10. Closing remarks

“Any woman who understands the problems of running a home will be nearer to understanding the problems of running a country." This quote was made famous by Margaret Thatcher, Great Britain’s first female prime minister. Both households and countries are formed by “people.” And, “people” are the key to understanding the respective issues faced at both levels. In this respect, I feel very reassured that a record 36 women were elected as Assembly members this summer. At the metropolitan government, we have also further advanced the placement of women in management positions. I believe that we have prepared an environment that will allow the views of women to be utilized and metropolitan administration that focuses on “people” to be implemented more than ever before.

As we now face the two major turning points of our time -- a declining population and a super-aging society, I think that it is vitally important for the metropolitan assembly and executive branch of the TMG to produce one prescription after another for these issues, as if in a race to find the cure. I truly look forward to continuing to work with all of you to leverage this opportunity to realize sustainable growth for Tokyo.

Including the matters to which I have already referred, a total of 31 proposals have been presented to this regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, including nine proposed ordinances and 15 proposed contracts, to be deliberated among the Assembly members.

This concludes my policy address to the Assembly. Thank you.