6. Forming a scrum and carving out a bright future

This fall, a huge wave of excitement swept across the nation after the great performance of our national rugby team at the Rugby World Cup 2019^TM. The Japanese players competed against the world’s top-ranked contenders under the slogan “One Team” and made it to the quarterfinal round, showing us the unlimited power of unity. Once again, I would like to pay my sincere respects to the Japanese players and also express my deep gratitude to the other host cities that supported the Rugby World Cup with us, volunteers who welcomed visitors from across the world with their “omotenashi,” and the municipalities and residents who helped in livening up the matches in Tokyo.

The connections between many people led the Rugby World Cup 2019^TM to success, leaving a lasting legacy in everyone’s heart. It’s these people-to-people connections that create a great force. Through the Rugby World Cup, I have become convinced of this fact once again. We will deliver a successful Olympic and Paralympic Games next year, based on the precious lessons gained from operating the matches and the experience of all-Japan unity. And, for the future beyond that, I am determined to strongly push forward initiatives aimed at creating a safe and secure Tokyo that grows sustainably and where everyone can shine, by forming a scrum with the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly members and Tokyo residents.

Including the matters to which I have already referred, a total of 53 proposals have been presented to this regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, including 2 budget bills and 35 proposed ordinances, to be deliberated among the Assembly members.

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