5. Creating a Tokyo full of hope where each and every individual shines in their own way

Throughout history, it has always been the vitality of each and every person who shines in their own way that has opened up the future. To build a society brimming with diversity where anyone can pursue their dreams and happiness, we will roll out measures that allow people to shine.

For a society that makes it easier to have and raise children

We will support those who wish to get married and have children. That is why the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will create enjoyable opportunities for people to interact with one another. We will also work to improve the functionality of an AI matching app to have it become a tool that anyone can feel safe using, by first releasing it on trial basis to a limited number of users. We will strengthen collaboration with companies and various actors to enable those who are interested in marriage to take the first step with ease.

We will also enhance support for those raising children. We will promote the creation of an environment that will make it possible for parents and guardians to go out with their children without worry, including the establishment of nursing rooms and stroller rental facilities at Toei subway stations. Liquid baby formula, a convenient option for families on the go because it does not require hot water and is ready for immediate consumption, will also be made available for purchase.

A perspective that is critical to realizing a sustainable Tokyo filled with diversity is the empowerment of women. Last week, I led a conference attended by business leaders and others at which the topic of female role models was discussed and best practices were shared. Furthermore, at the same time as the G7 Ministerial Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, this month, I will join other women active on the frontlines of business and government, including mayors, governors, and business leaders, to discuss measures to revitalize local communities and the economy. It is also necessary to change the mindset of children who are our future. As awareness shifts, behavior changes within society, transforming society itself. To ensure that our children’s dreams and potential are not limited by unconscious gender bias, we will also partner with companies to provide opportunities for learning and awareness.

Making Tokyo a city that puts children first to draw out their limitless potential

To bring out the limitless potential of children and equip them with the skills they need to forge their future, we will continue to support development and learning from a children-first standpoint.

Support for early childhood development

Early childhood is considered a critical time because the foundation for character formation is established during this period through “exploration” that is born out of everyday play. We will ensure that children are provided with high-quality experiences that stimulate curiosity regardless of the differences in the environment where a child is placed, be it a kindergarten or daycare center. With the cooperation of The University of Tokyo’s Center for Early Childhood Development, Education, and Policy Research （CEDEP）, first by working with several municipalities to implement strategies at facilities, we will formulate a program to support childhood development. Next fiscal year, we will expand the program throughout Tokyo to support the growth of each and every child.

Creation of diverse opportunities for learning

In recent years, we have seen absenteeism continue to rise. It is my hope that these children who suffer in pain because they are unable to adjust to school life will be able to nurture their individuality and strengths to blossom in life. It is important that we think beyond the existing school model and create diverse opportunities for learning. We will study best practices implemented in Japan and abroad, and Tokyo’s alternative schools, known as “free schools.” And, while referring to opinions newly obtained from experts, we will prepare an environment that enables children to develop by being true to themselves.

Expanding possibilities for children by helping them acquire solid English language skills

In today’s global society, the importance of having a good command of the English language is growing. I want children to know the joy of connecting with the world. We will greatly expand access to online lessons that offer students the opportunity to learn real English as spoken by native speakers to all metropolitan high schools. We will also update our MOU with the City of Paris to further promote international exchange. Furthermore, by administering the English speaking test to first- and second-year junior high school students as well, it will become possible for teachers and students to gauge the level of learning achieved while furthering their studies. By improving practical communication skills, we will greatly expand possibilities for children.

Delivering hopes and dreams through sports

The dynamic sight of athletes who have sacrificed everything for that day, that time, that moment has the power to give courage and vitality to people. This October, the very first WBSC U-15 Women’s Softball World Cup will be held here in Tokyo. Through the intense competition shown by the athletes, we aim to deliver hopes and dreams to children in the same age group. To that end, we will work with relevant organizations to lead the tournament to success.

In preparation for the 2025 Deaflympics, the organizing committee has been launched and full-fledged preparations are advancing at a rapid pace. We will make this an event that not only the deaf athletes, but also other deaf people and the younger generations, who are our future, can call their own. The creation of the emblem has also begun with such wishes in mind. Taking the wonderful opportunity presented by the competition, we will work to further promote understanding related to diversity.

Realizing an inclusive society where everyone can lead vibrant lives

Our efforts to build an inclusive city advanced as a result of the Tokyo 2020 Games. We will further promote these efforts and will continue to do all that we can to realize an inclusive society where everyone can lead vibrant lives.

With respect to the Partnership Oath System that we launched last November, there is no question that the circle of support for the initiative is growing. Improvements must not stop with government services; we must have this lead to the alleviation of various difficulties experienced by sexual minorities within society. We will strengthen collaboration with economic organizations and visit companies to launch new types of detailed support aimed at promoting understanding with regard to sexual minorities, among other efforts.

Social firms facilitate the participation of those who have difficulty finding and sustaining employment, including the disabled, in line with their individual characteristics and abilities. And, the number of certified social firms is steadily increasing. To have this trend contribute to even greater momentum, we will hold a kickoff event at Tokyo International Forum this month to raise awareness. We will use this occasion to develop initiatives both for those who work and for businesses to ensure that the desire to be independent is supported by society as a whole.

Our society continues to age. And, we have no other choice but to squarely confront this situation. As the working age population decreases, issues such as securing adequate human resources for nursing care and the higher cost of social security are becoming more serious. We will support the use of digital technology as a tool to monitor physical condition and detect illnesses in order to promote health. Taking into consideration the increasing number of senior citizens living alone, we will also support municipalities that promote the establishment of places where seniors can connect to the community. While continuing to study issues from a broad perspective, we will formulate the next Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Welfare Plan for Senior Citizens, seeking to ensure that seniors can continue to lead vibrant and active lives in the communities they are familiar with.