Policy Speech by Governor of Tokyo, Shintaro Ishihara at the First Regular Session of the Metropolitan Assembly, 2003

2 New administrative approach by Tokyo

With this understanding, we wish to continue our endeavor for fresh approaches this year.

*Promoting urban regeneration

In response to Tokyo's campaigns, the central government has changed its perception on urban communities, and begun its efforts for urban regeneration. At the core lies the task of developing social infrastructures. In the present situation, the highest priority goes to developing the ring road systems and expanding airport facilities.

Ring road development has suffered delays, especially the section linking the Kanetsu Route of the Gaikan Expressway to the Tomei Expressway. The plan of developing an elevated motorway has been shelved for over 30 years. The road that runs parallel to the proposed section suffers chronic congestion. It is a typical example of a wrong choice in the past causing major problems. TMG's energetic efforts toward resolving the situation, include establishing a liaison council with local communities and a committee of experts. Last month, we announced a revised development policy with specific details.

Under the new policy, agreed with the central government, development costs and construction period are reduced significantly through adopting the Deep Underground system for the first time in Japan, and scaling down the tunnel structure. In a major city with a population concentration, the usually unused underground space 40 meters deep or deeper, is also precious space. This will be the first project using the Deep Underground system, and serve as the model project for future use of such space. We will consult local residents and authorities in finalizing the project so as to seek early completion.

Also, our unique project for resolving traffic congestion is bearing fruit. The grade-crossed intersection of the Keio Railway line and the Tsurukawa Kaido avenue is set to open at the end of next month as the first of the Smooth Railway Crossing project launched in 2001. The construction method, first to be employed in Japan, is expected to halve the costs and reduce the construction period to just 10 months. This illustrates TMG's focus on speedy policy implementation.

As for the proposed expansion of the Haneda Airport, the leaders of seven Metropolitan authorities and the MLIT Minister met in the first council meeting on the issue last month. This was the first time these officials come under the same roof for discussing the Haneda issue. We voiced our renewed opposition to the financial burdens distributed to local governments, and demanded that the expansion work be commenced at an early stage. The meeting produced successful outcomes including the central government's withdrawal of the cost distribution plan, and the common consensus among participating parties on the need to expand and internationalize the airport. The establishment of the council provides a venue for TMG to make various proposals to the national government on Metropolitan aviation policies including issues surrounding the U.S. Yokota Air Base.

Meanwhile, several major projects are now underway in Tokyo following the implementation of the Law concerning Special Measures for Urban Regeneration. Yet, in order to regenerate Tokyo's streetscapes and enhance the city's charm, we must combined the present initiatives with regeneration of local urban communities, using the commitment and creativity of the people of Tokyo. We have submitted a new ordinance for promoting sophisticated streetscapes, with the aim of streamlining property zones and creating urban landscape in harmony.

*Adamant opposition to capital transfer

While Tokyo regeneration is a significant initiative with a direct link to national regeneration, one impediment remains in our efforts to press ahead with the task. The impediment is the lingering proposal to transfer capital functions away from Tokyo.

The capital transfer plan is nothing more than an awkward legacy of the previous century, based on a Parliamentary resolution adopted at the height of the bubble economy. With total absence of public support, the central government cannot even make the final selection from three candidate cities.

The central government is attempting to dodge cost-related criticism by considering to scale down the project. However, their calculations have no basis, purposely cutting the necessary budget for residential purposes. It is a desk-top theory drawn up by people with no practical knowledge. The proposed scale-down appears little more than an expedient for railroading the transfer.

There is an alternative proposal of tentatively going ahead with the construction of capital backup functions at the transfer destination. Yet, seven Metropolitan authorities can more than sufficiently secure backup facilities among themselves, even if central government functions are paralyzed in a disaster. The seven Metropolitan authorities have specific plans for complementing capital functions through the use of existing facilities. Building backup facilities at a place away from the Metropolitan Area is totally and utterly unnecessary.

Giving excuses and modifications to the transfer plan one after another, is unwittingly exposing how perfunctory the plan really is in a state of total contradiction.

The central government appears set to draw a conclusion on this matter during the current ordinary Diet session. The only conclusion they need to draw is to scrap the capital transfer plan. We will seek their sensible decision reflecting the will of the public.

*Overcoming the environmental crisis

Environmental crisis extends from issues that directly affect lives, such as air pollution, to issues that may determine the future of the Earth, such as global warming. We have sounded warnings on various occasions and taken countermeasures.

Regarding the close-to-home issue of air pollution, TMG's past initiatives will culminate in October this year, when diesel-fueled vehicles that do not meet set criteria come under new regulations. Since we launched the operation to eradicate non-complying diesel vehicles in September last year, there has been a surge in the cases of PM reduction device installation. The Japan Department Stores Association and other business organizations have launched voluntary initiatives, contributing to the TMG move. Our latest initiative is a new loan scheme for small businesses, which would not qualify for the existing loan schemes, with the aim of encouraging them to switch from diesel-fueled vehicles. To ensure smooth implementation, we plan to enhance the consultation system and PR activities, providing refined services.

The launch of the diesel vehicle regulation will not only help officials of the national government and other concerned parties renew their acknowledgement of air pollution issues, but also disseminate a powerful message to the people of Tokyo.

color:windowtext'>Tokyo is also under the intensifying influence of global warming and localized urban warming called the "Heat Island" phenomenon. Rising temperatures increases energy consumption, which, in turn, causes further warming. This vicious cycle symbolizes the malady of urban civilization.

To stall the trend, Tokyo has begun exploring measures for CO2 reduction at its environmental council. After receiving their recommendations by the end of the year, TMG plans to draw up effective policies urgently with cooperation from the people of Tokyo, businesses, NPOs, etc.

There are also concerns for power shortages, resulting from possible shutdown of nuclear power facilities. TMG is taking the initiative in implementing campaigns for energy conservation. Through to next month, an enhanced version of our energy conservation campaign will be conducted at TMG offices, including remote offices. We call on the people of Tokyo to review their daily lives and work toward the conservation of energy.

Another pillar of our policy for preventing global warming is the development and proliferation of alternative energies. One example is the development of wind power generation facilities at the Waterfront area, due for operational launch next month as the first such installation in a major city. Starting this summer, fuel-cell operated buses are scheduled to begin operating on regular Metropolitan bus services with cooperation from automobile manufacturers.

Marunouchi and three other communities are subject to our model project for aggressively introducing paving materials with water retention properties, and regenerating trees lining city streets, in an effort to step up measures against the Heat Island phenomenon. Through these initiatives, TMG is serving as the role model in innovative environmental measures for urban cities.