4. Laying the foundation for an even more mature city

Tokyo’s strengths are not limited to its wealth of cutting-edge technologies and concentration of advanced urban functions. We will leverage Tokyo’s diverse features, including the water and greenery within the city, and the rich nature of the Tama area and Tokyo Islands, to refine our attractiveness as a mature city.

Toward a sustainable city that coexists with rich nature

Human activity is resulting in the loss of biodiversity and other negative impacts, putting our lives and livelihoods at risk. This is also evidenced by the growing severity of the climate crisis. We recently formulated a new strategy that aims to realize a prosperous society that coexists with nature. Tokyo has just come forward as a candidate city for the 2024 Mountain Day national event, which will serve as an excellent opportunity to showcase Tokyo’s stance and promote understanding. We will strive to protect and increase the verdant natural environment, as well as achieve sustainable use. And, as one of the world’s great metropolises, we will firmly contribute to the goal of the international community to put biodiversity on a path to recovery.

Urban development for a city filled with peace and calm where “people” are the main actors

Under the clear blue skies of Golden Week, it was wonderful to have many people come to the Ginza Sky Walk event to experience what the pedestrian-centered sky corridor, to be created on the Tokyo Expressway （KK Route） that runs through the upscale area of Ginza, will be like. This type of urban development that makes “people” the main actors is a new addition to Tokyo’s appeal. Along the Sumida River where visitors can enjoy wide open waterfront spaces, through the designation of eight hubs to generate local vitality, as well as the addition of ramps and lighting along the river esplanades, we will create walkable spaces and connect the hubs located on both sides of the river.

One hundred fifty years have passed since the establishment of the urban parks system. Changing times require that the role played by parks change as well. We will fully leverage our experience hosting the Tokyo 2020 Games under the “Unity in Diversity” theme to create open parks that anyone can casually visit and enjoy, hence, contributing to a better quality of life for Tokyo residents. Taking the opportunity presented by this turning point, we will paint a picture of metropolitan parks that have evolved to meet the needs of the coming era. At Hibiya Park, construction to enhance barrier-free accessibility will finally begin. In addition, work to seamlessly connect and integrate the park with the surrounding area, including removal of the fences and walls that surround it, will be advanced in phases. While cherishing the trees in the park, we will further refine this verdant space for relaxation to generate new appeal. We will preserve the history and culture of this park long beloved by the people of Tokyo for future generations and create a city filled with peace and calm

To the captivating Tama area and Tokyo Islands

Next, I will speak about the Tama area and Tokyo Islands. We recently clarified our basic approach to an urban development strategy for the Tama area that takes into consideration development of the transportation infrastructure. Coincidentally, this year marks the 130th anniversary of the Tama area being placed under the administration of Tokyo. We will work with the municipalities to strongly promote the appeal of the many different faces and distinctive personalities of communities of each area to create many fans.

This month, a cruise ship registered overseas is scheduled to make a port call at Oshima Island. With breathtaking scenery and rare natural environments, the diverse and colorful charms of Tokyo’s treasure islands are garnering much attention from abroad. The recovery of inbound tourism will serve as a catalyst for the revitalization of the area. We must not let this opportunity pass us by. We will develop strategic methods to promote the area, as well as further raise our level of omotenashi （Japanese-style hospitality）, including raising the quality of service and developing hands-on experiences featuring activities that focus on nature and culture, leading to the creation of repeat visitors.

The more people who work together to build excitement for the Tama area and Tokyo islands, the more these areas will shine. Through a newly established portal site, we will provide a range of detailed information on matters such as housing, jobs, and various support schemes, and create an environment so that those who are interested in living in these areas can do so with peace of mind.