4. A Tokyo that shines in the world

After leading the Tokyo 2020 Games to a success amidst an unprecedented crisis, Tokyo is garnering the increased trust and interest of the world, presenting the metropolis with a golden opportunity to take the initiative in the international community. We will not let this chance slip by and will boldly roll out the policies needed to make Tokyo shine in the world, such as responding to the climate crisis, elevating Tokyo’s status as a global financial city, and developing the Bay Area.

Confronting the climate crisis together with the world

In conjunction with the hosting of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, Tokyo, in cooperation with cities from the five continents, including Paris and Los Angeles, called to the world for the realization of “sustainable recovery.” In addition, by using Tokyo’s growing presence, the TMG will host an international forum, “TIME TO ACT: Climate Action Forum,” ahead of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), which starts next month, to send a message from Tokyo that we must take effective actions against the climate crisis. Under the slogan, “TIME TO ACT,” we will share our knowledge and experience concerning measures such as transitioning to zero emissions buildings and utilizing hydrogen-related technologies, and contribute to the world’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.

Buildings, such as houses, are used over decades. With an eye to 2050, when we aim to realize a “Zero Emission Tokyo,” we need to convert these buildings into sustainable buildings that also excel in environmental and disaster management performance. A study will be conducted on our introduction of a unique system where buildings that meet certain criteria are obliged to install solar panels. While advancing intensive discussions with experts and other stakeholders for revision of the Environmental Master Plan, we will radically strengthen our measures by involving all relevant parties, and take TMG environmental policies to a new level.

Global financial city Tokyo, leading the world

Confronted by the climate crisis that humanity must conquer, expectations on sustainable finance, which renders financial support to actions for decarbonization, are only becoming higher. Against this backdrop, promoting the Tokyo Green Finance Initiative to build a solid financial market that solves social issues will dramatically raise Tokyo’s presence not only in the environmental field but as an international financial center that attracts the world. Furthermore, we will accelerate digitalization in the financial field to create an attractive business environment that can lure various financial players. This autumn, the Global Financial City: Tokyo Vision will be revised to further enhance these measures and to take firm steps toward becoming a leading international financial center.

Dramatically enhance the Bay Area’s potential

Many of the competition facilities for the Tokyo 2020 Games are concentrated in the Tokyo Waterfront City area. The stunning urban view from the Olympic and Paralympic Village received much global attention through social media. Regarding the temporary venue in Ariake, the stage for new sports that thrilled the whole nation, such as skateboarding, we will deepen coordination with the local municipality and stakeholders to decide on what kind of legacy can be left against the backdrop of brisk interest in urban sports.

Expectations on the Bay Area are rising even more with the Tokyo Games. Its potential will increase significantly if the area is directly connected to the city center and Haneda Airport. Based on the report by the national government’s advisory council, we will promote initiatives to build up the subway network in cooperation with other relevant parties. As to extension of Subway Line No. 8 (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line) and construction of the Shinagawa Subway Line, we will work for early initiation of the projects while providing financial support with the national government and other parties to Tokyo Metro, the implementing body. As for the Rinkai Subway Line, which links the city center and the waterfront area, we will proactively move ahead with studies on project formulation. Also, with regard to preparations for selling half of the Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. shares held by the Tokyo government and national government for further enhancement of the subway network and improvement of user services, we will proceed while considering matters such as progress in construction of the new lines.