Tokyo as a Window for Global Japan: A Conversation with Governor Yuriko Koike

Listen to Event Audio

As a global trade and technology leader, Tokyo is a hub for international investment, innovative startups, and forward-thinking social and mobility infrastructure while Japan adapts to shifting demographic, immigration, and tourism trends.

Hudson’s Japan Chair will welcome Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike to give a keynote speech on the city’s role in Japanese engagement with the United States and the wider world. Following her address, the governor will sit down for a fireside chat with Japan Chair Kenneth R. Weinstein.

Event Transcript

This transcription is automatically generated and edited lightly for accuracy. Please excuse any errors.

Dr. Ken Weinstein:

Good morning, and welcome to Hudson Institute. I’m Ken Weinstein, Japan chair here at Hudson, and I am absolutely delighted to welcome the governor of Tokyo, the honorable Yuriko Koike to Hudson Institute this morning. This is actually the third time that we’ve tried to do this event, and going back six, or seven years, the first time it got canceled when a tsunami hit Tokyo, only to be rescheduled for March of 2020 when COVID hit. And so when there were these wild predictions on the internet a couple of weeks ago about a big earthquake hitting Japan, I usually ignore those things, but I was less skeptical than normal. Now, some here might consider the upper house elections yesterday in Japan, as nothing short of a political earthquake, but I’ll leave it to the governor herself to offer her own remarks this morning. She is, of course, simply a force of nature, re-elected to her third term as governor in July of 2024, having first been elected in 2016.

And in June, the political party for which she serves as senior advisor, Tomin first won the largest number of seats in the Tokyo assembly election, displacing the LDP. Now Tokyo is of course the world’s largest city. Under her governorship are not only the 23 wards of Central Tokyo, there were also two dozen cities, and towns west of the city, and a string of small islands stretching hundreds of miles to the Southeast, and the Pacific Ocean. And before becoming governor of Tokyo, of course, Koike Sensei was a well-known national newscaster who then was elected both to Japan’s upper house, and to its lower house. Three times she served as cabinet minister, as minister of the Environment, and minister of Defense, as well as special advisor to the Prime Minister on National Security. She is the first woman governor of Tokyo. She was the first woman to run for head of the LDP. She’s an independent, having left the LDP in 2017.

And as we know, Tokyo itself is a hub for international investment, innovative startups, forward-thinking, social, and mobility infrastructure, and simply a global trade, and technology leader. And Tokyo, at the same time, Japan is of course facing shifting demographics, immigration, and tourism trends. And so I am just absolutely delighted to finally be able to welcome Governor Koike to offer first her keynote remarks before we go into a discussion, a conversation on her city’s role in Japanese engagement with the United States, and the wider world. And so I would ask everyone to give a warm Hudson Institute welcome to Governor Koike.

Yuriko Koike:

Good, what time is it now? 11? Okay. Good morning everyone. Konnichiwa. To Dr. Kenneth Weinstein, Japan chair of Hudson Institute, I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude for inviting me today as the third time charm. Well, I’m so thrilled, and happy to be here as this is my very first time to come after I was elected as the Governor of Tokyo in 2026. And in this year marks the 80th anniversary, sorry, the anniversary of the end of World War II. And during this starting a new US-Japan relationship. And during this period, globalization has progressed rapidly as the flow of people, goods, and energy, resources, and capital continue to change. And it is only natural that the national interest should be prioritized. And yet, what is the reality? Unfortunately, discussions between nations remain focused on international trade negotiations, including tariffs, famous tariffs, and rather than addressing the pressing needs of our communities. Globalization has drastically changed the role of cities within the international community.

