5. Safe, secure and full of charm

Next, I would like to talk about efforts to realize a Tokyo that is safe, secure and attractive.

Building a safe and secure Tokyo

This April marked five years since the occurrence of the Kumamoto earthquake. The recently announced “Disaster Preparedness Tokyo Plan2021” is the revised version of the previous plan, incorporating lessons learned from this record event of two earthquakes with a seismic intensity of 7 striking rapidly in succession. We have strengthened our disaster measures to accurately respond to new challenges such as promoting digital transformation (DX) in disaster mitigation and preparing for a multiple disaster combining an infectious disease and a natural disaster. Through the united efforts of our citizens and businesses who take on the roles of providing self-support and mutual support, and the metropolitan government, which provides public support, we will continue to build a safe and secure Tokyo.

With the flood season coming around as we enter the month of June, we will strengthen measures against floods based on the fact that devastating storms and flood damages occur almost every year throughout Japan. In order to facilitate the smooth evacuation of people through the provision of real-time information, we have been publicly releasing images from river monitoring cameras placed at 38 locations in Tokyo. From today, we will begin operating cameras at what will become a total of 20 new locations, with images from them available for viewing on YouTube. We will also strengthen preparations for complex disasters such as by initiating support to the municipalities to build up infectious disease prevention supplies, such as masks and alcohol-based sanitizers, at their evacuation centers. Also, with regard to construction of regulating reservoirs, which are very effective against flooding, projects at the Yanase River and Narahashi River will be newly added to our discussion. And we will further our studies on the Ring Road No. 7 Multi-basin Underground Regulating Reservoir extension and possibility of making it an underground river in the future.

As to the removal of utility poles, which is essential for reinforcing the disaster response system, we have laid out seven strategies, including doubling the annual maintenance capacity of metropolitan roads and other routes, in the “Strategy to Accelerate Removal of Utility Poles” formulated in February this year. Accordingly, we recently announced the revised draft of the “Plan on Removal of Utility Poles.” which sets down its basic direction and goals. In the next five years, we will advance our efforts to remove poles along some 1,400 kilometers of roads including primary disaster response routes and the metropolitan roads in the Tokyo island areas.

Bring out the urban charm of Tokyo

In addition to these efforts for security and safety, we will maximize the attractiveness of the city through urban development that makes the most of local characteristics.

Building new centers in the ward area

With regard to redevelopment of the area centering on the former Tokyo Metropolitan Children’s Hall site in Shibuya district, while considering the history of this area, we will build a facility to nurture creativity in children, and create an area for multiple generations to interact for the formation of a center for interaction and growth. This summer, we will start calling for bids by operators and while utilizing the ingenuity of the private sector, we will work out the details of this project. Also, for the urban redevelopment project in the Sengakuji Station district, we will generate new vibrant activity by improving access to the Takanawa Gateway Station, as well as building a garden area filled with greenery and light.

In addition, at the former site of Toshimaen, an amusement park that was popular among the people of Tokyo for more than 90 years, which was closed last summer, construction of a new metropolitan park, Nerima-joshi Park, will start this month. While making the most of the local history and rich nature, we will build a park where the people of Tokyo can relax and which also can serve as a disaster management center.

Utilizing the potentials of the Tama and Tokyo Islands

We will further raise the attractiveness of the Tama area where attention is being drawn again to its potentials, such as living comfortably from work proximity through the adoption of remote work. Taking the changing social structure as a chance for further development, we have put together the direction we should aim for and policies for promotion, such as increasing satellite offices and generating innovation through cutting-edge technology, in the recently announced draft of the new promotion plan for the Tama area. We aim to formulate this in September based on suggestions from the municipalities and people of Tokyo, and discussions at the Metropolitan Assembly.

We will also draw up new plans for further advancements in the forestry and fishery fields, the important industries for the Tama and Tokyo island areas. While responding to changes in social conditions, we will secure and develop manpower, and strengthen management skills through use of digital technologies for the sustainable development of Tokyo’s forestry and fishery industries.