5. For an even more mature city where each person can shine

Creating a city brimming with the smiles of children

This summer, through the input of various public and private entities, more than 200 events were held to bring smiles to children's faces. The happy faces of children are social assets that must be protected. We must take firm steps to nurture them.

For a society where having and raising children are easy

We must build a society where anyone who wishes to have and raise children can do so with ease. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has been working to ease the burden of fertility treatment costs, by taking the initiative in implementing measures that go beyond the framework of the national government’s subsidy scheme. Against this backdrop, the national government made a major shift in policy to have fertility treatment covered by health insurance starting this April, but the cost of advanced medical treatment is not covered. In this fiscal year, the TMG will establish a system to subsidize a portion of this cost. We will continue to provide firm support and respond to the sincere wishes of Tokyo residents who want to have children.

In addition, the TMG has decided to use a new term, Ikugyo (job of parenting), to replace Ikukyu (leave for parenting). While providing various information such as housework and parenting tips and stories that will make people aware of their unconscious biases and assumptions, we will give full encouragement to mothers and fathers who are taking leave for the “job of parenting.” By enhancing incentives to companies to encourage their employees to take parenting leave, and starting a registration system that will improve its image, we will also have this lead to the creation of a virtuous cycle in which parenting experience provides individuals and companies with opportunities for growth.

Ceaseless review of policies to be more children centered

This month, a tragic incident occurred in Shizuoka Prefecture in which a 3-year-old child died after being left behind on a preschool facility’s bus. The TMG immediately launched an emergency inspection of all childcare facilities such as daycare centers and kindergartens. We will continue to form highly effective measures through a combination of holding hearings and workshops, and providing financial support to facilities for the initiatives they are taking.

In order to achieve a society that is “children first,” it is important that we take on the perspective of children and consider what must be done. Are we responding to their specific problems? Are we providing appropriate services? Under a TMG-wide project team, we will take up challenges including current-day problems such as that of young caregivers, and initiatives for the education and growth of children in preschool groups. We will vigorously proceed with studies for the creation of new children policies, and accelerate our steps toward a Tokyo brimming with the smiles of children.

Development of human resources with an eye to the world

Studies responding flexibly to current needs 

The world is moving at an astonishing speed, and technology is constantly evolving. Even in this rapidly changing environment, I want children to be able to freely envision their future and acquire the ability to shape it themselves.

The country of Japan is protected by a high wall in the form of the Japanese language. In the eyes of the rest of the world, Tokyo appears to be in seclusion. Developing global literacy broadens horizons and also helps develop future potential. In Tokyo metropolitan high schools, international exchange with the UAE in the Middle East will begin, in addition to the current exchanges with North American, Oceania, and other regions. We will also start a new program for high school students studying in specialized courses to go abroad. In addition, we will expand the immersive English learning facility, TOKYO GLOBAL GATEWAY. Along with moving ahead with steady preparations to open a new facility in Tachikawa next January, in the island region, we have already launched a virtual program that allows students to learn practical English while in the classroom. While deepening discussions with the members of the Board of Education at the "General Education Conference" to be held next month, we will promote the development of global human resources who can soar out into the world from the international city of Tokyo.

The Tokyo Metropolitan University is also offering special classes by prominent lecturers including those who teach at the world’s top universities. In addition, TMU will take the first step toward becoming a university open to the world by introducing a fall admission system in the 2024 school year. We will nurture talent who will support Japan in the future by having them study together with students gathered from across the world.

Nurturing fashion designers who can be active on the global stage

The accomplishments of the late Mori Hanae and Miyake Issey contributed enormously to making Tokyo a fashion center that aligns with cities in Europe and the United States. Next March, we will hold a fashion contest for students to encourage them to follow in the footsteps of these extraordinary fashion designers. We are currently accepting applications for the contest and will cultivate the next generation of globally active talent.

Rolling out the Olympic and Paralympic legacy

There was a large turnout at the events held in various locations this summer to commemorate the first anniversary of the Tokyo 2020 Games. Looking over this sight, which could not be realized a year ago, I reconfirmed my commitment to the thoughts embodied in the words, TOKYO FORWARD. We will turn our invaluable experience and legacy into a power to develop our city and take Tokyo to new heights.

Sports legacy

The Kasai Canoe Slalom Center is now open to the public for the enjoyment of water sports by everyone. The Ariake Arena, which was the venue for events celebrating the first anniversary of the Paralympics has also opened, creating new vibrancy through live concerts and other events. And on the 16th next month, the Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon will be held on the Paralympic marathon course. With the cooperation of volunteers, we hope to share the joy of “playing, watching, and supporting” sports, which was created by the Tokyo 2020 Games.

We will also work to bring bicycles, which are both healthy and environment friendly, closer to people. Following the Rainbow Bridge Ride, which will be held in November, we will hold a road race next fall on the legacy course in the Tama area. We hope that many people will enjoy these events to further spread the appeal of bicycles.

Furthermore, in 2025, the World Athletics Championships, which gathers the world’s top athletes, and the Deaflympics, a comprehensive international competition for deaf athletes, will be held here in Tokyo. These will provide a golden opportunity to have the dynamic sight of the athletes deliver the value, inspiration, and courage of sports to our children who hold the future in their hands. By making it possible for anyone to enjoy sports, such as by facilitating smooth communication through the application of digital technology and other means, we will boost the realization of an inclusive society.

Achieving a society without barriers

We will have the Tokyo Games concept of Unity in Diversity penetrate all corners of the city in order to realize a society that has removed barriers of all kinds.

One symbolic initiative here was making general guest rooms in hotels accessible. Tokyo was the first in Japan to include this criteria in an ordinance. We received high praise from IPC President Parsons who came here for a site visit last month. So that all wheelchair users, including those in electric wheelchairs, can enjoy a more comfortable stay, we will continue to revise the standards while hearing the views of Tokyo residents and relevant organizations.

The Sign Language Ordinance, which was proposed and passed by this Assembly at the last regular session, was enacted this month. Through this we will make Tokyo a city where each individual can shine. We will ensure the availability of information for those with disabilities, and firmly establish a society where everyone can naturally lend a helping hand.

In addition, based on the so-called Ordinance for Respecting Human Rights, we have begun studies for the next revision of the Basic Plan on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation. In order to enhance the effectiveness of the Partnership Oath System, which will begin in November, and promote understanding in society regarding sexual diversity, it will contain measures that embrace those concerned.