5. Creating a society free of barriers where people shine

By accepting differences and supporting each other, the power of the “people,” which Tokyo prides itself in, will grow many times over. We will eliminate barriers at every level to build a society where diversity is respected and all people can shine.

An inclusive city where everyone can vibrantly shine

Partnership Oath System

Certainly, it is our hope that everyone will live an authentic and fruitful life. The establishment of the new Partnership Oath System this fall will help remove various difficulties that sexual minorities face in life and greatly expand the circle of diversity. We have made it possible to complete all of the procedures up to issuance of the certificate online, a first in Japan. This is to ensure that every precaution is taken to prevent individuals from being outed, meaning their gender identity or sexual orientation is revealed in an unintended manner. We will collaborate with a wide range of entities, not only with government organizations, but also with the private sector, to provide a variety of services, among other efforts, and establish a system in line with the wishes of sexual minorities.

Toward a society where women and men both shine

It is imperative that we accelerate initiatives for a society that is livable for all, where both women and men can shine in their own way. Next month, we will revise the Comprehensive Plan for Promotion of Gender Equality, and while working with a range of entities to empower women in the workplace, change the way people of all ages think, and eradicate violence between men and women in all forms, we will further bring out the brilliance of women. And, to get a head start on what could be considered the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s version of a quota system, we have proposed an ordinance at this regular session that will contribute to increasing the number of women on the metropolitan government’s disaster management and civil protection councils. Through this ordinance, the percentage of women appointed to either council will exceed 40 percent. Now, we will speed up measures for gender equality on other deliberation panels and groups to ensure that a diverse range of voices are better reflected in metropolitan government measures.

Realizing a “Choju” society

With the first members of the baby boomer generation reaching 75 years of age this year, Tokyo’s true value as a mature city working to realize a world-leading Choju (longevity) society is about to be tested. Staying active in the community one is familiar with, volunteering or engaging in hobbies with friends. Always inquisitive, devoting oneself to research at a university. Providing opportunities for a variety of activities, we will advance the creation of a society where senior citizens can stay physically and mentally fit and play an active role.

In addition, we will launch an initiative to enable seniors to better gauge their health condition through the use of smartwatches or other such devices. Through self-care, which can easily be practiced at home even during the pandemic, we will encourage everyday behavioral changes for a healthier life. Furthermore, by storing the information collected as big data for use in the development of health management applications and other purposes, we will strengthen the foundation for community-based integrated care systems.

And, for the pressing issue of securing human resources for nursing care, we will actively promote the attractiveness of the occupation to a wide range of people, and launch consistent support for the recruitment process from internships and matching, to support for retaining employees later on. We will also promote the establishment of additional employee housing to create a more comfortable working environment that allows employees to live near their place of work.

Human-centered urban development

Eliminating steps throughout the city to create an environment that allows senior citizens, the disabled, and others to move around with ease will lead to the realization of a city filled with vitality. What we aim to achieve is a walkable city that makes people want to go out and enjoy it again and again. I want to make Tokyo an exciting city where people can relax and gather, where there is always something new to discover any time one visits. While deepening cooperation with municipalities, we will accelerate measures to make the city barrier-free, which progressed thanks to the Tokyo 2020 Games. And, together we will work to further expand measures over a greater area, including advancing efforts to make the progress of improvements visible through the use of geographic information systems. In addition, next month, we will formulate an interim report on the direction for the Tokyo Sky Corridor project in preparation for the start of work. The project will transform an elevated section of roadway (the Tokyo Expressway, also known as the KK route) into a path connecting surrounding areas that is a pleasant space to stroll through. While coordinating with the municipalities concerned and others, we will breathe new life into the area with the creation of an elevated corridor filled with greenery that all can enjoy.

Building a sports legacy for all

Next, building on the achievements of last summer’s Games to create a sports legacy for all in Tokyo. In the TOKYO Sports Legacy Vision that we recently formulated with the aim to realize a society in which all Tokyo residents can continue to share excitement and emotion through sports, we set forth our vision for the promotion of sports, including the strategic utilization of metropolitan sports facilities. Next fiscal year, we will open a Para sports training center, one of the vision’s core initiatives. Along with supporting the activities of the athletes, we will also prepare an environment that enables anyone to gain familiarity with Para sports. We will integrate the connection to sports, which was formed through the Games, into daily life to make Tokyo a “sports field” where the citizens can live healthy and comfortable lives.