And unlike nations, cities can engage in dialogue, and practical cooperation without falling into geopolitical rivalries. By focusing on the people of the people in front of us, cities are uniquely capable of supporting one another through collaborative solutions. In recent years, natural disasters driven by climate change have been escalating annually. Example, include the flooding in Texas, and the wildfires in Los Angeles. My deepest condolences go out to the affected people, and these are common challenges that we must confront together. I believe that in the future, cities will need to collaborate to develop a network that addresses resilience to disasters. The 21st century is referred to as the ear of the cities, and negotiations on climate change are taking place on a country-by-country basis, and they have been discussing this century-spanning topic for years. However, disasters are happening right now before our eyes, and we cannot save the lives... We cannot save the lives of people unless we act, rather than just debating.

Recent technological advancements have been remarkable. Only cities that know the field best have the capabilities to improve existing systems, and adopt new technologies. In 2022, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government launched the global city network for sustainability called GNETS to provide a forum for major cities around the world to discuss common issues. In the future, I intend to address this global challenge, possibly by revisiting the GNETS framework to strengthen the collaboration of cities working to increase their resilience to climate change, and disasters. So, has the state lost his role? No, it has not. States still play a significant role, particularly in terms of security. And it’s fair to argue that this role is becoming increasingly important in East Asia. While the world’s attention has been focused on conflicts in the Middle East, and Ukraine, you may have noticed movements underway in East Asia aiming to expand their influence beyond the region.

For example, for instance, provocative actions in the South China Sea, and around Taiwan are becoming increasingly common, and these activities are spreading to Japan’s water. Last month, military exercises in the EEZ of Okinawa-Torishima Island in Tokyo are an example of this trend. Japan has entered an era in which it must seriously address security issues both domestically, and globally in all areas. In 2007, I became the very first Japanese female defense minister to visit the Ministry of Defense of India. This visit marked the beginning of the free, and open Indo-Pacific FOIP. Japan stands at the forefront of the power structure between liberalism, and authoritarianism. We now need to further strengthen our partnership with the United States, a country that shares our values while maintaining, and developing good relationship. And with ASEAN countries, and others around the world.

As one of the world’s largest cities, Tokyo is ready to lead this movement. The key word is capital defense. Even in an uncertain chaotic world, Japan is a socially stable country with entered democratic values. In particular, the Tokyo metropolitan area is home to approximately 30 million residents, and boasts a huge economic zone, disaster resilience, safe water, clean streets, and advanced transportation system. You can enjoy coffee less than $2.00. Starbucks coffee, S size, and Tokyo is also blessed with a unique culture, and arts originated in Edo, former Tokyo, that continues to fascinate the world. From a market perspective, a few cities in the world possesses the level of potential of Tokyo, making it a truly exceptional opportunity. So, competitions among are mirrored in competitions among cities. We believe the key to growth of a city, and ultimately a nation is acting strategically with a broad perspective that spans both time, and space. Japan’s strength lies in its advanced technology. For a country like Japan, which is scarce in natural resources, securing energy is a lifeline.

The thing bendable next generation solar cells, this is it developed by a Japanese university professor, have the potential to solve this problem, and be a game changer. You can install on the wall too, or even the rooftop of a car. So, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is strongly supporting the development, and widespread use of this innovation. Innovative technologies. Food security is also a critical issue. By leveraging Tokyo’s technological strength, we aim to expand agri-tech, which combines agriculture, and technology. Technological development is also only possible through innovation. AI is advancing at the pace for beyond what we expected a few years ago, and it may surpass human intelligence in the near future. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is promoting various initiatives to nurture startups, and encourage innovations, and growth. At the same core of our efforts is sushi...

PART 1 OF 4 ENDS [00:14:04]

Yuriko Koike:

... same core of our efforts is SusHi Tech, sustainable high-tech, S-U-S plus H-I is SusHi. I’m called Madam Sushi, by the way. SusHi Tech sounds tastier, does it? And this May, in just three years, the event has grown to become one of the largest startup conferences in Asia. At Tokyo Innovation Base, TIB, where domestic and international startups and their supporters coverage celebrated its first anniversary last November. And TIB hosts events daily and fueling enthusiasm of entrepreneurs. And it has already welcomed over 200,000 visitors.

