1. The crisis we are now confronting

Presently, Japan is in a truly critical state as we stand on the brink of being largely left behind in the world. During the long battle with COVID-19, we were confronted with numerous challenges, such as delays in digital transformation and incomplete workstyle reform.

These challenges revealed the fact that we were not fully prepared strategically for what awaited us, and vaccinations are also one example of this. Despite being anticipated early on as a game changer to end the pandemic, we trailed behind the major world powers in development, procurement, and inoculation.

The lack of preparations is even connected to the delay in economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, with the 2020 GDP suffering a decline that surpassed that of the 2008 global financial crisis. And there is also a sense of hopelessness among the citizens due to the long battle with COVID-19. With regard to the climate crisis, which is also threatening humanity, global action for decarbonization is further accelerating, and in Japan as well, laying out a concrete course of action or strategies on environmental and energy policies is, without a doubt, a pressing necessity where every second counts.

Amid concerns over the decline of Japan’s position in international society, we must do whatever it takes to stop us from falling even further behind in the global competition. In this unprecedented crisis, we must not avert our eyes from the harsh reality, but clarify what strategies are needed and take actions that will lead to a future full of hope. Tokyo itself will become a game changer, driving Japan’s sustainable growth and leading the world. Here I wish to share these strong thoughts with you, the members of this Assembly and the people of Tokyo.