6. Key bills

Now, I would like to speak about the key bills we are presenting to this regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly.

We will prepare the articles of incorporation for the foundation of the Tokyo Metropolitan Hospital Organization, in line with the metropolitan and public corporation’s hospitals becoming a local incorporated administrative agency. As it is expected that the need for healthcare will continue to rise due to arrival of the super-aging society, we must build a system at an early stage that will allow us to not only provide public healthcare without fail but can also speedily respond to various changes in the environment surrounding healthcare. Aiming for the organization’s foundation in July next year, we will steadily proceed with the necessary preparations.

Also, we have selected three candidates for the title of Tokyo Honorable Citizen: Dr. Ui Michio, Mr. Odashima Yushi, and Ms. Muroi Mayako.

Dr. Ui Michio has made enormous contributions to the progress of science. Especially notable amid the current threat by an infectious disease, is his long years of research in pharmacology and biochemistry, which have led to the development of new drugs.

Mr. Odashima Yushi, as a scholar of English literature and a translator, has brought Shakespeare closer to the Japanese people with his humorous introduction of the author.

Ms. Muroi Mayako, even at the age of 100, is still an active pianist and continues to touch the hearts of many.

With the approval of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, we would like to award these three worthy candidates with the title of Honorable Citizen next month. The cooperation of the Assembly would be most appreciated.