3. Nurturing the legacy of the Tokyo 2020 Games to build a society brimming with diversity

In Tokyo, the first city ever to host the summer Paralympic Games twice, Paralympians gave performances that had no limits. The sight of these Paralympians taught us that their individual differences were the wellsprings for their brilliance and empowered them to overcome any difficulties. The Tokyo 2020 Games left invisible yet firm footprints in people’s hearts, which will lead to the creation of a society brimming with diversity, where no discrimination or barriers exist. We must carefully cultivate this legacy to ensure the realization of a Tokyo where people shine.

Promotion of para sports

We would like to carry on to the future the courage and inspiration that each and every Paralympian who competed at the Tokyo 2020 Games gave us. With this in mind, we will make efforts to further promote para sports. By focusing on measures such as securing places and opportunities to play para sports in our neighborhoods and developing personnel who support them, we will have para sports take root everywhere. We will develop an environment where anyone can enjoy sports regardless of whether they have an impairment or not.

Studying the same-sex partnership system

At the Tokyo 2020 Games, a record number of over 200 athletes publicly disclosed themselves as LGBTQ. Sexual minorities around the world today earnestly wish to live true to themselves. Regarding the same-sex partnership system, for which more and more Tokyo residents and Japanese citizens are showing understanding, next month, the TMG will launch a survey to grasp the situation by hearing the opinions of same-sex couples and Tokyo’s residents. Based on the results of this survey, we will deepen our examination of the approach to be taken by the TMG.

Enhancement of special needs education

We will also work to enhance our special needs education. To have children with and without disabilities develop respect for each other by learning together and supporting each other—under this concept, we have launched studies for the formulation of the next implementation plan for Tokyo’s special needs education. Through this plan, we will advance measures that cater to current educational needs, such as securing diverse learning places for children and students with developmental disabilities and enhancing support for children with disabilities requiring medical care, in order to roll out inclusive education where no one is left behind.

Transitioning to a gender-equal selection system for admission to metropolitan high schools

With regard to metropolitan high school admission tests, the current system of putting separate caps on male and female students will be replaced by a system that does not distinguish by sex. In transitioning to this system, starting from the entrance exams next spring, a corrective measure currently implemented in some schools will be expanded to all metropolitan high schools. By advancing consultation with stakeholders, the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education will vigorously work to promptly introduce a gender-equal admission system.