In opening the first regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly in 2017, I wish to relate my basic stance on future metropolitan administration.

On January 26, Assembly member Yoshiaki Kiuchi passed away. Mr. Kiuchi devoted himself to bettering the national and metropolitan governments, serving three terms as a member of the House of Representatives and five terms as a member of the Metropolitan Assembly. In addition, Honorable Citizen, Mr. Shunichiro Okano, former president of the Japanese Football Association, passed away on February 2. I would like to express my sincerest condolences to their families. May they rest in peace.

1. Introduction

The world is in the midst of major changes. With developments such as the referendum deciding the UK’s exit from the EU -- Brexit -- and the birth of the Trump administration, which adopts the “America first” slogan, it appears that we are entering a time of uncertainty and instability, not unlike being thrown into a maelstrom. Against the backdrop of dissatisfaction with inequalities reinforced by changes in the industrial and economic structure, a wave of anti-globalism is sweeping the world, strengthening inward-looking tendencies around the globe.

In such a global environment, now is the time for us to build up and restrengthen Japan’s capital -- Tokyo. It is also necessary for us to rethink and reorganize the way the metropolitan government functions to support Tokyo’s development as well as its relationship with the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly. Thorough disclosure of information is the first step in this process. If we only release information that is convenient for us, however, this cannot be considered true information disclosure. Under the umbrella of the “grand reform of Tokyo,” I am putting greater transparency of metropolitan administration first. Presenting the affairs of the metropolitan government to the public in an undistorted manner will enable each and every resident of Tokyo to consider matters and arrive at their own decisions. Interest in metropolitan affairs is actually rising to unprecedented levels, even nationally.

An issue that surely tests this “greater transparency” is none other than the relocation of the Tsukiji Wholesale Market. We are taking the results of last month’s groundwater tests at the site of the new market in Toyosu very seriously. Once we have had the site tested again by multiple institutions, advanced scientific analyses, and gained an accurate understanding of the situation, we will disclose the information to the people of Tokyo.

Last month, I inspected the Tsukiji Wholesale Market. This visit further intensified my resolve to ensure that we uphold the safety of the market and peace of mind for the people of Tokyo and Japan -- the consumers -- as well as for everyone who does business there. Although safety is based on scientific and legal evidence, peace of mind is based on the understanding and conviction of the consumers. For that reason as well, we will advance disclosure of information to help the people of Tokyo judge the situation themselves. Based on discussions by a council of experts and the Food Market Project Team, which we have recently established, we will properly study the sustainability of the market as well, and make a comprehensive decision that also takes into consideration the opinions of the people of Tokyo.

Meanwhile, with respect to burdens on businesses due expenses incurred from the delay in the decision concerning relocation, we are presenting a supplementary budget proposal to this session of the Assembly to start providing compensation from April. We will also clarify the circumstances surrounding the purchase of the land in Toyosu, and continue to deal with this matter seriously.