On January 11, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and 14 organizations including the Tokyo Bar Association and Tokyo Land and Building Surveyors Association concluded the Agreement on Support for Community Reconstruction after an Earthquake, under which legal consultations and advice will be provided to victims of earthquakes following such a disaster. This agreement aims to ensure preparation for the aftermath of an earthquake disaster through collaboration between the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and experts from normal times. This is based on the lessons learned from the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995 in which reconstruction was delayed due to complicated land and building rights adjustments. On this day, representatives from 14 organizations gathered to sign the first such agreement in Japan with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Photo: Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara (on right) and Tokyo Bar Association Chairman Keisuke Yoshioka (on left) exchange agreements.

On January 19 Governor Shintaro Ishihara observed Internet auctions on large monitors set up in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Taxation. The governor appeared satisfied as the prices of assets seized from delinquent metropolitan taxpayers were bid upward over time. This was the 15th such auction event, and 47 of the 65 items put up for action were sold, including a dish made by Rosanjin Kitaoji (one of Japan's most acclaimed potters, 1883-1959) and a “yakatabune” (literally “ roof-shaped boats”, these are flat bottomed boats where passengers can enjoy food and drink served Japanese-style on low tables set upon tatami mats). (The items were bought for approximately 19.82 million yen, about 1.7 times the estimated price.)

Testing with the general public of the Tokyo Ubiquitous Technology Project in Ginza began on January 21. The project will allow people to acquire location and time-specific shopping and tourist information via portable devices and camera-equipped cellular phones as they stroll around Ginza. Governor Shintaro Ishihara and others attended an opening ceremony held on January 20 prior to the start of testing. “Ubiquitous” in this case means “information and communications technology can be used anywhere at any time.” The testing, geared towards achieving practical use of the technology, will be conducted through to March 10.

The annual Ome Daruma Doll Fair was held on January 12. For the event, stalls are set up along an approximately 600 meter stretch of Kyu-Ome Kaido Avenue near Ome Station. For one day over a short six-hour period starting at 1:30 p.m. venders work themselves into a feverish trance of sales pitches as they vigorously sell the Daruma dolls which are talismans of good luck (The doll's face has a mustache and beard but its eyes only contain the color white. Using black one paints in an eye while making a wish. Should the wish come true later, the second eye is painted in). Approximately 13,000 people turned out for this year's fair. There was some lighthearted bargaining as many customers visit the same stalls each year to ask for discounts.

The Tokyo Marathon 2007, Japan's first large-scale marathon through central Tokyo, took place on February 18 with the participation of 30,870 runners (including those participating in the 10 kilometer race). The runners started sequentially from 9:05 a.m. at the front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and headed toward the finish line at Tokyo Big Sight of the Tokyo Waterfront City. The 10 kilometer race ended in Hibiya Park. The 42.195 kilometer route took top athletes and citizen runners through the Imperial Palace Plaza, Ginza and Asakusa. Despite a cold rain, which started in the morning, approximately 1.38 million spectators lined the roads to cheer them on. 29,852 athletes completed the race, and many of them spoke enthusiastically about their experience running through downtown Tokyo. Traffic control for the marathon involved blocking traffic in approximately 600 locations. The restrictions lasted as long as six and a half hours in some places, but there was no major confusion. Photo: Wheelchair athletes start at the sound of the signal gun as 30,000 runners await the next signal.

Photo: Athletes running near the Ginza 4-chome intersection

Photo: Daniel Njenga of Kenya, who won the men's race with a time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, 45 seconds.

Photo: Costumed runner strikes a pose after completing the marathon.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has built a fisheries research guidance vessel called “Koyo” to study the waters from the Ogasawara Islands to the Okinotorishima Islands, rich with valuable marine resources. A ceremony to celebrate the boat's completion was held on March 8 at the Ariake Ferry Terminal in Koto Ward. The “Koyo” is 33 meters in length, weighs 87 tons, and has a top speed of 14 knots. Equipped with the latest sonar and observation equipment, it has an outstanding capacity to conduct research. The “Koyo” will be based at a port on Chichijima Island and will be a capable force in the development of fishing grounds in the waters around Chichijima Island up to the Okinotorishima Islands approximately 910 kilometers away.

On March 12, an enormous sand sculpture 3 meters tall and 5.5 meters wide appeared in front of the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan in Ueno Park. The sculpture, which was made by sand sculptor Katsuhiko Chaen at the request of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, depicted a scene from opera Tannhauser which was performed at the “Tokyo Opera Nomori 2007” music festival held from March 15 to April 4 at the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan and other venues. Approximately 60 tons of sand was used for the sculpture. The overwhelming presence of the work had park visitors stopping and getting out their cameras.

