Manifest for 2007 Election for Governor of Tokyo |
| March 5, 2007 |
| Kisho Kurokawa |
| I have announced my candidacy in the election for the governor of Tokyo without the recommendation of any party, and have formulated the following manifest as my campaign pledge. Kisho Kurokawa 1. I will concentrate on facilitating the financial rehabilitation of Tokyo. I will not receive any salary (1) as the governor of Tokyo, and will not use the governor’s residence or public vehicles. Furthermore, I will work at the metropolitan government office four days a week (same as yearly average of Tokyo civil servants). 2. I will aggressively work on the financial rehabilitation of Tokyo, and will disclose the details of measures being implemented. (1) Sale of the Shin Ginko Tokyo (New Bank of Tokyo) that is owned by the city of Tokyo to the private sector. (2) Sales of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Tokyo International Forum and the Edo- Tokyo Museum to the private sector (with the condition that the current outer appearance of these buildings be preserved, and left as a cultural asset for future generations). These sales will be carried out to make effective use of these assets. (3) I will identify the details of the huge uncollectible debt of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and disclose this information. According to the outline of the proposed 2007 fiscal year budget for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (January 2007), the entire deficiency in the debt service fund, which accounts for the majority of the “invisible debt,” will be eliminated by the end of the 2007 fiscal year. However, this only represents an elimination of the deficiency in the funds which should have been originally saved, and information concerning the uncollectible debt (invisible debt) of the third sector companies (quasi-public corporations) of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government or affiliated organizations has not been disclosed. There is an item on page 33 of the outline of the proposed budget entitled “Restructuring of Administrative Organizations.” However, nothing is mentioned concerning the huge “invisible debt” of third sector companies of the municipal government, such as Tokyo Rinkai Heat Supply Corporation, Tokyo Waterfront New Transit Yurikamome, Tokyo Teleport Center Inc., Tokyo Big Sight Inc. and The Port of Tokyo Terminal Public Corporation. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has established the Tokyo Rinkai Holdings Corporation, and made all of these third sector companies subsidiaries in order to hide information concerning this huge “invisible debt.” Under his administration, Governor Asano of Miyagi Prefecture put on a number of performances about welfare and the disclosure of information. However, the fact is that debts during his term in office doubled, and information concerning “invisible debt” of third sector companies and affiliated organizations was not disclosed. I will disclose detailed information on this huge “invisible debt.” (4) The current administration has stated that it has adopted well-balanced financial policies for Tokyo based on projections of circumstances ten years from now, but the fact is that there has been backward movement on the allocation ratio of funds compared to the budget for the 2006 fiscal year. The amounts allocated for traffic congestion alleviation, programs to create attractive and charming spots and hubs, development of municipal transportation systems, development of the agricultural, forestry and fisheries industries, promotion of the restructuring of municipal high schools, advancement of the arts and culture, promotion of measures to reduce pollution by diesel vehicles and efforts to preserve and restore the natural environment have all been reduced. The only programs for which the distribution ratio of funds has been increased are the 900 million yen for the bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, the 2.1 billion yen for the Carbon Minus Tokyo 10-Year Project and the 4.1 billion yen to install air conditioning at municipal high schools. It is estimated that Tokyo will end up paying 46.6 billion yen to finance the Olympics. The facts and the outline of the proposed budget for the 2007 fiscal year clearly illustrate that under the Ishihara administration, programs such as urban development which should be undertaken, promotion of the arts and culture, CO2 reduction measures and protection of the natural environment have all lost ground. The allocation ratio of funds for welfare programs is nearly the same as for the 2006 fiscal year. This clarifies the fact that welfare and urban development which should be undertaken have been discarded in order to finance the bid for the Olympic Games. Therefore, it can be stated positively that the Olympic bid must be cancelled in order to effectively address pressing issues in Tokyo such as welfare, urban development and environmental measures. In addition, Governor Ishihara has newly announced a policy of tax reduction, but when the expenses that will be shouldered by the people of Tokyo in order to build the necessary infrastructure for the Olympics and the subsidies that will be provided by the national government for this are calculated, it will result in a net tax increase for the people of Tokyo and the entire nation rather than a decrease in taxes. 3. Portion of the Functions of Capital will be Transferred The transfer of a portion of the functions of the capital has been under consideration for some time in order to correct over-concentration in Tokyo and facilitate symbiosis with outlying regions, but Governor Ishihara has been opposed to the transfer of the functions of the capital since he has taken office. If this policy continues, over-concentration in Tokyo will intensify, leading to the creation of a bubble economy in Tokyo due to an appreciation in property values, resulting in devastating damage to the quality of life in Tokyo and welfare programs, and an increase in the gap between the rich and poor. I will aggressively transfer a portion of the functions of the capital in order to break away from the focus on money making (market economy centrism) due to this type of over-concentration in Tokyo. 