PRINCIPAL POLICIES OF THE TOKYO METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT

Upgrading Social Programs

New Welfare to Put Users First

Japan's existing welfare system, which is generally characterized by broad-based government control, is currently showing signs of stagnation. This is against the backdrop of an unprecedented low birth rate and an aging population, together with the maturation of the nation's socioeconomic fabric. To ensure a future in which everyone in Japan can enjoy prosperous and satisfying lives, there is a pressing need to revamp the traditional approach to welfare by building new welfare systems that always put the needs of users first.

Welfare Reform Strategies

Towards this end, the TMG established the Tokyo Metropolis Welfare Reform Promotion Plan in December 2000, followed by the Tokyo Welfare Reform Step 2 platform in February 2002. Based around the three key words of "Choice," "Competition" and "Community," innovative welfare reform plans are being advanced to create a new system devoted to helping users live independent and productive lives in their communities.

Developing Concrete Policy Measures

Based on these plans, the TMG has unveiled a steady stream of new strategies to take advantage of the merits of Tokyo as a major metropolitan center. They include the establishment of certified daycare centers to address childcare needs in the city; a system of improvement subsidies for private companies operating group homes for elderly people suffering from dementia; the Three Year Emergency Community Lifestyle Support Plan to help those with disabilities gain independence; and various other measures.

To also provide a scheme that enables all residents to choose the optimum services with total peace of mind, a comprehensive welfare information network, welfare service third-party evaluations and other plans were introduced on a full-fledged basis from fiscal 2003.

Key Policy Measures and Fiscal 2004 Priority Projects

The Key Policy Measures and Priority Policy Measures plan was drafted in November 2003 as a strategic guideline for TMG structural reform. Within this plan, the establishment of a community-based childrearing support system and other priority projects are set forth in the interests of steadily promoting the critical objective of welfare reform.