4. Becoming an attractive city that looks to the future and captivates the world

Next, I wish to speak about urban development that looks to the future and captivates the world.

Maximizing the potential of the Bay Area

We will roll out initiatives in the Bay Area to substantially draw out its potentials. In December, Loop Road No. 2 will be fully opened to traffic for completion of this major artery linking the waterfront area and the city center. This will not only improve accessibility, but will dramatically increase the appeal of our city by connecting these highly individualistic communities of Tokyo.

The planting of seeds for the future is underway in each of these districts as well. For example, at the former site of the Olympic and Paralympic Village in Harumi, we will begin construction of a hydrogen station with the aim of supplying hydrogen to the district through pipelines—the first such practical implementation in Japan. For the development of the former Tsukiji Market site, we will promote the creation of an attractive district that draws the world by leveraging the advantages of this vast piece of land in the heart of the city. Under the implementation policy, which has already been formulated, we will announce the developer solicitation guidelines by the end of this year. And in the spring of 2024, as part of the "Tokyo Bay eSG Project," a large-scale event will be held to showcase to the world our vision for a sustainable city. We will use the waterfront area as a stage to demonstrate a future Tokyo open to the world, including cutting-edge technologies that are rapidly being implemented, and new styles for food, including the utilization of food tech.

Urban development of the Jingu Gaien district

Through efforts taken by the venerable Shibusawa Eiichi and others, the Jingu Gaien garden was built with trees and monetary donations from the public. In response to the voices of the people of Tokyo concerning the redevelopment of this area, and requests from the TMG based on these views, the developer has presented a new concept for planting trees from donations, in addition to their plans to send out detailed information and preserve the trees through the united efforts of the stakeholders. I hope they will value and carry on the thoughts of our predecessors who built this area, and engage in urban development that looks 100 years into the future.

Enhancing the appeal of the Tama area even more

The Tama area, with its abundant nature and an environment that is friendly for raising children, is full of potential for new growth. We will work to enhance the attractiveness of this area even more to ensure a bright future full of vitality.

In Hachioji, Tokyo Tama Mirai Messe, which has one of the largest exhibition halls in the Tama area and is also capable of holding MICE events, will finally open next month. Fully utilizing the area’s concentration of universities, research institutes, and other such organizations, it will not only serve as a core for regional industrial exchange, but will also work to boost revitalization of industry as a center for dissemination of innovation. In Tachikawa, we will open a center for employment support that brings together "Tokyo Shigoto Center Tama" and the "Labor Consultation Center.” In addition to providing one-stop support integrated with Hello Work, the center will provide detailed individualized support, including a dedicated desk for people with disabilities.

Furthermore, for Minami-Osawa, based on the recent public comments on development of the area around the station, which is currently under study, we will formulate a policy within this fiscal year. Regarding the extension of the Tama Intercity Monorail in the direction of Hakonegasaki, we will begin city planning and other procedures next month, and will hold an information session for residents of municipalities along the line.