Ahead of the “Hachijo Island Freesia Festival” from March 21 to April 8 this year, a caravan carrying with it the warmth of spring paid a visit to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building on March 16. The caravan, headed by the mayor of Hachijo and composed of Miss Hachijo Island, “freesia girls” and other participants, handed out lovely freesia flowers from the southern island at the Citizens' Plaza, proclaiming the arrival of spring.

Early March saw the Japanese plum trees in full bloom at Ume-no-Koen Park in Ome City. This is the “Yoshino Baigo” district - the greatest spot in Tokyo to view plum-blossoms. The area's extensive groves, which stretch 4 kilometers from east to west, were filled with the fragrance of 25,000 old and young plum trees. This year's warm winter had the flowers blooming around two weeks earlier than usual. The beautiful white, pink, and red flowers covering the mountain slope like a veil were a magnificent site to behold.

On April 1, the first three “Kodomo-en” daycare-kindergarten facilities opened in Tokyo. These accredited centers offer parenting support by providing both child care and educational functions. One of these facilities, “Shinjuku Ward Yotsuya Kodomo-en” opened in a section of Yotsuya Elementary School and currently cares for 147 children from ages 0 to 5. The center maintains a policy to provide children with a rich variety of experience through interaction with the elementary school students and aims to be a daycare-kindergarten open to the local community.

Kameido Tenjin Shrine of Koto-ku held its annual Fuji Matsuri (Wisteria Festival) from April 21 to May 6. Approximately 300,000 festival goers made their way over Taikobashi bridge and around the pond enjoying the white and purple wisteria flowers. The long clusters of splendorous wisteria within Kameido Tenjin Shrine have earned the name “The Goshaku Fuji of Kameido” (goshaku is measurement for length, about 1.5 meters). These wisteria flowers, adored by the people of Edo, have also been depicted in ukiyoe art by artist Hiroshige. Blessed with excellent weather on April 26, spectators were drawn to the shrine by the sweet fragrance of the 15 trellises of 100 wisteria plants.

Marking the commencement of Governor Ishihara's third term on April 23, the Governor made rounds to each of the bureaus within the Tokyo Metropolitan Government office to greet the staff. The Governor gave words of encouragement, saying, “Tokyo's civil servants are not 'local government employees' but are, indeed, 'staff of the capital of Japan.' Tokyo is the heart of our nation, and I want you all to work with confidence.” Photo: Governor Ishihara greeting staff at the Bureau of Construction.

“Myth of Tomorrow,” the giant mural by Taro Okamoto is on special exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo in Koto-ku. The opening reception for this work was held on April 27. Considered to be a counterpart to “Tower of the Sun,” another one of Okamoto's works, this piece is a representation of the instant the atomic bomb exploded. The massive work is Okamoto's largest masterpiece, measuring 5.5 meters high and 30 meters long. In his speech before the tape cut, Governor Ishihara stated “I am delighted that this piece in which Taro Okamoto portrays his view of one of man's insane creations, the atomic bomb, has come to be displayed here.” This special exhibit will continue until April 13 of next year. Photo: Governor Ishihara (center) cutting the tape with other guests.

A newly designed retro train car has been introduced to the Toei Streetcar (Toden) Arakawa Line, and began operating on May 27. The car's early Showa era (late 1920s) design is at once “nostalgic and new.” Accessibility for the disabled, environmental measures, and safety were also given consideration in its construction. Along with the introduction of this car, the Bureau of Transportation has also remodeled Minowabashi Station giving it a late 1950s feel, aiming to improve the Toei Streetcar's image and at the same time increase the vitality of the area along the line where the streetcar runs.

Moving ahead towards full-fledged bid activities for the 2016 Summer Olympics, the Tokyo 2016 Olympic Games Bid Committee on May 24 appointed Mr. Senichi Hoshino (former professional baseball player/manager, and manager of the Japanese national baseball team for the 2008 Beijing Olympics), Ms. Yuko Arimori (former Olympic marathon silver and bronze medalist), and Mr. Yasuhiro Yamashita (former Olympic gold medalist in Judo) as Tokyo 2016 Bid Ambassadors. The three ambassadors, in their role as the “spokesteam” that will articulate the benefits of sports and the dream of holding the Olympics in Tokyo, will participate in various promotion activities as the representatives of the bid campaign. Photo: “The city's future is in your hands. We are counting on you.” Governor Ishihara entrusts the Tokyo 2016 Bid Ambassadors with their task

On May 15 the Bureau of Taxation held an event in Ikebukuro and a street campaign in around ten dozen locations throughout Tokyo. This year, publicity centered on raising awareness of the change in the individual inhabitant tax rates in line with the shift in tax revenue sources, in addition to encouraging Tokyo residents to pay their taxes within the prescribed period. At the Ikebukuro event venue, celebrity Ms. Nishida Hikaru made an appearance as Head of the Bureau of Taxation for a Day, and engaged in various promotional activities including learning along with other participants in a tax education class about the transfer in tax revenue sources.

