5. For a Tokyo where everyone is radiant and “people” power growth

Through a focus on “people,” the citizens of Tokyo will become more radiant and Tokyo will become even more dynamic. This is exactly what I have been advancing these past two years in my “Tokyo citizens first” policy directive for the Tokyo government. We will continue with our efforts to build a society where all can lead vibrant lives in order to forge a Tokyo that keeps on growing through the power of people, even as the population shrinks.

A Tokyo to lead a fulfilling 100-year life

In preparation for a 100-year life, we will realize a Tokyo where the elderly can be radiant throughout their lives in their own place in society. The TMU Premium College, which will open next April in the Tokyo Metropolitan University as a 100-year life college for lifelong learning, will begin accepting applications from prospective students at the end of next month. In line with this, a symposium and demonstration classes will be held to heighten interest in learning among senior citizens.

To build an environment where those with ambitions can again work at the frontlines, last month the Advanced Institute of Industrial Technology launched a program for seniors thinking of starting up businesses. We will also roll out measures that can effectively support senior citizens in finding work, such as offering recurrent education so that they can take up the challenge of working at new jobs and providing opportunities for them to gain new skills while working at companies.

Meanwhile, with regard to selective long-term care, which we have been advancing studies on in order to improve measures supporting the elderly, a model program began in Toshima-ku last month. This system, which allows the combined provision of services covered by long-term care insurance and services that are not covered by insurance, is anticipated to bring about more flexible response to diverse needs and more efficient operations by long-term care providers. Along with Toshima-ku, we will verify the effects of this program and expand its implementation from the next fiscal year.

Last year we established a panel of experts to study what form Tokyo should take as a city where the challenges of an ultra-aging society will be acutely displayed. The other day, this panel submitted a policy proposal titled “Tokyo Beyond 2020: The world’s leading long-life society.” While applying the valuable proposals that come from their expertise on the ground, such as future direction of policy development, we will accelerate our initiatives with the aim to realize a Tokyo where the residents can lead enriching 100-year lives.

Advancing the role of women in all fields

To advance the active role of women, since June we have been holding symposiums inviting speakers who are active in sectors where there are few women. Last week, we had four women active in the transportation industry discuss the appeal of work, balancing work and home, and other relevant topics. By focusing attention on women who are active in various fields, we hope to further broaden possibilities for women in society,

This month, the program to raise women entrepreneurs who aim to develop business overseas or find solutions to social challenges, welcomed its third batch of participants. And, in November we will open a new Challenge Shop in the Tama area, where women and young people who aim to open a store in a shopping street gain first-hand knowledge about how to manage a shop.  These and other various measures will be implemented to support women in demonstrating their capabilities in all kinds of fields.

Raising children who will shoulder the future

Education of our children is investment for the future of Tokyo. Tokyo Global Gateway, which had been receiving much attention, opened the other day. At this facility, children can enjoy a global communication experience, and we hold expectations that this will significantly raise English skills, which will be their passport to the world.

At the Comprehensive Education Council meeting held last month, discussions were conducted with experts and metropolitan high school teachers on the subject of “reading comprehension” required of children in the age of artificial intelligence. We will advance research and development on effective teaching methods and other relevant matters, and apply the outcomes to education in schools.

In order to raise the attractiveness of metropolitan high schools, the Second Phase of Implementation of the New Metropolitan High School Reform Promotion Plan (name TBD), which sets forth the three-year vision from next fiscal year, will include ambitious initiatives to address new challenges such as enhancing the ability to create new value and cultivating human resources to support Tokyo’s industries. The outline will be released in November, and while also hearing  the views of the Tokyo citizens, the Board of Education will deepen studies for its formulation in February next year.

Child abuse, which robs children of their radiance, must be prevented by all means. In addition to urgently strengthening the Child Guidance Office system within this year, we will expand the range of information shared with the Metropolitan Police Department to include all cases considered to be at high risk, and will quickly implement all possible measures such as accepting consultations over LINE on a trial basis. Regarding a Tokyo ordinance to prevent abuse, the other day we announced our basic concept for this, which is arranged from the four perspectives of “prevention,” “early discovery and response,” “support for children and guardians,” and “human resource development.” Upon hearing the views of the Tokyo residents and the municipalities, we aim to submit a bill to the first session of this assembly next year. We will continue to advance measures speedily to ensure the protection of children from tragic abuse.

