8. Developing the strengths of Tokyo to win in the competition among cities

Driven by the vitality of a society where everyone shines, we will develop the strengths of Tokyo, such as implementing cutting-edge environmental measures and realizing a global financial city, in order to emerge victorious in the increasingly competitive race among cities.

Initiatives supporting a pleasant and sustainable urban environment

Outcomes of the international conference on the environment and environmental measures going forward

At the international conference on the environment, which was held last month with representatives from 22 cities around the world, we shared our policies and expertise on waste management, material cycling and air pollution measures, and signed the Tokyo Declaration as a message to the world about our vision and future initiatives. While fully leveraging Tokyo’s increasingly high presence, we wish to have Tokyo serve a world-leading role in the field of the environment.

“Clean city” was a key phrase of the conference. To achieve a clean city, it is crucial that each and every one builds upon and expands their efforts. We will create a “Team Mottainai” with volunteers and companies to broadly encourage individual environmental actions such as reducing food loss and recycling more thoroughly.

Another key phrase of the conference was “clear sky.” In order to achieve clear skies, we declared that by 2030 we will have electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles make up 50 percent of all new cars sold in Tokyo. Prior to this, I met with the Chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association to request cooperation in the technological development and marketing of zero emission vehicles, including electric motorcycles. In the summer, with the cooperation of the manufacturers, we will hold the Tokyo Island Motor Show in Hachijojima and Niijima islands to send out a message on the appeal of electric vehicles. This is one of the efforts we are taking to strengthen public-private cooperation with the aim of further spreading the use of zero-emission vehicles.

We also wish to take the opportunity of the National Arbor Day Festival to be held in Tokyo in November to boost enthusiasm for protection of Tokyo’s precious greenery. As one facet of this, we will put together a vision that looks 50 years and 100 years into the future for the forests of the Tama area and the islands, which support the lives of the citizens of Tokyo, and publicize this at the festival. Such efforts will help us, along with the Tokyo citizens, to leave a sustainable Tokyo that “cultivates forests and fully utilizes trees” to our future generations.

International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress & Exhibition

In September, Tokyo will host the International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress & Exhibition. This is the world’s largest international conference on water and will be held in Japan for the first time. Industry, academia and government will come together to publicize Tokyo’s resilient and sustainable water supply and sewerage systems, and the superb technologies and expertise that support them. Along with contributing to finding solutions to the world’s water problems, the outcomes of the conference will be used to benefit the management of our water supply and sewerage business.

Building the foundation for Tokyo’s sustainable growth

Making Tokyo a global financial city and revitalizing SMEs

To make Tokyo a global financial city, we will implement ambitious measures this fiscal year such as providing both financial and organizational support to new fund managers and implementing practical studies on the establishment of a financial promotion organization. Along with realizing a global financial city that leads the world, we will also continue to pursue new measures that will allow the revitalization of finances to benefit the citizens of Tokyo and SMEs.

With regard to the promotion of SMEs, which support Tokyo’s economy and employment, a council of experts are vigorously discussing the formulation of a medium and long-term vision for effective and continuous implementation of measures that meet the needs of the age. Along with this, while also taking into account the discussions held by the council, we will advance studies with the aim to establish an ordinance clarifying the unwavering ideology and direction of SME promotion.

Focusing the spotlight on manufacturing technology will also lead to boosting SMEs. We have raised our hand to host in 2021, the National Skills Competition, where young people from throughout Japan compete in their manufacturing skills, and the National Abilympics, where those with disabilities compete in the skills they have garnered. We hope to host these festivals of diverse skills to further promote the manufacturing industry and support the further activities of people with disabilities.

Tourism promotion as a growth strategy

Tokyo’s presence as an international tourist destination is growing. This makes the promotion of the tourism industry an important strategy to win in the competition among cities. We will take the occasion of the FIFA World Cup in Russia, which attracts people from around the world, to conduct intense PR activities at locations including Moscow’s airport and express trains. Also, in order to attract more MICE events such as international conferences by promoting the use of Tokyo’s museums and gardens as unique venues, we opened a comprehensive support center last month to provide facility information and effectively match up users to facilities.

In order to draw tourists to Tokyo’s valuable tourism resource, the islands, following the efforts we took in the last fiscal year, this year we are again selling “Shimapo currency,” a gift certificate with added benefits that can be used for lodging or shopping on the islands. Each of the islands boast attractions that enthrall visitors. On the Ogasawara Islands, celebrating the 50th anniversary of reversion to Japan this month, a ceremony will be held at the end of this month -- which I will also be attending -- along with various commemorative events. I hope that more people will go to the Tokyo islands to enjoy their unique treasures.

The transportation and logistics networks supporting Tokyo’s growth

The transportation and logistics networks are truly the foundations supporting Tokyo’s growth strategy. This month marked the opening of the Chiba section of the Tokyo Outer Ring Road (Gaikan), which includes a part of Tokyo. Regarding the section between the Kan-etsu Expressway and the Tomei Expressway, which runs through Tokyo, along with requesting the national government to work for the opening of this section as soon as possible, Tokyo will also actively support its construction through efforts such as procuring the land needed. The opening of the remaining section between Tomei Expressway and Wangan Roadway will complete the three ring expressways of the National Capital Region. We will work together with the national government and related agencies to quickly make concrete plans to realize this. Regarding railways, the creation of a fund to finance the construction of new lines and other developments was passed at the last regular session of this assembly. This fiscal year, we will deepen studies on implementation of projects for six lines including subway line 8 and the Tama city monorail. We will advance negotiations and coordination with the national government, local governments, railway operators and other stakeholders for further improvement of the railway network that leads to sustainable growth and more vitality of the people.