Message from the Governor of Tokyo

Deciding Tokyo’s future together

With the strong support of the citizens of Tokyo, I was recently re-elected to my second term as Governor of Tokyo. And, I am once again mindful of the heaviness of this responsibility.

For the past four years, I have advanced the “Grand Reform of Tokyo” with the backing of the people of Tokyo. During this time, I reduced the number of children on waitlists for child daycare by 70 percent and cut costs to secure 350 billion yen in new funds through program reviews. We also enacted a number of ordinances to allow the people of Tokyo to shine, including the Ordinance to Prevent Passive Smoking and the Ordinance Seeking Realization of the Principle of Respect for Human Rights Outlined in the Olympic Charter. And, now, as we find ourselves in the midst of rapidly changing socio-economic conditions, what needs to be done to forge a bright future? Taking such perspectives into consideration, I will introduce the “Grand Reform of Tokyo 2.0” to take metropolitan administration reform to the next level and continue pushing further ahead.

First, to protect the lives and health of the people of Tokyo, which take precedence over all other matters, I will speed up measures to combat the novel coronavirus. Centered on Tokyo's own version of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) that we will newly establish, we will build up systems for testing and healthcare provision and strengthen measures, including support for hospitals and healthcare workers.

The “Grand Reform of Tokyo 2.0”is based on three pillars: creating a “high earning” Tokyo that protects the lives of its people, realizing a Tokyo where the people shine, and carrying out administrative, fiscal, and structural reform from a Tokyo citizens first perspective. As we implement the “new normal” to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, we will utilize the power of digital technology to the maximum extent possible to guide Tokyo’s economy to “new growth.” We will build a city where everyone—children, women, senior citizens, and people with disabilities—can shine in their own way. To enhance metropolitan administration and services for the people of Tokyo, we will thoroughly implement reform. And, to obtain the understanding of Tokyo citizens regarding the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which are an inspiration to athletes and children, we will continue cutting costs and advancing the streamlining of events with the aim to deliver a Games that ensures safety and peace of mind.

Deciding Tokyo’s future together. I hope you will join me in on the path to a “new Tokyo” that is full of hope.

Koike Yuriko
Governor of Tokyo