4. Objectives of Urban Development in Tokyo (1) Rejuvenation of Waterfront Ecosystem In order to rejuvenate the waterfront ecosystem along Tokyo Bay and facilitate urban greening in Tokyo, programs will be implemented to create ecological corridors in Tokyo. (2) In order to preserve the quality of life and the traditions in Tsukiji and Tsukishima, relocation of the Tsukiji Market will be cancelled. (3) Self-Reliant Scenic Zones and Scenic Axes At least 300 unique self-reliant scene zones will be planned in Tokyo, creating scenic axes that are centered around paths and rivers (canals). (4) Preservation of Cultural Assets Efforts will be made to preserve historical buildings built during or before the Meiji Era as much as possible, and efforts will also be made to preserve modern and contemporary architecture judged to be important cultural assets. (5) Making Tokyo a Compact City The increase in the size of cities around the world due to the growing population and the increase in the area under cultivation are the major factors causing the destruction of forests. Therefore, the planning of compact cities in order to prevent the loss of forests (nature) is an urgent need for the survival of mankind. 5. I will devote considerable effort to gathering the remains of the soldiers who died on Iwo Jima, and to the building of a Peace Monument. Although Governor Ishihara has made a movie about Iwo Jima, he has not addressed the issues which should be solved, in spite of the fact that Iwo Jima is part of Tokyo. I will designate Iwo Jima as an island that symbolizes our commitment to renounce war and promote peace. 6. City Diplomacy Will be Aggressively Promoted The world is currently undergoing a transition from an age where diplomacy is mainly between nations to an age where diplomacy is conducted between cities. Differing from the diplomatic policies of Governor Ishihara, I will place an emphasis on the relationship between Japan and the United States, and also focus on the CRJ Triangle, which consists of China, Russia and Japan. I will also aggressively promote exchange between cities in Japan and America in order to strengthen the alliance between Japan and the United States. Furthermore, I will promote the “Asian Airway” concept as a silk road of the air appropriate for a new age in the 21st century, where Japan is positioned as the geographical center of Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East. Specifically, an alliance of airline companies will be created called the “Asian Airway Alliance,” between London and St. Petersburg in the North, extending to Tokyo, Singapore (Malaysia) and Dubai. This alliance will be centered around British Airways, All Nippon Airways and Singapore Airlines, and under this alliance, Asian Airway Shuttle routes will be created. Since bilateral air agreements are required in order to establish new air routes, we will support efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in order to prepare the way for the required diplomacy between the respective cities. In order to promote economic and cultural exchange as an integral part of diplomatic policy between Japan and China, I would like to propose the Linking of the Four Cities of Tokyo, Beijing, Osaka and Shanghai. Currently, there is adequate service on the Narita – Beijing, Narita – Shanghai and Haneda – Osaka routes, but there is not adequate service on the Beijing – Shanghai, Beijing – Osaka and Shanghai – Osaka routes. Therefore, the number of flights on the Beijing – Osaka and Shanghai – Osaka routes will be increased, and Haneda – Beijing and Haneda – Shanghai routes will be newly established. Furthermore, we will support the bullet train concept between Beijing and Shanghai. These city links will result in the rapid rejuvenation of the Kansai Region, and open up the way for the creation of a national vision of the future consisting of the Kanto and Kansai hubs. The Capital Airport Concept proposed by Governor Ishihara will be promoted, with efforts implemented to transform Haneda Airport into an international airport, and realize joint military-civilian use of Yokota Airport. In order to mutually enhance the level of tourism between Japan and Korea, a new Haneda – Nagasaki (Fukuoka) – Pusan tourism air route will be established. The city of Ikishi in Nagasaki Prefecture was the terminal port of the silk road on the ocean, which was connected to the silk road on land, and was the capital city of the Kingdom of Yamato. (pre-historic Japan). The ring moat settlement (designated as a national important historic site) that is currently being excavated is the capital city of that kingdom. Therefore, this will enable the silk road of the land and the silk road of the ocean to be connected to the silk road of the air. 7. Hub of Education & Research Will be Created in Tokyo (1) The name of Tokyo Metropolitan University will be changed to the International University of Tokyo. In order to effectively utilize the links between the four cities to stimulate their economies, partnerships will be promoted between the universities in the four cities (Peking University, International University of Tokyo, Tongji University and Osaka University), with satellite campuses of each university being created in each of the four cities. (2) This partnership between the universities in the four cities will foster the nurturing of entrepreneurship on an international level, and create bases of education and research where international industry-university joint projects can be implemented. (3) One half of the lectures at the International University of Tokyo will be given in English in order to attract world-class quality students. Improvements will be made to the salaries of the teaching staff. 