5. Realize a Tokyo where "people" shine

In order to further enhance the power of the "people" that Tokyo is proud of, and above all, to build a society where each and every citizen can live happily with dreams and purpose, we will further promote initiatives to make Tokyo a place where people can shine.

Tokyo, where people feel safe and lead healthy lives in the era of a 100-year life span

Next fiscal year will be the third year of the opening of the Tokyo Metropolitan University Premium College, where seniors can learn and interact with each other under the slogan of “lifelong contribution to society.” In order to respond to their strong eagerness to learn, for students who were enrolled in the regular course in their first year, followed by the specialized course in their second year, we will establish a new research student course that will allow them to study for up to two more years. The campus filled with the enthusiasm of seniors is a symbol of Tokyo, the city of Choju (longevity), and we will continue to support the realization of a fulfilling student life.

As the circumstances surrounding our lives are set to change drastically as we respond to trends such as the arrival of a super-aged society and the "new normal,"  public transportation that supports community life must also play a role appropriate to the times. We have recently launched a new study group to draw up a vision of what local public transportation should look like in the 2040s. Through extensive discussions, we will formulate basic policy to realize a city where people truly shine, where everyone, including the elderly and disabled, is able to move around easily and conveniently.

Also, to help resolve the issue of areas with inconvenient transportation, we will encourage municipalities to introduce demand responsive transport (DRT) for flexible operations according to passenger demand. This includes supporting Higashikurume City in such efforts. In addition, at the beginning of next year, we will roll out various measures including a MaaS demonstration experiment with the private sector which seeks to improve transportation convenience through the power of digital technology, to create a vibrant Tokyo where smooth movement supports affluent lifestyles.

Toward a city where everyone can play an active role

The spread of social firms, which provide places for people with employment difficulties to work and serve an active role in society, is one of the keys to realizing a Tokyo where people can shine. In order to strongly support those businesses with high aspirations to establish such social firms, we opened a center last month to provide detailed support including employment expertise and management consultation. While firmly supporting businesses taking on such challenges, we will work for the birth of social firms here in Tokyo that can serve as models by the end of this fiscal year.

In addition, we will launch a new program for people who have been forced to leave their jobs due to layoffs or non-renewal of contracts during the COVID-19 crisis, which uses temporary staffing systems to lead to stable employment, and also expand opportunities to match up businesses with jobseekers for people to quickly find new employment. Last month, we opened the Tama Branch of the Work Support Terrace for Women which will be easily accessible for women in the Tama area who wish to resume work after having left the workforce due to childbirth or child-rearing. In the midst of the difficult employment situation, we will continue to provide seamless support in cooperation with Mothers' Hello Work as well.

Last month we also established H.A.A.T. Tama as a center for supporting single parent families in the Tama area. In addition to building up such consultation centers to provide detailed support to single-parent households facing difficulties in various living situations, we will implement measures from the perspectives of employment support, child-rearing and daily life support, and financial support, and realize a society where everyone can play an active role with sense of reassurance.

Formulation of the 4th Support Plan for Crime Victims, etc.

Under the newly enacted "Crime Victims Support Ordinance," we are implementing a variety of measures to have society as a whole support crime victims and their families, such as providing benefit payments and subsidies for relocation expenses. In order to continue to promote initiatives that care for victims, we have now released a draft of the fourth phase of the "Support Plan." The plan includes measures to further enhance support and counseling services, such as strengthening cooperation with related organizations to deliver uninterrupted support and implementing online counseling. We will continue to hold thorough discussions with the aim to formulate this new plan by February.