9. Dreams and beyond

This year is the 180th anniversary of the birth of Shibusawa Eiichi, who served as the first director of Tokyo Yoikuin, a facility that supported orphans, elderly, and the disabled, and which was the predecessor to the current Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of Gerontology. He also dedicated himself to some 600 social contribution activities. His main philosophy was “public interest over private profit” and he is also said to have left us with the following maxims:

• Those without dreams have no ideals.
• Those without ideals have no beliefs.
• Those without beliefs have no plans.
• Those without plans do nothing.
• Those who do nothing produce no results.
• Those who produce no results have no happiness.
• Therefore, dreams are essential for those who pursue happiness.

This is the Yume Shichi Kun (seven maxims on dreams), expounding that one cannot be happy without holding dreams. Now, at this time when Tokyo and Japan are at a historic turning point with our country’s declining economic status, the wave of the fourth industrial revolution, climate change and a declining population, as these words suggest, we cannot grasp a brighter future without setting forth great dreams and ideals, and mobilizing our wisdom to realize them. About 120 years ago, an article predicting the future was published in a newspaper as the “prophecy of the twentieth century” and it depicted what at the time was just a dream, such as overseas communication by telephone and the invention of a machine to control the heat and cold. However, many of these visions are now real, thanks to the wisdom and efforts of our predecessors. History has proven that reality can eventually surpass dreams.

We will work toward the realization of the future raised in our strategic vision, and even though the hurdles may be high, we will work with unwavering conviction to perfect the strategies we need to take and achieve results one by one. To boldly take on challenges without being confined by how things have been done up to now is truly the Grand Reform of Tokyo that I have been advocating. We will strongly push forward with reforms that must be undertaken.

Including matters to which I have already referred, a total of 109 proposals have been presented to this regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, including 38 budget bills and 49 proposed ordinances, to be deliberated among the Assembly members.

In conclusion, may I again state that with regard to the novel coronavirus disease, we are entering a critical phase to prevent the spread of infections, as the first case among Tokyo residents was confirmed last week. Responding to the anxieties of Tokyo's residents by conveying accurate information while taking aggressive measures will lead to the safety and security of each and every one of us. With an even higher sense of urgency, we will swiftly and effectively implement specific measures.

Also, in order to prevent the spread of infection, the actions of each and every resident of Tokyo are extremely important. I would like to ask everyone again to follow basic procedures to prevent the spread of infection, such as proper handwashing and practicing cough etiquette. I would like to conclude my policy address to the Assembly by stressing my determination to work together with the members of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly and the people of Tokyo to prevent the spread of the disease by all means.

Thank you.