8. Transformation from a City Radiating from Center Core into a Loop City Currently, the vision for urban development of Tokyo (issued by Tokyo Metropolitan Government in October 2001) proposes a radial pattern megalopolis comprised of a center core and radiating roads, rather than a loop megalopolis. The relocation of a certain number of the functions of the capital will enable the greening of a portion of the Kasumigaseki government building area, and facilitate the achievement of a decentralized loop city. 9. Wards will be Upgraded to Cities In order to restructure Tokyo into a future-oriented multi-core metropolis, the wards will be upgraded to cities, and their authority and financial resources will be protected. This will lead to the dispersion of Tokyo into outlying regions, facilitating restructuring into a cutting edge metropolis that is a collection of unique small cities. 10. I will focus on democratic government with the metropolitan assembly, rather than close confidant- oriented government (like that of Governor Ishihara or Governor Asano), and maximize the producer and think-tank capabilities of the civil servants of Tokyo in order to proactively administrate the government. (Civil servants will be thought of as a vital resource rather than a workforce.) 11. Shrinking Policy-based Welfare and Medical Policy Will be Aggressively Promoted for the Future of Tokyo The population of Tokyo is expected to peak at 12.26 million in 2010, and then begin a downturn, decreasing by 500,000 by the year 2025. In the future, Tokyo will enter an age of a shrinking population, falling birthrate and an aging population. (1) Shrinking Policy (proactive policy where positive aspects are utilized) will be implemented. (2) Daytime and nighttime populations (population influx) will be thought of as a whole. 12. New Welfare Policy will be Created based on Shrinking Policy (To achieve this objective, the assets of the municipal government will be more effectively utilized and funds allocated for the Olympics will be applied.) (1) Welfare and medical facilities based on community self help and mutual assistance in each ward (city) will be created in place of large-scale national and metropolitan welfare programs, medical facilities and public services. For example, small welfare and medical facilities will be created in areas and shopping districts that have lost vitality. (2) Rather than building large public arts and cultural facilities, meeting halls, volunteer centers, support centers for the physically impaired, stages, multipurpose studios (for plays, dance, movies, art and other purposes) will be created in a challenge to rejuvenate shopping districts with the arts and culture. (3) Separate from large-scale medical facilities and high-tech medical research institutes of the past, small community-based health consultation centers, long life centers, examination centers, nursing care centers and hospices that provide warm and thoughtful service will be created in each ward (city). 13. Tokyo – A World City Tokyo is a world city where activity never stops. In the Internet age, the age of global finance, and the age of borderless corporate activities, it will become a 24-hour- a-day world city where real-time communications connect it with the other world cities, transcending time-zone differences. Policies and programs need to be formulated to transform Tokyo into a world city that is a new information center. 14. Symbiosis of Culture and Economy The industrial structures in the United States and Britain have already undergone large transformations, and creative industries and the creative class that keeps up with the arts, culture and technological innovation are driving the GDP. In addition to improvements in labor productivity, capital productivity and technological innovation proposed by the Abe Cabinet, the creativity of the arts and culture are the true keys to economic growth. This is why the symbiosis of culture and the economy is needed. This type of proactive policy with regard to the arts and culture is essential in facilitating sustainable economic growth when formulating urban development plans for Tokyo and all of Japan. 15. There is a disaster preparedness plan for Tokyo that was created in 1987 in which I played a central role. (Reference materials: Urgent Proposal for Revised Tokyo Disaster Plan) 16. License System Will be Established for the Opening of First-Class Architect Offices Due to the serious implications of the Aneha Case (involving falsification of structural calculations), the present registration system for first-class architect offices will be replaced with a license system. Currently, it is possible to open a first-class architect office if you have passed the national examination, and the city of Tokyo conducts virtually no examination. However, it is not possible establish a hospital or taxi company with a national doctor’s license or driver’s license, since both of these businesses have a serious impact on the lives of people. Therefore, a license system will be established for the opening of architect offices where strict examination is required since poor quality work can result in injury or the loss of life. 17. Assistance for the Preservation of Cultural Assets in Tokyo Assistance will be provided for the preservation of buildings of a class that represent important cultural assets (for which 35 years or more have elapsed since construction), including contemporary architecture. 18. Greening Will be Mandatory When Applying for Permit A minimum greening ratio will be established for the site, and this will be enforced when the application for the building permit is filed (ratio differs depending upon the area). Reference Documents for Manifest Urban Design, Kinokuniya Company Ltd., by Kisho Kurokawa, 1965 Homo Movens, Chuokoron Shinsha, by Kisho Kurokawa, 1989 Introduction to Urbanology, Shodensha, by Kisho Kurokawa, 1973 Philosophy of Symbiosis, Tokuma Shoten Publishing Co., Ltd., by Kisho Kurokawa, 1987 Das Kurokawa Manifest, jovis Verlag GmgH, Berlin, by Kisho Kurokawa, 2005 Revolution of City, Chuokoron Shinsha, by Kisho Kurokawa, 2006 |