Two of the major contenders in Tokyo’s gubernatorial election have both been talking about “reform” since announcing their candidacies.
They have now presented their dueling visions for the future in policy platforms ahead of Thursday’s start to the official campaign period.
Incumbent governor Koike Yuriko says she will expand Tokyo’s free childcare program to start with the first child, instead of the second. She also plans to subsidize the cost of painless childbirth procedures.
Koike said: ” will put forward measures to protect Tokyo residents and the future of the city. want to quickly carry out these policies, for the people of Tokyo, with the people of Tokyo.”
Koike says she will launch a hospital that specializes in dementia treatment as part of her elderly care policy.
She also aims to improve natural disaster preparedness by introducing safety measures in densely populated areas full of wooden structures. And she says she will push for power lines to be buried underground to eliminate the need for utility poles.
Upper House lawmaker Renho says she will enact an ordinance requiring contractors hired by the Tokyo government to improve working conditions for their employees.
She also says she will establish a rent subsidy program for households with many children that are exempt from the residence tax.
Renho said: ” will implement genuine, sweeping reforms in Tokyo. I will increase choices for young people and create a transparent administration.”
Renho says she will introduce administrative and inancial reforms through a third-party review system that examines all Tokyo government projects.
She also plans to reassess environmental evaluations conducted for the redevelopment of the Meiji Jingu Gaien area. The project was approved by the Tokyo government, but has faced opposition due to the proposed clearing of trees in the area.
About 50 people have expressed their intention to run in the race. That includes former mayor of Akitakata City in Hiroshima Prefecture Ishimaru Shinji, TV personality Shimizu Kuniaki, and former Air Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Tamogami Toshio.
Voters will head to the polls on July 7.