December 4, 2018

Policy Speech by the Governor of Tokyo, Yuriko Koike, at the Fourth Regular Session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, 2018.

In opening the fourth regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly in 2018, I wish to relate my basic stance on future metropolitan administration.

Assembly member Toshiaki Koga has just been recognized by the Assembly for his many years of service. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations and deep respect to him for his outstanding contributions toward the development of the metropolitan government over the last 25 years. And, with Mr. Koga being the first Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly candidate that I had the privilege of endorsing when I was just starting out in the Diet, allow me to say that I am just as proud now as I was then.

Recently, the Bureau of Waterworks was investigated by the Fair Trade Commission. As governor of Tokyo, I am taking this very seriously. Although this investigation is still ongoing, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) also established its own special investigative team to advance an intense inquiry and the team recently released an interim report. With the investigation finding that a TMG employee did, in fact, leak information, we have a very serious situation that damages public trust in the metropolitan government. With this in mind, I would like to sincerely apologize to this Assembly and to all of the citizens of Tokyo. We will launch TMG-wide efforts to quickly establish measures to prevent a reoccurrence. In addition, by having each and every TMG employee return to a beginner’s mindset as “a public servant of all citizens” and fulfill their duties, we will work to regain the trust of the people of Tokyo.

1. Introduction

• Tokyo and Japan’s growth must not be stopped
• Doing what needs to be done as Japan’s capital
• The power of local autonomies will realize true revitalization of local economies
• All regions prospering together will power Japan’s sustainable growth

2. Tokyo drives Japan’s economy as the gateway to the country

• Toward becoming Asia’s number one financial city
• Invigorating SMEs is vital to Tokyo’s growth
• Transforming innovative technologies into potential for Tokyo
• Opening of the Toyosu Market
• Strengthening measures to combat climate change for a zero-emission Tokyo

3. Making people, the energy of Tokyo, shine

• Protecting the safety and security of people
• Considering a new ordinance for helping citizens find jobs
• Nurturing people who will shine in the future
• Protecting children from abuse
• Creating relaxing spaces for citizens

4. Games legacy that will make Tokyo a more mature city

• Promoting work-style reform and alleviating traffic congestion
• Accommodations convenient for everyone
• Volunteers: The face of host city Tokyo
• Various measures for promoting para sports
• Tokyo 2020 as a festival of culture
• Building momentum for Rugby World Cup 2019^TM

5. Tokyo and Japan’s growth must not be stopped