To promote such initiatives, it is important to obtain funding to support them. And last June, the Japanese government designated Tokyo as a special zone for financial and asset management businesses. And we will eliminate language barriers and reduce the obstacles to immigration and invest by providing support to highly specialized foreign personnel and their families in their daily lives. We are also working to leverage the power of finance, amounting to 900 million US dollars, including the Tokyo Residence Bond, a foreign bond specifically designed for resilience in initiatives. By attracting global funds seeking opportunities in Tokyo, we aim to establish our presence as a leading international financial center in Asia.

We also aim to refine technologies that promote resilience globally. Tokyo is making significant progress in becoming an appealing city where funds, people, technology, and information come together from other countries. These are turbulent times and the world is in a state of uncertainty and chaos. Japan’s longstanding tradition of building friendly relations with many countries in position to make significant contributions. Among other cities, as one of the largest in the world, Tokyo is collaborating globally with leaders in other major cities to exchange information and share technical expertise.

I vision a multi-city lateral network, distinctive from traditional multi-lateral approaches, functioning to protect the lives and livelihoods for ordinary people by overcoming urban disasters which impact them daily in the world. Japan must broaden its perspective and engage more with the world. Tokyo has the ability to contribute to this global outreach, and I believe that the world experts expect us to fulfill this mission. The United States and Japan, the United States, and Tokyo. As governor of Tokyo, I’m committed to taking on challenges to meet growing expectations of the city. Thank you very much for your attention. [foreign language 00:18:16].

Dr. Ken Weinstein:

Governor, I want to thank you for those characteristically ambitious and farsighted remarks. It is something that is reflective of both your stature and also the stature of your city. I thought I would offer a few questions to you and to get your thoughts following on your remarks.

Now, you have been, on August 1st, that will mark nine years since you first became governor of Tokyo. And as you head into almost a decade in office, just wondering what you have learned in that time period about governing one of the world’s largest cities. What are you most proud of among your achievements? And are there things you would do differently?

Yuriko Koike:

Well, over this period, I have come to strongly believe that no matter how large a city may be, its foundation is always the people. So the strengths of Tokyo’s 14 million residents plus 3 million commuters every day. And those 14 million residents underpins the city’s economy, industry, infrastructure, transportation, culture, and all other activities. So no policy can advance without the empathy of the people.

Do you remember Cool Biz? Cool Biz is a national campaign in 2005 when I was the minister of the environment, along with Koizumi-san at the time, we started this campaign to take off your neck ties and where much lighter suit to suit the temperature and the weather in Tokyo. It’s hot and it’s so humid. Why do you people wear complicated things? And as a result, a working lady, working office hour from 9:00 to 5:00, they had to work in the refrigerator. So they were wearing blanket over the knees and put on the thick cardigans and so on. It’s really ridiculous, this is what I thought.

So Cool Biz initiative that I introduced as a minister of the environment, along with the child care support measures that are currently advancing have garnered significant support precisely with the public. And this is no time to dwell on the past. And we are at a major turning point. And there is much to be done for the people of Tokyo. Talking about child-rearing, it’s called iku-kyu. Iku-kyu means rest, to child-rearing and leaving from the office for a while, it’s called iku-kyu, but kyu means take rest. People feel sorry for other businessmen working seriously every day. So I changed the word from iku-kyu to iku-gyo. Gyo is a task or mission.

So the child rearing is such a wonderful task, so I changed the word to make it iku-kyu to iku-gyo. In 2015, the number of those who take the iku-kyu was 4.9% or something. But today it’s almost tenfold by using just the mindset. Cool Biz is also, it’s a mindset. I was almost sued by the necktie company, by the way. So there is no time to dwell on the past and we are at a major turning point today. And there is much to be done for the people of Tokyo. And I must look forward to Tokyo’s bright future for wholeheartedly devote myself to my admission.

Dr. Ken Weinstein:

Thank you. You talk about Cool Biz. As I mentioned before, I was in Tokyo last week. I remember when Cool Biz was introduced and we had a conference on US-Japan-India trilateral relations in Tokyo in July of 2006. And I remember various members showing up without neckties when we were all there in our neckties. And just every day I had the pleasure of going both to the show without a necktie on. So thank you.

