1. Foreword

The recent occurrence of a major earthquake with its epicenter in southeastern Turkey has caused tremendous damage. I would like to express my deepest condolences to those who lost their loved ones and extend my heartfelt sympathy to all those affected. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government immediately dispatched personnel from the Metropolitan Police Department and the Tokyo Fire Department as part of the Japan Disaster Relief Rescue Team. We will continue to provide necessary support that matches the needs there.

This year marks the centennial of the Great Kanto Earthquake, which claimed many precious lives. The framework supporting Tokyo today, such as its streets, bridges, and rivers, was built after the earthquake based on the Imperial Capital Reconstruction Plan by Goto Shinpei, who also served as the seventh mayor of Tokyo. In this age we live in as well, we need an unwavering commitment to protecting the lives of the people of Tokyo, and a strategy that takes a hard look at the future. Building upon the foundation that our predecessors established, we will make Tokyo even more abundant and radiant.

Climate change, infectious diseases, energy insecurity—we are also facing a mountain of global-scale problems. Now is the time for the world to gather its wisdom and spur each other on to address these challenges. Turning our eyes to the situation in our country, we are confronted by the harsh reality of a declining birthrate. In any age, it is "people" who pave the way to the future. The declining birthrate is undeniably a national issue associated with the very existence of our country. That is why Tokyo, the capital of Japan, must take the leadership for a rethinking of the situation. We will surge ahead with the Grand Reform of Tokyo for a bright future that achieves a balance between maturity and ongoing growth、and where everyone can thrive.

FY2023 Budget Proposal

Compiled with this in mind, the FY2023 budget proposal focuses on policies that take the perspective of the citizens of Tokyo, such as investment in children, safety and security, and leaving a beautiful planet for the future, and is requesting 8.041 trillion yen, the most ever for an initial general account budget. While boldly allocating finances for "investment in the future," such as 1.6 trillion yen—200 billion yen more than the previous fiscal year—for measures to halt the declining birthrate, a thorough review of projects has also been conducted, securing 114.1 billion yen in finances. In addition, three new funds were created in the final supplementary budget proposal. While maintaining the soundness of finances, we will implement strategic measures from a medium- to long-term perspectives.

The upgraded “Future Tokyo” strategy and structural reform of the Tokyo government

Last month, we upgraded Future Tokyo: Tokyo’s Long-Term Strategy, which serves as a compass for Tokyo’s policies. While confronting the harsh realities of our country head-on, we will thoroughly consider what Tokyo should do now and what Tokyo can do, and refine our policies with our future vision firmly in mind. We will also aim for even higher levels of structural reform of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which will spur on our strategies. The keywords are open and flat. We will accelerate our steps toward a digital government and also incorporate new ideas from outside the government. By further boosting the activities of the TMG organization, we will further enhance the quality of services provided.

We will also strengthen the organizational structure that supports the TMG to allow more accurate response to changes in society and the needs of our residents. In order to protect the lives and wellbeing of the citizens of Tokyo, and to ensure the robustness of welfare, public health, and healthcare services into the future, we will abolish the Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health, separating social welfare and public health with the establishment of two new bureaus. We will also newly establish the Office for Startup and Global Financial City Strategy. These new organizations will take the lead for Tokyo’s growth and finding solutions to social issues. Through the seamless integration of the budget, strategy, and organization, we will promote the grand reform of Tokyo at top speed.