PRINCIPAL POLICIES OF THE TOKYO METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT

Revitalizing Tokyo

Efforts to Revitalize Tokyo

In April 2001, Governor Ishihara presented the national government with a plan for an emergency 10 trillion-yen, 5-year urban regeneration project for Tokyo. These projects were formulated in the belief that urban regeneration put into effect as soon as possible in Tokyo would be likely to stimulate national recovery, and that intensive, focused investment in the Greater Tokyo Area would prove effective as a short-term measure for reviving the national economy.

In May 2001, the national government set up the Urban Renaissance Headquarters, chaired by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. The Urban Renaissance Headquarters decided on a multi-staged Urban Regeneration Project, and enacted the Urban Renaissance Special Measure Law.

In response to these moves on the part of the national government, the TMG set up the Council for the Promotion of the Urban Regeneration Project in Tokyo to incorporate the opinions of the TMG and the neighboring administrative authorities.

Government Decisions at Each Stage of the Urban Regeneration Project

	Upgrading basic wide-area disaster prevention bases in the Tokyo Bay waterfront area.
	Reconstruction aimed at zero emission of refuse in major urban zones.

	Strengthening international exchange and distribution functions in major cities.
	Improving ring road networks in major cities.
	Solving the problem of children having to wait for admission to day nurseries in major cities.

	Urgent improvements in built-up urban areas.
	Use of existing stock in cities.
	Upgrading of urban environment infrastructure in major urban zones.

Setting up an international base in the Tokyo area for genome science, etc.

Forming urban hubs through strategic use of national land.

Examples of Projects

Upgrading basic wide-area disaster prevention bases in the Tokyo Bay waterfront area (first-stage decision):

The Council for Upgrading Wide-Area Disaster Prevention Bases in the Metropolitan Area was established. A decision was taken in July 2002 to designate Ariake-no-oka as a key wide-area disaster prevention base.

Reconstruction aimed at zero emission of refuse in major urban zones, etc. (first-stage decision):

The Council for Zero Refuse Emission in the Metropolitan Zone was established. "Toward reconstruction aimed at zero emission of refuse in the Tokyo area" was published in April 2002.

Urban Renaissance Special Measure Law and Priority Areas for Redevelopment

Urban Renaissance Special Measure Law (promulgated April 2002)
This is a new law which puts into place bold measures, including exemptions from city planning ordinances and financial assistance, to promote and support urban regeneration projects undertaken by the private sector. These measures will be in force only for projects in some areas, and for limited times.

Priority Areas for Redevelopment
In order to promote outstanding private-sector redevelopment projects which can improve the city, the TMG has applied to the national government for seven zones, totaling some 2,400 hectares, to be designated as Priority Areas for Redevelopment. The TMG sees it as imperative that intensive, emergency development work which aims at increasing the capital's international competitiveness and its attractiveness as a city is carried out in these zones.

Seven areas have been designated as Priority Areas for Redevelopment (see map below, Priority Areas for Redevelopment in Central Tokyo).

Private-sector Redevelopment Projects Authorized (January, May, October 2003)
Proposal for Special Area of Urban Renewal (August 2003)

Priority Areas for Redevelopment in Central Tokyo