6. To make the Tama and islands areas even more livable and attractive

Next, I would like to talk about Tama and the islands, where possibilities for the future are expanding. This year marks the 130th anniversary of the Tama area coming under the jurisdiction of Tokyo. We will continue to enhance the attractiveness of this area while further deepening cooperation with municipalities. We will take this occasion to further increase the number of fans of Tama and the islands. We will also launch new initiatives to create opportunities for people to interact with the local residents and actually live in the area. Increasing the number of people who are connected to Tama and the islands, and, in turn, the number of people who wish to live there, will become the driving force behind further revitalization of these areas

Attractive urban development of Tama, which continues to change

The communities of Tama continue to change. Last month, an immersive English learning facility opened in Tachikawa, and the response has been tremendous. Tama's growing appeal will sure to be further accelerated by the ongoing development of its transportation infrastructure, especially with the extension of the Tama Monorail. We will provide full support to the municipalities aiming to create urban development models for new ways of living and working by leveraging the distinguishing features of each station. To further promote the development of such centers, we will newly formulate a "Tama Urban Development Strategy （working name）.” Furthermore, a full-scale cycling road race will be held on the course used in the Tokyo 2020 Games. Not only will we make the race safe and enjoyable for all, but we will seize the opportunity of the increased attention toward this area from Japan and abroad to showcase the appeal of Tama to the world.

For more livable Tokyo islands that also appeal to visitors

The Tokyo islands are brimming with many treasures, but I believe that only a very small portion of the islands’ charms are being conveyed to the world. I want to make them shine brighter and let more people know how wonderful they are. I believe that the attraction of the Tokyo islands is being able to enjoy engaging in unique activities, taking in breathtaking views and other outstanding tourism resources, all in a location just a short distance from the city. Through means such as attracting high-quality lodging facilities or promoting the removal of hotels no longer in operation and utilizing their sites, new value will be added to the islands’ appeal to meet the diverse needs of travelers. In conjunction with this, we will build up systems to accommodate international air services and shore up overseas PR activities such as strategically attracting and hosting international conferences on the islands. While also advancing the development of a good living environment, such as through remote healthcare and the digital transformation of education, we will refine the value of the Tokyo Treasure Islands to proudly present them to the world as excellent places to live and to visit.