6. For a more beautiful and more enjoyable Tokyo that leads the world

While people, goods, money, and information converge in Tokyo from all over the world and new industries emerge one after another, a pleasant environment and rich greenery provide people with a comfortable and enriching lifestyle. We will work to create such a city of Tokyo that we can proudly present to the world.

Smart Tokyo: the technology to improve quality of life of Tokyo residents

Based on the Tokyo Data Highway, which will become the new core infrastructure, Smart Tokyo is our vision to fully draw out Tokyo’s potential through the power of digital technology. As we recently announced our implementation strategy to realize this concept, we will unfold services utilizing 5G, and other high-speed mobile networks and cutting-edge technologies in five preliminary implementation areas. Further, we will promote measures for digital shift in the city in a wide range of fields, such as education, disaster management, and industry, to improve the quality of life of Tokyo residents through technology.

In order to realize Smart Tokyo, the standard-bearer, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, must also proceed with its own digitalization. By introducing cutting-edge technology, we will enhance our work productivity and efficiency, and provide administrative services from the perspective of the citizens of Tokyo. As part of this effort, we will utilize AI to provide a 24-hour, 365-day consultation service for our taxpayers. Also, we will accelerate introduction of QR code payment, which is currently being tested at the Ueno Zoo, and other cashless payment methods to Tokyo-owned facilities where many people visit.

Support the development of startups and SMEs

For a Tokyo that will drive the global economy, we will continue to make efforts to enhance our earning power. The products and services created by startup enterprises quickly grasp the needs of the times and contribute to overcoming social challenges. We will establish forums for exchange between the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and startups to fully utilize this power to promote public-private projects looking to find solutions to metropolitan government challenges, which will lead to company growth as well.

Also, in order for the next globally active unicorn (unlisted domestic startup with high valuation) to emerge from Tokyo, we will strongly support the overseas expansion of startups by encouraging them to participate in business conventions held in the world’s leading startup ecosystems such as Silicon Valley and Shenzhen, as well as exchange meetings where foreign corporations are invited.

According to the latest preliminary GDP figure, the Japanese economy has fallen sharply by an annualized rate of 6.3 percent. And there are also concerns of economic stagnation due to the impact of the novel coronavirus disease. In addition, SMEs facing rapid changes in the business environment, such as the declining population and the advancement of ICT technology, require not only financial support but also dynamic reformulation of the way assistance is provided. Starting next fiscal year, we will unfold the SME platform enhancement program to address tomorrow’s challenges and SME new strategy support program in order to enrich support for companies aiming to expand business orders through technology and service upgrades, and for industries exploring market expansion and ICT utilization. Furthermore, to realize smooth business succession, we will unfold various support for the sustainable development of SMEs, such as developing a fund to handle third-party succession through M&As and promoting an evolutionary succession of business that creates new innovations.

Also, in order to widely disseminate the charm of local shopping streets which form the center of local commercial activities and important core of the community, we will promote a wide range of activities aimed at revitalizing local industries, such as holding the "Great Tokyo Shopping Street Festival" around autumn.

Take action against the climate crisis

Global warming has been blamed as a cause of one of history’s largest forest fires that has been raging in Australia since September last year. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has decided to make a donation for disaster relief to our friendship state, New South Wales, in light of the extensive damage caused by the disaster. In Japan as well, the effects of climate change, such as record-breaking heat and torrential rain, have extended to our daily lives, and we must acknowledge that problems surrounding the global environment are now reaching the tipping point. Tokyo needs to develop even more while protecting the lives and assets of the citizens, and leaving a legacy of beautiful water, greenery and air to the future. In the Zero Emission Tokyo Strategy, a roadmap formulated for this purpose, I have declared that I will take action to tackle the climate crisis head-on, together with the people of Tokyo, by developing effective measures. We will comprehensively roll out climate change mitigation and adaptation measures to realize a carbon-free society by developing and accelerating efforts in all areas, such as contributing to the reduction of CO2 outside of Tokyo, energy conservation, and expansion of renewable energy.

In response to international import restrictions, plastic waste disposal is an urgent issue that needs to be addressed. We will promote the proper processing of plastic waste by conducting a pilot project to establish a new domestic resource circulation route, and by supporting industrial waste processing companies in installing crushing facilities and other equipment.

Realize a beautiful Tokyo with abundant greenery

We will also proceed to build a beautiful urban environment rich in greenery. Last week, we announced proposed revisions to the Comprehensive Policy for Green Conservation, and the Development Policy for the City Planning Park and Green Space, the basic policies for the greenery initiatives. Based on opinions of the Tokyo residents, a new policy will be formulated early in the new fiscal year, and we will work to preserve green spaces throughout Tokyo using every opportunity in cooperation with the municipalities and the private sector.

In particular, it is very important to cope with the year 2022 issue, when the designation of many of the productive green land areas under the Productive Green Land Act will expire. We will stop the decline of green areas by providing new support for the efforts of municipalities to purchase productive green lands and utilize them as welfare farms and other such uses. We will widely engage in greenery conservation, such as also opening the Tokyo Agriculture Academy in April to promote utilization of farmland by training the people who will be the backbone of Tokyo’s agriculture.

Toward an enjoyable Tokyo thriving with new fascination

At this regular session, we proposed an amendment to the Tokyo Outdoor Advertisement Ordinance in order to promote the use of projection mapping to bring new enjoyment and liveliness to Tokyo's nightlife. New flexible operating methods based on the local rules and simplification of procedures to be taken to hold public events are the pillars of this initiative. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will also hold projection mapping events in order to expand its use, and will also develop new tourism resources such as nightlife events to create a fascinating Tokyo that attracts domestic and international tourists.