Wish I could have done that this morning, but that’s not our policy here. We’re Uncool Biz, if anything at Hudson. Let me ask you, as you look around the world and you’ve talked about the network of local officials you want to create and the cities you want to create, are there other subnational leaders, governors, mayors in either Japan or overseas, whom you look to as models? People you’ve gotten to know or people you knew, you looked at before you came into office?

Yuriko Koike:

Well, thank you very much for such a nice question for me. When asked the question, may I list two?

Dr. Ken Weinstein:

Sure.

Yuriko Koike:

Okay. Two pioneers come to my mind immediately. First, Ozaki Yukio, Ozaki Gakudo, the second mayor of Tokyo City. At that time, mayor was appointed and the second mayor of Tokyo City was Ozaki Yukio. Although our governance system has evolved counting from his time, I’m honored to serve as the 23rd. Oh sorry, 32, 32nd Sushi, Madame Sushi, person to the governor of Tokyo. And as for Ozaki, he was instrumental in establishing parliamentary government in its infancy at a time when our county was beginning its march toward modernity. So he’s a man of history.

The cherry blossoms, famous cherry blossoms that grace the banks of the Potomac River every spring are beautiful reminder of the friendship between Japan and the United States. And every time the Queen of Sakura visit my office, and over a century ago, Japan donated these trees as a symbol of peace and goodwill. He played a pivotal role in making this generous gift possible. And even today, the Sakura, cherry blossom trees keep people’s mind so peaceful and happy. Though cherry blossoms still bloom today and representing the continuing bond of friendship between the United States and Japan, do you agree? And as a governor of Tokyo, every time I see the cherry blossoms, I am reminded of his hopes of strengthening the bonds between our two nations and keep our people closely linked in both now and in the future.

Two, another legend I dearly respect is Gotō Shinpei. Gotō Shinpei is also a very historical person, and he’s the seventh mayor of Tokyo City, appointed. A century ago, Tokyo was devastated by a massive earthquake, Kantō daishinsai, under immense distraction. Gotō Shinpei demonstrated strong leadership, guiding the city’s recovery and reconstruction efforts. He developed a grand reconstruction plan looking ahead 50 to 100 years, and promoted the construction of major arterial roads and the fireproofing of the cities. Gotō laid the foundation for the modern megalopolis, Tokyo. And he is a great forefather who taught me the importance-

Yuriko Koike:

A great forefather who taught me the importance of having a bird eye. And just for your information, Goto Shinpei is almost the founder of Japanese Boy Scouts, and I was a Girl Scout and the motto of the scouts is be prepared. When I was a defense minister, my motto was be prepared. And as the mayor, the governor of Tokyo, my motto is, be prepared. Such a wonderful word related to Goto Shinpei. So our primary concern is people and as well as second and the third. This is very famous phrase from Goto Shinpei. I really adore him. And Dr. Charles Baird, professor at Columbia University was a good advisor to Goto at that time. And Dr. Baird’s words, “So my dear friend, built not for today, but for eternity,” may have supported Goto during the extremely difficult time, difficult reconstruction process. So I’m delighted to find glimpses of the intimate history between Tokyo and the United States. Not only cherry blossom, but also in this episode.

Dr. Ken Weinstein:

Thank you. That’s very inspiring. And I think it also gives those of us here some insights into who you are as a person and as a leader. Now you’ve talked about restoring Japan’s presence on the global stage, and you’ve invited organizations such as the UN Security Council, the World Health Organization, the OECD to Tokyo. And in what ways would you like these global organizations to help you achieve the objective of restoring Japan’s presence on the global stage and beyond?