Creating a radiant society where everyone accepts each other

In order to achieve a society where everyone shines, we submitted a bill for the Tokyo Metropolitan Ordinance Seeking the Realization of the Principle of Respect for Human Rights Outlined in the Olympic Charter. Upon clarifying the position that unfair discrimination against various human rights is impermissible, we will promote initiatives to remove unfair discrimination due to sexual orientation or gender identity, and unfair discriminatory speech against people originating from outside Japan. I wish to leverage this ordinance to raise an even larger groundswell of respect for human rights and, along with the citizens of Tokyo, create a dynamic Tokyo radiant with diversity.

To promote the development of SMEs

For Tokyo to grow through the power of “people,” an important issue we need to address is promoting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises that continue to support Tokyo’s economy through the diligent efforts of “people.” A panel of experts is conducting studies from various perspectives on a proposal for an ordinance that will clarify the basic concepts for this. We plan to submit a bill at the Fourth Regular Session of the Assembly.

Measures such as strengthening the management of SMEs, securing human resources, and boosting innovation that will expand Tokyo’s growth, will be incorporated in a new vision that is also currently under study. An interim report will be released in November.

Further enhancement of Tokyo’s attractions

By enhancing the attractions of Tokyo, the stage where people can shine, we will draw out the strength of people even more and link this to the sure growth of Tokyo.

Moving the Metropolitan Expressway underground

We took the first big step toward realizing the relocation of the Nihombashi section of the Metropolitan Expressway underground with the July release of the design proposal put together with the national government, local municipality and the Metropolitan Expressway. The history and culture of Nihombashi, which was the starting point for the five roads leading out of old Edo, can still be sensed in this district as it continues to develop as the frontline of global business. In order to further heighten the value of this area, which we could say symbolizes the city of Tokyo where tradition and innovation intersect, we will work to make the plans more concrete while conducting a review of costs.

Drawing out the potential of the bay area to the maximum

The bay area is demonstrating its presence as a center that enhances Tokyo’s appeal. We will formulate a vision for this area as a model for next generation urban development. In order to show a future vision to the world, and link this to Tokyo and Japan’s growth strategy, we have set up a TMG-wide study and will also launch a public-private collaboration team comprising the younger generations. We will advance studies while receiving proposals based on free-flowing ideas that go beyond the framework of government.

Last month, we announced a program for the BRT, a bus rapid transit system that will connect the city center and the bay area, for partial operations starting from fiscal year 2020 and full operations by fiscal 2022. While responding to the future increase of transportation demand, we will draw out the potential of the bay area to the maximum and link this to the substantial growth of Tokyo beyond 2020.

Creating the Tokyo island brand

We will implement specific measures to brand the proud attractions of the islands based on proposals from the Tokyo Treasure Island Promotion Committee. From this month, we launched efforts for island businesses to take the initiative in building their local brand through friendly competition with other islands based on advice from experts. Regarding island products that enhance the island brand such as Toshima’s camellia oil and Aogashima’s shochu liquor, we will advance detailed support such as concept formulation and development of markets.

I have visited all of Tokyo’s 11 inhabited islands since I took up office. Last month I visited Hachijojima for the second time. The Tokyo Island Motor Show was being held there to disseminate the appeal of electric vehicles. Beginning with Hachijojima, which also uses geothermal energy to generate power, for the islands to use renewables that make the most of each island’s distinguishing features and to popularize the use of EVs, would be the sure path to achieving “zero-emission islands.” We hope to have the substantial environmental possibilities of the islands generate their new appeal.

We will further polish the treasures of Tokyo. In addition to advancing the development of the Tama area by employing its characteristics such as rich nature and concentration of industry and academia, we will, for example, enhance the attractiveness of the metropolitan parks that provide the people of Tokyo with a place for relaxation.