National Feb 2, 2020
Tokyo tests reward points linked to U.N. sustainable development goals
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is experimenting with offering reward points to citizens who engage in activities that are in line with U.N. sustainable development goals. The initiative, slated to run through fiscal 2020, is part of efforts to motivate people to contribute to society as ...
National Feb 2, 2020
'Wash your hands': Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike calls for coronavirus precautions ahead of Olympics
Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike called on residents on Sunday to wash their hands and wear surgical masks to prevent the spread of a new coronavirus which has infected thousands around the world as the city prepares to host the 2020 Olympics. "This is one of ...
National Jan 28, 2020
Olympic preparations putting damper on work for Tokyo gubernatorial election
Administrative work related to the Tokyo gubernatorial election in July has been affected by preparations for the Summer Olympics starting later that month. Four of Tokyo's 23 central wards — Bunkyo, Sumida, Shinagawa and Ota — said they have decided to change ballot-counting facilities for ...
National Jan 26, 2020
Ambitious Zero Emission Tokyo plan wins praise, but begs for action
by Ryusei Takahashi
Just days before the new year, Gov. Yuriko Koike revealed the Zero Emission Tokyo Strategy, the capital's long-awaited plan to eliminate carbon emissions, transition to renewable energy and take the lead in the fight against global warming. "Around the world, we see that cities are ...
National Jan 23, 2020
Preparing for the worst: How Tokyo will respond to an Olympic quake
by Richard Carter and Miwa Suzuki
It's 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, July 26, and excitement is building at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre as the first swimming medals go up for grabs. Nearby at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre, U.S. superstar Simone Biles is warming up for her first appearance of the ...
National / Science & Health Dec 27, 2019
'Zero Emission Tokyo Strategy' spells out capital's plan to take on global climate crisis
by Oscar Boyd
Tucked into the tail end of the decade was Friday's release of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's "Zero Emission Tokyo Strategy," which unveils a blueprint for achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. In the strategy, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government states that it recognizes a ...
Business Dec 3, 2019
In divisive move, large-volume fish trade set to be liberalized at Tokyo's Toyosu market
A divisive deregulation is on the horizon at Tokyo's Toyosu wholesale food market, with rules that limit large-volume fish purchases to intermediate wholesalers, select major supermarkets and other certified entities expected to be removed in June 2020. The move is among measures announced by the ...
Olympics Oct 24, 2019
Tokyo government mulls proposing 2020 Olympic marathon start at 3 a.m.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is considering proposing that the 2020 Olympic marathons and race walking events start at 3 a.m. or 5 a.m. in an attempt to prevent them from being moved to Sapporo, officials said Thursday. Amid increasing worry about the impact of the ...
Business / Tech Oct 15, 2019
Tokyo Vice Gov. Manabu Miyasaka, a former president of Yahoo Japan Corp., has vowed to spread 5G advanced wireless communications services. In a recent interview, Miyasaka, who assumed his current post late last month, unveiled a plan to work on spreading 5G so that individuals ...
Business Jul 22, 2019
Thousands take part in trial as Tokyo eyes easing traffic jams, commuting crowds during 2020 Games
The private-public initiative combines telecommuting, extra trains and staggered work hours to see if Tokyo’s notorious congestion can be reduced for the Olympics.
National Jun 12, 2019
Tokyo government ridiculed for mistake suggesting mascot supports child abuse
A Tokyo government website tasked with tackling child abuse unintentionally appeared to do the exact opposite, when a caption under an image of a mascot skipped a vital word, government officials acknowledged Wednesday. The caption displayed beneath an image of the metropolitan government's official anti-child ...