6. The Vision Tokyo Should Aim to Achieve

Grand Design for Urban Development

Tokyo will continue to grow and mature as part of the great legacy of the Tokyo 2020 Games. What should the vision Tokyo pursues beyond that point entail? The Grand Design for Urban Development, which was formulated on under the catchphrase “Creating Tokyo’s Future,” sets forth the new vision for Tokyo in the 2040s and policies to realize that vision.

Working toward urban development that will form the foundation for realizing the “Safe City,” “Diversity” (diverse city), and “Smart City” concepts, we are advancing specific initiatives based on seven strategies established from cross-sectoral perspectives and 30 policy directions. To clearly define our bold approach to advancing urban development, the plan sets forth challenges that must be addressed, including ensuring that there is no spread of fire when an earthquake occurs and maintaining the total amount of greenery in the city. While partnering with various players, including the people of Tokyo, private businesses, and municipalities, we hope to build a highly developed mature city that continues to generate new values, and pass on an even better Tokyo to our children who are our future.

Tama Area Promotion Plan

When considering the future vision for Tokyo, how we develop the Tama area, which possesses tremendous potential in the form of its concentration of research and development-oriented companies and universities, rich natural surroundings, and diverse tourism resources, is an important point of focus. Last week, we announced the “Tama Area Promotion Plan,” which presents the vision for the Tama area and direction for policies to achieve this vision. Like the Grand Design for Urban Development, the plan was formulated with an eye to the 2040s. We will enhance the road transportation network, aim to revitalize the area by promoting industry, and establish symbiosis with the rich natural environment. We will more effectively and thoroughly roll out measures in support of this vision while taking into account the characteristics of each Tama area community and their respective challenges.

Promoting the attractions of Tokyo’s “Treasure Islands”

We will also promote further revitalization of the islands. The Tokyo Treasure Islands Promotion Committee, which aims to rediscover hidden attractions, give them added value, and widely publicize them, is currently sifting out tasks to address after visiting islands and from other information. Tokyo’s islands have many specialty products and tourism resources, including fresh seafood and onsen hot springs, which will serve as strengths. Together with experts, we will conduct studies from a variety of perspectives to create a brand for the island area that leverages these strengths.

“Matchmaking tours,” where men and women looking to get married visit the islands by ferry, will start in Oshima this month and later be expanded to other islands as well. We will also implement initiatives to introduce people to new ways to spend leisure time, which leverage the nature of the Tama and island areas, including tours that use food to teach the history and culture of the Izu Islands to participants. In addition, we hope to create a broad range of opportunities for as many people as possible to experience the attractions of Tokyo’s “treasure islands,” including issuing this fall a travel voucher with added benefits such as discounts that can be used on smartphones when staying and shopping in the area, and in this way generate even greater vitality on the islands.