Yuriko Koike:

Yes, this is also very awesome question. And this is a matter of national diplomacy, of course. And properly speaking, it is not appropriate for Tokyo to intervene. This is the base. However, I’m concerned that Japan has become too inward-looking and narrow-minded over the past 30 years. Well, the time of deflation and partly due to persistent deflation. And this may now be the case worldwide. My friend Mr. Ian Bremmer, he’s a very good friend of mine, and often refers to this new era of as a G-Zero era. However, I believe that the global community recognizing Tokyo’s multifaceted roles and immense potential, and I discussed the possibility of inviting global organizations to Tokyo, viewing this as a prime opportunity to Japan to regain its prominent position of the world stage. And as I mentioned, 80 years have passed since the United Nations was established. And needless to say, the United Nations consists of victorious nations.

Japan once listed under the enemy close of the United UN Charter up till today, no change. And this was far from being considered host for its headquarters. The idea would have been seen unimaginable then. And in these turbulent times, we need a change of course. And to that end, we need new ideas that are not tied to the past as I mentioned before. Japan continues to make substantial contribution to the United Nations. And as I mentioned earlier, Japan is located on the geopolitical border, establishing an institution that transcends national frameworks in this region will draw the international community’s attention to East Asia. And this will ultimately demonstrate Japan’s commitment to freedom or order during this time of the fragmentation. And if this moment speaks an opportunity to promote international cooperation. There could be no better outcome. So as a governor of Tokyo, it all depends on the national government of Japan and all international community. But Tokyo are ready to support by all means, as Mr. Rockefeller II did.

Dr. Ken Weinstein:

Great. Well, thank you. I think there’s some in the United States who would not be offended if the United Nations were to move to Japan, but that’s go into that at this point. Let me ask you, you talked about the period of deflation. Of course, during the bubble era, Japan was route to becoming not just a regional, but a global financial hub, if not the global financial hub. And now with corporate governance reform leading to major inbound investment in Japan and a greater focus on outbound investment along with growing security concerns for other markets, Tokyo is well positioned to, again, become a leading financial hub. It’s a strategic... I’m just wondering, what is the path to you towards for Japan to become a global financial hub? Is this a priority for you? How do you see it?

Yuriko Koike:

Tokyo is striving become Asia’s innovation and financial hub for sustainable society by emphasizing sustainable finance, conducting business in English, and innovation. And as engineers, researchers, and other highly skilled professionals become more mobile and it is increasingly important to attract talent, technology, and investment from abroad to Tokyo. So in cooperation with various countries, we will work to become a leading city in sustainable finance. And we will steadily improve the business and living environment to global standards and build a foundation in Tokyo for creating new industries that can compete on a global scale. And I would like to promote Tokyo as the world’s most resilient and sustainable city, an ideal place for business and an attractive place to visit and live. And before I jumped into the politics, I was the newscaster, introducing the daily financial situations of Tokyo, London, and New York. So I’m very acquainted to this community.

Dr. Ken Weinstein:

It’s funny, every person I know in the world of finance who’s moved to Tokyo with their families there, they find the center of living extraordinary. The ability to let their children take the subway.

Yuriko Koike:

Alone.

Dr. Ken Weinstein:

Alone at whatever age, going to stores. Just last week I was in Lawson’s, I guess, and I’m trying to remember what neighborhood I was in. It was really quite striking. Young kids walked in who would never walk into that kind of a store in any major city in the United States, unaccompanied by an adult.

Yuriko Koike:

So safe.

Dr. Ken Weinstein:

Yeah, it’s really incredible. One of the most exciting developments in Tokyo in the last few years, and you alluded to it in your remarks, is the rise of this startup culture both in Japan and in Tokyo more broadly, that is increasingly drawing top graduates from Japan’s major universities. What can Tokyo do more to incubate the startup culture?

Yuriko Koike:

Well, Tokyo is striving to become Asia’s innovation and finance. And many students in Japan have the potential to play an active role in the world. And to encourage them to take on global challenges, Tokyo developed a startup strategy and innovation vision aiming to increase the number of startups and unicorns with five years. And I pledged to contribute $1 billion in five years. And over the first three years, the total budget already exceeded $900 million. So the goal is within reach and Tokyo Innovation Base, as I informed you, was established to become a node for international innovation. And it hosts various events daily, very interesting, that attract participants from the global innovation ecosystem, including students with an entrepreneurial mindset. And the exchange circles keep on expanding. And some of them are called Itamae. Itamae means chef, Sushitech must go with chef. Chef, young star chef and startups. So your dining table is ready.

