Statement by Governor Masuzoe at the January 16 meeting with top senior officials

On Friday, January 16, Governor Masuzoe spoke at a meeting with the highest senior officials of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The following is a summary of his talk.

The draft for the fiscal 2015 budget, organization and approved number of positions has been formulated. This is the first full-scale TMG budget that I have prepared from the start. The recently announced long-term vision and this budget truly reflect my political policy.

This budget shows our determination to firmly work to protect and improve the lives of the citizens of Tokyo through measures including those for public safety, disaster preparedness, welfare and health care, and education, and, at the same time, to ensure the successful delivery of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, return dynamism to Tokyo and Japan, and achieve a bright future.

The role of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is to take the lead in opening up Japan's prospects for the future—20 years, 30 years, and 100 years ahead. For example, we are taking up the challenge of transforming society, including the realization of a hydrogen society. We must take a vanguard role in moving forward in cooperation with the central government, and at times, taking the lead over the central government.

The most important point for increasing the impact of policy initiatives is to "earn the cooperation of our sovereigns—the citizens of Tokyo and the rest of Japan." I want you to listen sincerely and humbly to the voices of our citizens.