in turn spur the development of green finance.
• The governor finished her speech with a mention of the recent Condé Nast Traveler survey which had ranked Tokyo First in their list of cities, both by American and UK readers.

During the Q&A session afterwards, Governor Koike and Dean Calder discussed a number of topics, including:

• Dean Calder asked the governor what really makes Tokyo a global city. The governor started with the cultural aspects of modern and traditional Tokyo, then discussed the many advantages for companies to do business in Tokyo, including the initiatives by TMG to improve conditions for international firms. She also touched on measures to make the city easier to navigate for tourists from overseas.
• Dean Calder then asked about the changes that have occurred due to COVID-19. Governor Koike talked about the need for preventive measures, especially in a city of Tokyo’s size and density, and praised the residents of Tokyo for their success in adopted widespread mask use and hand-washing.
• The governor also pointed out the measures taken in Tokyo to encourage telework and flex time, which were related to recent measures to accelerate the digitalization of Tokyo.
• The final question from Dean Calder was about the roles cities can play in global policy. Governor Koike explained that city-level governments are much closer to their residents, and have the ability to more directly affect quality of life. They can also play critical roles in pandemic control and climate change mitigation. She also touched upon her work with C40 and the recent Sustainable Recovery Tokyo Forum (Re StaRT) with other city leaders.