And Sushitech Tokyo has grown to become one of the largest startup conferences in Asia, as I told you. And it brings together startups, investors, and large corporations from around the world to explore the future from a global perspective. And based on these platforms, we will launch a new project, Sushitech Global. Not Japan, not Tokyo, but Sushitech Global and to support startups by providing intensive funding and human resources this fiscal year. So we are expanding the project. And while in Silicon Valley, the UAE and France and Saudi Arabia, maybe. I had the opportunity to speak with many key players in the innovation ecosystem and noticed an increase in active Japanese entrepreneurs. I’m committed to accelerating our efforts even farther to create startups that operate globally. They’re very active these days.

Dr. Ken Weinstein:

And one of the things, I was at the DSEI conference in Tokyo in, I guess it was in May, and it was striking the number of Japanese startups in the defense sector, in the autonomous vehicles and the like. It really marked a major shift, something that five years ago I wouldn’t have expected to see. So hats off. Let me ask. During COVID, one of the press often reported on younger Japanese deciding to leave Tokyo for a simpler, less expensive life in rural Japan.

And I think that it presents obviously opportunities for young people, but also a challenge for Tokyo with its relatively high cost of living compared to the rest of the country, relatively smaller housing accommodations, unfortunately. What do you need to do to try to keep people from fleeing or leaving to the countryside where land is abundant and housing prices are cheaper? Do you view that as a challenge and how do you deal with it?

Yuriko Koike:

Well, people are free to choose where they live, and it’s not something the government controls. However, whether there is a job, a place to live, or the opportunity to pursue self-fulfillment, vital for making that choice. That’s why we have boosted policy that focus on each person, including children, women, and the elderly. Well, I think today’s expense or cost of living in Tokyo is not as expensive as before. I mentioned that the Starbucks coffee, regular coffee size, S, is almost-

Yuriko Koike:

Coffee size S is almost only $2. It’s so, so inexpensive, I think most inexpensive in the world today. Well, still the size of the house is not so big as here you can find the mansions. But we call it ordinary apartment as mansion, by the way, in Japanese it’s not far from the real mansion. But anyway, the living environment is getting better and better. And regarding the housing issue you mentioned, besides our existing policies such as the metropolitan and other public housing, we will establish a new public-private partnership fund. We will utilize the private sector’s expertise and ingenuity to provide affordable housing. This is for the Japanese youngsters living in Tokyo, and this affordable housing, which includes utilizing the 900,000 vacant homes in Tokyo because of the demography matters and the number of population, and most of the cities in Japan are declining. But as for Tokyo, still the number of population is almost the same as before, or it’s a little more increasing, this is the current situation. But anyway, it’s important to proceed with the comprehensive policies that support people from various perspectives. Yes.

Dr. Ken Weinstein:

All right, thank you. And talking about demographics, how do the changing demographic patterns in Japan, obviously the aging of the population, immigration, which was obviously an issue in this election, growing tourism, it’s been remarkable since COVID the amount of tourism in Tokyo, the hotel prices for those of us who are not residents of the city, it’s the one thing that is actually expensive in Tokyo. Everything else is from clothes to food, far less expensive. How does that weigh on the future of Tokyo? How do you think about these issues as you try to maintain that bird’s eye view, you mentioned earlier?

Yuriko Koike:

Oh well, yes. We had foreseen this decades ago and now we have reached a point where it can no longer be put off. However, I’m not persistent at all and rather I see this as an opportunity to evolve Tokyo into a city where growth and maturity coexist. And take population decline, for example. In Japan, the majority of children are born within wedlock. So to have more children, we need more marriages. And therefore we begun an initiative to support those who want to get married by creating a matchmaking up that uses AI. And this is very popular now. In just nine months since it’s launched, approximately 20,000 people have registered and 40 couples who met through the app have actually tied knots. But of course, 40 is not enough. But without making registration, there have more cases to get married.

And moreover, by providing seamless support from pregnancy and childbirth to child care, we fully support those who wish to have children. And faced with the declining workforce, the key lies in the power of women. And in the latest Gender Gap Index released by the World Economic Forum annually, Japan ranks, oh, what a shame, 118th out of 148 countries. It’s a shame. And mindset is crucial, and we have established a network of female mayors and governors across Japan and are promoting the Women in Action Initiative at home and abroad.

We are also working on an ordinance that could bring about game-changing shift in women’s empowerment in Japan. As we promote international finance, we are relaxing visa regulations for foreign nationals and enhancing support in English, and while also focusing on attracting highly skilled foreign talent. We also need to create a society where people can live healthy and live vibrant lives even as they age.

The premium college program launched at the Tokyo Metropolitan University, which affiliated to TMG, was extremely popular and with applications exceeding three times that capacity. And there is even a student over 80 years old. So we have also established system that enable indeed individuals to keep contributing to society with their knowledge and expertise. So these are common issues for cities around the world and Tokyo aims to serve as a forefront runner and swiftly show models for addressing these challenges.

Dr. Ken Weinstein:

Excellent. Good. Let me wrap up with one last question here and just wondering, I know that you have been here, so you were not in Japan yesterday for the results of the Upper House election. And just wondering and understating that obviously the situation is changing as fluid, we’re still getting reports on the number of seats and all this. What do you see as the implications and how does Tokyo fit into all of this?

Yuriko Koike:

Well, in sense it’s the will of the voters naturally. But now at the world’s major turning point, Japan is in a critical phase where we must seriously discuss how this should be and our role in the international community. And despite this, it’s a pity that during the election for choosing the Upper House members with a six year tenure, there were no substantive discussions on long-term issues like national security, unfortunately. Time waits for no one and the pace of change is accelerating. And we’ll closely monitor how the government navigates the nation within the new power dynamics in the national diet and how it responds to the expectation of the international community.

Actually before the House of Councilors election, the Tokyo Assembly election took place, almost three weeks ahead. And the agenda of the Tokyo Assembly elections’ agenda, quite similar to six years terms of Upper House election agenda. So while, the world is so changing and as for the mission of the six years term Upper House membership, I wish that the agenda over the election should be more international one and more future looking one. But the candidates were talking about how the monthly expense does not cover the needs. Well, this is well important thing because the people are seeking better life.

But as per the Upper House mission is more wider and more international and more future looking. So this, I’m not happy with the recent Upper House election. But as a result, I hope that the stable but seeking future development together, after this House of Councils election, we would like to hope this keeping this stability, and at the same time developing for the future looking society.

Dr. Ken Weinstein:

Well, thank you Governor. I think we waited six years to do this.

Yuriko Koike:

Oh yeah.

Dr. Ken Weinstein:

Well worth the wait. I think all of us here really got a good sense of not simply who you are as a policy person, but who you are as a human being. How you think about problems, how you think about role models and how you think about Tokyo’s role in the world and your own. And I am just deeply grateful to you, to your team for pulling this off.

I also want to thank the Hudson Institute team, Dr. William Chou, the Deputy Director of the Japan Chair. Talia Magnuson from our public affairs team, Victoria Miller from our programs team and the others at Hudson, Joel Scanlon, our executive vice president who’s back there and all of my colleagues here at Hudson as well you for an extremely enlightening conversation.

Yuriko Koike:

Thank you very much, Dr. Weinstein. Thank you for everyone of the Hudson Institute. And I’d like to apologize for the two cancellations before.

Dr. Ken Weinstein:

Well, no, we’re on a streak. We’re on a roll now. So we’re going to do this again. We’re no longer superstitious. Thank you.

Yuriko Koike:

Thank you-