4. Building a society free of barriers on all levels

For the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, which was held under the “Unity in Diversity” theme, to come to life to realize a society free from barriers on all levels. This is what we must strive for. When each of us recognizes our differences and we support each other, we can further tap into the limitless potential that humans possess. We will create a Tokyo where all people can fully demonstrate their capabilities. This includes not only the children who will take on the future, but women and men, and those with and without disabilities alike.

For the smiles of children

When I think about Tokyo’s future, the first thing that comes to mind is the sight of brightly smiling children throughout the city. The “children’s website,” which is currently under development, is an example of a symbolic initiative we are advancing through dialogue with children. This includes involving children in the creation process to incorporate their originality and ideas. To create a society that values the perspectives of such children and puts them first, we will launch the “Children’s Smile Movement” next month. We will work with municipalities, companies, schools, and others to implement various actions that will help put smiles on the faces of children.

Toward revision of the Comprehensive Plan for Promotion of Gender Equality

Last month, the TMG’s Council for Equal Participation of Men and Women released its interim report on revisions to the plan. In addition to ambitious numerical targets such as raising the percentage of executive positions at major companies filled by women to 30 percent and the percentage of men taking parental leave to 50 percent, the report contains initiatives formulated from a wide range of perspectives, including educational programs that enable people to realize their unconscious biases. Based on discussions held by the council, we will further examine topics such as changing individual perceptions to a greater extent and incentives to encourage companies to be proactive, and expand the participation of women to every area of society.

Building a society that values mutual support

We will also advance initiatives for the creation of a society that values mutual support. To connect people with the desire to help others to a wide range of activities, we have launched the TOKYO Volunteer Legacy Network. Through the network, we will ensure that the momentum cultivated through hosting the Tokyo 2020 Games will be firmly established throughout all of society.

We must not miss calls for help from shut-ins, young caregivers, and other members of society without a voice, who feel isolated or alone. To build a society where people in need of assistance are supported by the strength of their local community, we are advancing the formulation of the next Community Welfare Support Plan. We will respond to increasingly complex and diverse challenges to contribute to the realization of an inclusive society.

Abilympics 2021 Japan and National Skills Competition held in Tokyo

The Abilympics are an event where people with disabilities compete in the skills they have cultivated at their place of work or vocational training facility. At the National Skills Competition, young people from across Japan come together to compete in various categories, including monozukuri manufacturing skills. These two national competitions will be held here in Tokyo next month. I would like to send my heartfelt encouragement to all of the competitors. In addition, I certainly hope that many people will enjoy the superb skills on display. As we work to create a society where everyone can shine, these events will help to promote employment of the disabled and the development of the young people who will shape the future.

Creating a dynamic Tokyo through culture and the arts

Regardless of age, nationality, or disability, 39 million people came together to create the cultural program for the Tokyo 2020 Games. The flame of culture, formed by some 160,000 cultural activities, colorful points of light, which steadily promoted the appeal of Tokyo in the lead-up to the Games, brightened the world in the shadow of the pandemic and sustained people’s hearts. We will not allow the flame of culture to be extinguished, and will ensure that it is passed on to the future. To achieve this, we will formulate a new cultural strategy by the end of this fiscal year to create a dynamic Tokyo through culture and the arts.