3. Implementation of a growth strategy to win the competition between cities

We will prevail in the international competition between cities, and all Tokyo citizens will feel the effects of a healthy economy. To realize the “Smart City” that will continue to generate the growth needed for that economy, we will vigorously implement a growth strategy upon the foundation of the great dynamism of the people of Tokyo.

Making Tokyo a global financial city and economic center

<Formulation of the Global Financial City: Tokyo Vision>

We will restore Tokyo to its position as the number one global financial city in Asia. To ensure that we walk the path to achieving this goal, last month, we released the new Global Financial City: Tokyo Vision, which could also be called the “Tokyo Big Bang.” The plan sets forth specific initiatives, including some that are firsts in Japan, such as the establishment of a public-private financial sector promotion organization and the introduction of an emerging managers program to cultivate new asset managers. While working with relevant parties in Japan and abroad, as well as with the national government, private sector, and others, we will promptly and boldly advance these initiatives. This includes an agreement to deepen exchange and cooperation in the area of finance with London’s long established financial district, The City, to be signed next week.

I recently visited Singapore and broadly promoted Tokyo’s initiatives based on the vision. By observing first-hand the current situation in Singapore, which drives Asia as a global financial center, and engaging in wide-ranging discussions with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and cabinet members, I was reminded of the fast pace of global competition. In order for our country to lead the world in this environment, Tokyo will be the forerunner spearheading Japan’s development in the area of finance. With renewed resolve, I hope to apply the accomplishments of this trip to making Tokyo a top global financial city.

<Supporting SMEs in developing technologies>

We will considerably draw out the potential of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are the source of Tokyo’s industrial strength, and strengthen the foundation for the sustainable growth of Tokyo. At the Tokyo International Industry Exhibition held last month, I had the pleasure of awarding 32 SMEs for their achievements in creating innovative products and services. I was again reassured by the fact that there are many SMEs in Tokyo with technologies and ideas that we can proudly show the world.

To firmly support the success of women at SMEs, in keeping with last fiscal year, we awarded special recognition to three female executives. Along with further boosting the motivation of SMEs and the women who work at SMEs and supporting the development of superb products and services, we aim to help them broadly expand their markets in Japan and abroad.

<Further vitalization of local shopping streets>

It is also very important that we restore vitality to shopping streets, which are symbolic of the local economy. We will establish a “challenge shop” in Jiyugaoka at the end of this month where young people and women looking to start a business on a local shopping street can acquire know-how through actual shop operations and sales. We will support motivated individuals who use innovative, new ideas to produce a variety of products and services with the aim of further vitalizing these areas.

Path to a zero-emission Tokyo

<Present the Zero-Carbon Day to the world>

At the COP23 meeting held last month, delegates agreed to accelerate work on creating rules to implement the Paris Agreement, a framework to combat climate change to be implemented from 2020. With cities and companies around the world increasingly keen on working toward a post-carbon society, Tokyo, too, will strongly take actions as it aims for a sustainable growth in harmony with the Earth’s environment.

The meeting of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group held in Paris in October was a meaningful opportunity for cities -- major consumers -- to share their systems and expertise on combating climate change. At the meeting, I promoted our Tokyo Cap-and-Trade Program, which makes it mandatory for large-scale facilities, including office buildings, to reduce their CO₂ emissions. I also unveiled our plans for Tokyo Zero Carbon 4 Days in 2020, which will be one accomplishment of the cap-and-trade program, the world’s first urban emissions trading program. Over the four days of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020, we plan to make Tokyo emission-free by using the carbon credit surpluses of businesses to offset emissions. Along with further promoting our energy-saving measures, by holding the Zero-Carbon Days with the cooperation of numerous businesses, we will impress the world with how Tokyo, through solid public-private engagement, aims to become a city with zero carbon emissions.

<Host an international conference on the environment>

The major cities of Asia, which are undergoing rapid economic growth, face common environmental challenges concerning matters such as waste treatment and air pollution. Against this backdrop, the TMG will host an international conference on the environment in May next year, where representatives from such cities, as well as from developed cities in the West, will share their policies and expertise and discuss solutions. We will ask a global leader to give the keynote address and call on C40 member cities to send representatives so that the conference will be able to deliver a powerful message to many in Japan and abroad, and contribute actively to the advancement of environmental initiatives around the world.

Utilize ICT for the further evolution of Tokyo

To further enhance the urban functions of Tokyo, we are now formulating the “ICT Strategy (tentative name),” which will outline how we will utilize information and communication technology. By harnessing the rapidly evolving tools of ICT, we will further develop the “three cities” that we are working to realize. This includes strengthening our disaster response capabilities, making Tokyo a more comfortable place for seniors and the impaired, and enhancing Tokyo’s growth potential. We will unveil this strategy around the end of this month, and maximize on the great potential of ICT to create a new Tokyo.

Urban development for the growth of Tokyo

<Initiatives for realization of the grand design>

The Grand Design for Urban Development sets out strategies such as creating hubs full of vitality that generate sustainable growth, and achieving flexible, unrestricted exchange of people, goods, and information. These are indeed important growth strategies for Tokyo. To realize these strategies, we will advance studies on revising our master plan for city planning and early next year, launch specific actions, such as requesting the City Planning Council to study matters concerning land use in Tokyo. We will take one steady step after another toward a highly developed mature city that develops in a sustainable manner and also for the sake of our future generations.

As for the road network, which is the foundation for active exchange of people and goods, we will put particular efforts into the construction of the three ring expressways of the National Capital Region, which are expected to bring various benefits, such as easing traffic congestion and helping maintain the functions of the capital city in the event of a disaster. We will also promote the construction of backbone trunk roads, including radial and ring roads in the special-ward area and north-south and east-west roads in the Tama area, to create a Tokyo that continues generating new value and vitality.

<Review of the environmental impact assessment system>

On the other hand, proper consideration must be given to the environment in the process of urban development in order to pass a favorable urban environment on to our children and grandchildren. The Environmental Impact Assessment System is a procedure taken by large development projects and other such projects to control their impacts on the surrounding environment. But circumstances have changed over the 37 years since the system was launched. For example, the number of structures reaching their period of renewal is now expected to rise. To continue to operate the system in an appropriate and easy-to-understand manner, I will ask a relevant council later this month to review the system, including revision of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance.