New Year’s Greetings from the Mayor

Dear residents,

As Mayor of Minato City, I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year.

In 2009, the population of our city reached over 200,000 for the first time in 25 years. As for the state of public finance, the relentless initiatives for restoring the fiscal health of Minato City that we have implemented so far are maintaining sound and favorable conditions.

Against the backdrop of the current severe economic crisis, I have been actively engaged in initiatives to solve various issues surrounding Minato City, including the implementation of emergency economic measures aiming to pass along to city residents the benefits of our store of fiscal power.

As for measures to prevent the spread of influenza A (H1N1) that is threatening the safety of our residents, Minato City is engaged in initiatives that give the highest priority to the wellbeing and peace of mind of the people. Such as expansion of the subsidy for vaccination fees provided to the priority groups for vaccination determined by the central government and providing the first in all 23 cities in Tokyo subsidy that covers the full vaccination fee.

In the field of global warming countermeasures, a task of great urgency, Minato City has established its independent targets, and is proactively engaged in various initiatives in close cooperation with city residents and businesses, aiming to achieve a 25% reduction of CO2 emissions from the FY1990 levels by the FY2020.

In order to solve the issue with children waiting lists for childcare centers, in 2010 we will open the following emergency temporary childcare facilities: Takahama Childcare Room, Tamachi Childcare Room, and Seinan Childcare Room with a tentative name. Furthermore, Minato City will open a health and welfare facility with a 200-bed nursing home for senior citizens, “Arisu no Mori Minami-azabu,” in order to enable senior citizens to live without anxiety in their familiar surroundings.

Going forward, I will swiftly address all new challenges, and will continue to work for the realization of a friendly and creative community with the participation and cooperation of city residents.

I heartily wish all city residents a bright and joyful new year.

I greatly appreciate your cooperation and involvement in the city administration.