6. In conclusion

About 170 years ago, our island nation was suddenly forced to open itself to the world. From there, propelled by the Meiji Restoration, Japan quickly became modernized. Today’s greatly changing age is telling us that the modern society we live in is at a historic turning point that could even be called our second opening to the world. When we consider the future of Tokyo and the future of our lives, we will not be able to draw a sure path to this future without turning our eyes to the world.

Exchanging wisdom, technology, and ideas across oceans. When these encounter, mix, and integrate with Tokyo’s potentials, new power to solve urban challenges is born. That is why, under the banner of "Sustainable High City-Tech.Tokyo," or "SusHi Tech Tokyo," we will continue to send out a powerful message of Tokyo's strengths, represented by technology, and a Tokyo that continues to take on challenges. City-Tech.Tokyo, an international event to promote open innovation with startups, and the Leaders Summit of G-NETS, an international intercity network, will be our first step in this direction.

We will open Tokyo to the world. And Tokyo will change. Let us overcome these difficult times together and combine our strengths for Tokyo’s evolution into a sustainable city.

Including the matters to which I have already referred, a total of 64 bills, including 2 budget bills and 15 ordinance bills, have been presented to this regular session of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly for deliberation among the Assembly members.

This concludes my speech to the Assembly. Thank you.