4. Opening of the Toyosu Market and redevelopment of the Tsukiji area

Next, I would like to speak about the relocation of the wholesale market to Toyosu. With regard to the safety of Toyosu Market, which will serve as the “kitchen” for Tokyo’s residents well into the future, we are steadily advancing additional construction measures to absolutely ensure safety. Next month, construction is scheduled to be completed. We will then follow the necessary steps to ensure that all of the people of Tokyo and businesses at the market can feel reassured, including having the Expert Council check the effectiveness of the additional measures and filing an application with the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister for approval of the market.

Concerning the “Senkyaku Banrai” shopping and entertainment complex, which will create vitality at Toyosu Market, we held earnest discussions with the business operator and received their proposal to begin construction on the complex promptly after the Tokyo 2020 Games. We hope to reach a final agreement with the operator after also gaining the understanding of Koto-ku where the facility is to be located. Regarding the creation of vitality by the TMG, all related TMG bureaus will work together to come up with ideas from the perspective of establishing a new Toyosu brand and promoting the appeal of the area that will draw crowds.

Last month, the Tsukiji Redevelopment Study Panel compiled an overview of urban redevelopment of the area. It is the TMG’s mission to maximize the value of Tsukiji, an asset of the people of Tokyo situated in a prime location, based on the council’s valuable recommendations. Now, along with launching a study committee within the TMG and involving all bureaus, we will also gather opinions from experts, and study urban development policy from an administrative standpoint.

Based on requests by market operators and the local ward, we studied a shortening of the construction period of the unfinished portion of Ring Road No. 2. By also receiving the cooperation of businesses operators at the market, the temporary aboveground section of the road, which was scheduled to be completed about two months after the market relocates, is now expected to be completed within one month of the market relocation. The completion of the aboveground section of road by the end of fiscal 2019 and a tunnel for the main line in fiscal 2022 will not only create a new road network that links the waterfront area to the heart of Tokyo, but will also ensure smooth transportation in the area.