July 23, 2021

Speech by the Governor of Tokyo, Koike Yuriko, at the First Extraordinary Session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, 2021

In opening the first extraordinary session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly in 2021, I would like to make a few remarks.

Firstly, I would like to offer my heartfelt sympathies to all those who are suffering from disasters caused by the record breaking torrential rainfall that struck areas throughout Japan this month. I would also like to extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who were killed by the disastrous mudslide in Atami, Shizuoka.

To the members of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly who were elected by the people of Tokyo in the recent election, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. Together, let’s realize a new metropolitan government that will carve out the future and build the sustainable city of Tokyo. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.

Today, the Tokyo 2020 Games will begin. The Olympic flame that has been relayed throughout Japan after making its start from Fukushima Prefecture, as a symbol of recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, will soon reach the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Tonight, the flame from the torch will light the cauldron at the Olympic Stadium. Now here, on this historic day, my thoughts go to the many people who overcame many difficulties to bid for and prepare for the Games, and I have renewed my determination to make absolutely sure that the Games are successful.

The Tokyo 1964 Games demonstrated to the world Japan’s rapid recovery from the devastation of war. Now more than half a century later, hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games once again is a Tokyo that has developed into one of leading cities of the world. The Tokyo 2020 Games is truly a starting point for us to walk the path to a “sustainable recovery” with the rest of the world after overcoming the common crisis facing humanity, the COVID-19 pandemic, to create a better future.

I would like the athletes to give their all and put on a dynamic performance under the safe and secure setting made possible by the implementation of thorough infection prevention measures. While cheering them on wholeheartedly, I want to share the great excitement and hopes for the future with the people of the world. With such strong aspirations, I will take all possible measures to ensure the Games’ operation together with the other stakeholders, centering on the Organising Committee, national government and relevant local governments.

“Only Tokyo could have done it.” “It provided the world with the strength to move ahead.” Realizing a Games that will go down in history in this way will boost Tokyo’s presence in the world. I am convinced that the Games’ legacy will accelerate growth and maturity that support the contented lives of the Tokyo citizens and lead Tokyo to higher levels.

In order to realize such a Tokyo as well, the COVID-19 situation must be resolved as soon as possible. For the past year and a half, we have been making all-out efforts to take measures in every possible way to protect the lives, health and everyday life of the Tokyo citizens. I would like to express my appreciation once again for the tremendous cooperation shown for such a long period of time by the people and businesses of Tokyo, and the healthcare providers who have been fighting at the frontline. It distresses me to have to ask for additional cooperation under the current state of emergency, but meanwhile, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will push ahead with all measures it must take, such as further promotion of vaccinations.

Focusing on the post-COVID future, the world is now trying to undergo major transformations such as accelerating actions to build a decarbonized society and strengthen economic security. Amid this groundswell of change, Tokyo will vastly increase its diversity and generate innovation one after another. And we must lead the world by realizing a sustainable recovery and evolving into a sustainable city. The energy for this will come from each individual living in Tokyo and the power of digital technology, which is advancing at lightning speed. The Grand Reform of Tokyo, which has people at its foundation, has been further upgraded by digital technology to Grand Reform of Tokyo 2.0. Under this banner, we will preserve the traditions that need to be preserved while boldly and speedily reforming what need to be changed. We will realize a metropolitan government that has evolved in every aspect, unbounded by established notions.

Now, in this period of tremendous turmoil that could be called a national crisis, to show the sure path that Tokyo should take is nothing less than the mission entrusted to us politicians by the people of Tokyo. Through constructive discussions with Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly President Miyake Shigeki, Vice President Motohashi Hirotaka and the other members of the Assembly, let us stimulate each other to formulate policies for the people of Tokyo and pass them down to following generations. With the Assembly and the executive organs driving the metropolitan government, it is my wish to open a bright future for Tokyo. I would like to ask for everyone’s further understanding and cooperation.

This concludes my speech to the Assembly.
Thank you.

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