2. Combine the power of people and digital technology to unleash Tokyo's potential

Through bold structural reforms, change the metropolitan government to change Tokyo

We have been devoting our efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in this year 2020. Even now, it is a year of challenges for humankind, as the world continues to search in the dark for solutions. In the 75 years since the end of World War II, Japan has faced several major hardships, but each time it has emerged stronger than the last, and society itself has evolved. The development of energy-saving technologies based on the lessons learned from the oil crisis and the acceleration of seismic retrofitting after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, are some leading examples. Also, initiatives applying civic tech, in which citizens use the power of IT to solve social issues, have seen a gradual expansion since the Great East Japan Earthquake, and were recently utilized in the construction of our COVID-19 Information Website.

We are now in the midst of what is said to be the greatest crisis in postwar history, and while placing the highest priority on protecting the lives of the people of Tokyo and the city's economy, we must boldly move forward with structural reforms to overcome the issues highlighted by the COVID-19 crisis in order to soar into the future. Discussions have been underway on structural reform of society, and at the end of last month, experts submitted a diversity of proposals on how to create positive change, such as realize a new future through digital transformation; place the highest value on safety and security; strengthen various social safety nets and substantially increase diversity; and aim to be the top economic and financial city in Asia. Based on these suggestions for the future direction of Tokyo, we will promote specific reforms to build a better society.

With regard to the structural reform of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government which is based on the principle of "change the metropolitan government to change Tokyo," we are currently pushing forward with core projects that need to be implemented with top priority. We will prepare a cutting-edge digital work environment in order to dramatically improve the productivity of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. We will thoroughly disclose the data held by the metropolitan government as open data and gather the wisdom of the public and private sectors to resolve Tokyo's issues. Recently, we announced the progress of these initiatives, which will provide value exceeding the expectations of Tokyo residents. Going forward, we will roll out leading projects in each bureau, and with the cooperation of the national government, municipalities, and the private sector as well, accelerate the speed of reforms through the concerted effort of the entire metropolitan government.

“Structural reform of society" and "structural reform of the metropolitan government.” On these two wheels, we will vigorously move ahead while incorporating the perspective of sustainable recovery. From there on, I would like to realize a city where everyone can truly feel happy by enhancing both QOL, the quality of life for the people of Tokyo, and QOS, the quality of government services.

Become the world’s city of choice through a “hybrid of the real and the virtual”

Accelerate digital transformation under a new structure

The key to such structural reforms is DX, digital transformation, which effectively utilizes the "virtual" world. The speed of economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis is said to depend in part on digital competitiveness, making this now the time for Tokyo to immediately accelerate digitalization. In order to play the leading role here, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has decided to establish a new bureau that will have the features and system to advance the digitalization of the metropolitan government. It will be the core organization for powerful promotion of digitalization through activities including extensive use of ICT specialists, leading metropolitan government-wide operational reforms through the use of advanced technology, as well as raising the digital capabilities of all employees. We will propose an ordinance at this assembly’s first regular session next year, with the aim to establish the bureau by reorganizing the current Office for Strategic Policy and ICT Promotion.

Make the power of "people" shine even brighter

In addition, I would like to have the power of people taking active part in the real world shine even brighter. Tokyo has continued to develop as one of the world's leading megacities through the creation of additional value made possible by people connecting and combining their wisdom and technologies. We will continue to draw out the full power of people, Tokyo’s pride, and also thoroughly utilize the power of digital technology, which holds great potential. This digital power will also help to further enhance the power of people. And this continuous creation of new value through "hybridization of the real and the virtual" holds the key to Tokyo’s victory in the increasingly fierce competition among the cities of the world and for Tokyo to also evolve further into a city where everyone can live in comfort.

Tokyo, a city achieving "new growth" through digitalization. Tokyo, where "people" shine. The Grand Reform of Tokyo 2.0 is truly aimed toward realizing this evolution, and we will boldly push forward with this effort to create a world-class city Tokyo that achieves a balance between maturity and ongoing growth.

Toward an Olympic and Paralympic Games where everyone can feel safe

With regard to the Tokyo 2020 Games, which we aim to host with the understanding and cooperation of the people of Tokyo and the rest of Japan, we are conducting intensive discussions with the national government, the Organising Committee, and others to ensure thorough measures against COVID-19. An interim report will be compiled by the end of this year, and preparations will be firmly made to ensure the safe operation of the Games for everyone, including athletes, spectators, and volunteers.

As for the review for simplifying the Tokyo Games, which is currently expected to reduce costs by about 30 billion yen, we will make further efforts with the International Federations, National Olympic Committees, and other stakeholders, and also continue discussions with the IOC, the national government, and the Organising Committee, including matters concerning how to bear the additional costs arising from the postponement.

Last month, we held a postponed ceremony for completion of the Tokyo Aquatics Centre. This and five other new permanent facilities built by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government are now being used widely for competitions and by Tokyo residents. From this month, the Olympic flame, which lights the path of hope for the Games, has been exhibited in various parts of Japan and the torches to pass on the flame have started to be displayed around Tokyo’s municipalities. Through these efforts, we would like to build up the excitement and bring the Games closer to the people of Tokyo and Japan.

“If we continue our efforts, the Olympic flame will light the end of this dark tunnel.” Keeping in mind the words of IOC President Bach, with whom I was recently able to directly confirm our collaboration for the Tokyo 2020 Games, we will continue to take steady steps on the road to a successful Olympic and Paralympic Games.