The rose garden in Chofu City's Jindai Shokubutsu Botanical Park is now at its best. On this day, the rain having just stopped and with the sun showing its face, park visitors were enchanted by the vividly enhanced colors of the flowers and their sweet aromatic fragrance. This rose garden, the largest in Tokyo, boasts 5,100 rose bushes of 274 varieties. When the current first-blooming roses fade, the next will begin to bloom, allowing visitors to enjoy the flowers up to the end of June.

On June 26, a signing ceremony for the 2011 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships was held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Representing the event's host city, Governor Ishihara signed the agreement along with Mr. Bruno Grandi, President of the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique, and Mr. Hidenori Futagi, President of the Japan Gymnastic Association. While Governor Ishihara expressed pleasure that Tokyo was chosen to host the 2011 Championships stating, “This is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the hosting abilities of Japan's capital, Tokyo, and we intend to cooperate to the fullest extent,” he was also mindful of promoting Tokyo's bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. Photo: Officials gather around Governor Ishihara for a picture after the signing

On June 8, astronaut Mr. Akihiko Hoshide, a native of Setagaya ward and a crewmember of the space shuttle that is scheduled for launch next April, paid a courtesy call on Governor Ishihara at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. In a brief chat with the Governor, Mr. Hoshide, who appeared in his training uniform, spoke passionately about how he became infatuated with outer space after seeing Space Battleship Yamato (a Japanese anime popular in the '70s) as a child, and his expectations and aspirations regarding space. Photo: Using a model, Akihiko Hoshide introduces the international space station “Kibo” to Governor Ishihara.

On June 28, Governor Ishihara presented a letter of appointment to Mr. Naoki Inose, who will be the first Vice Governor from the private sector in roughly 60 years. The Governor expressed his expectations, saying, “I feel relieved to know that we will have such reassuring support.” In response, Vice Governor Inose expressed his determination, saying, “If Tokyo becomes energized, Japan will follow suit. I intend to work as Vice Governor while also considering my standpoint as a citizen of Tokyo.” They then shared a firm handshake.

This is the prime season for viewing the Japanese irises of Fukiage Shobu Park in Fukiage, Ome City. In the 2.1-hectare park, which preserves the precious environmental beauty of the damp valley floor, approximately 100,000 Japanese irises of 216 varieties, including the Edo and Higo types, bloom from the end of May until the end of June. On June 19, the park was bustling with a large number of visitors attracted by the Fukiage Hanashobu (Japanese Iris) Festival.

The project to develop the Inner Central Breakwater Landfill site, built of waste and surplus construction soil, into the Umi-no-Mori (Green Island) Park was launched on July 17. This green forest will become the starting point for a wind passage from the ocean to the city center. At the tree-planting ceremony, Governor Shintaro Ishihara, architect Tadao Ando, alpinist Ken Noguchi, and astronaut Mamoru Mori, along with some elementary school students, planted about 300 camphor and ubame oak seedlings. 480,000 trees will be planted on the expansive 88-hectare site, an area about 5.5 times the size of Hibiya Park, with the park scheduled for completion in 30 years. Picture: Governor Ishihara dressed in a raincoat holding a shovel, with Mr. Mori to the right, and Mr. Noguchi to the left.

The Tokyo 2016 logo was unveiled at the Tokyo International Forum on July 10 by Governor Shintaro Ishihara, who was joined at the ceremony by TOKYO 2016 Olympic Games Bid Committee Chairman and CEO Dr. Ichiro Kono, Vice President Mr. Tsunekazu Takeda, Athens Olympics bronze medalist Ms. Kyoko Hamaguchi and other bid officials. The concept behind the logo's design is “MUSUBI” (a traditional Japanese knot). The logo integrates the five Olympic colors into the motif of a mizuhiki (ceremonial paper cord). By tying together the heart of Japanese tradition with the spirit of the Olympics, it expresses the hope that this legacy will be left to the following generations. The logo will be utilized to further boost activities for the Olympic bid campaign in Japan.

With the key topic of decentralization reform on the agenda, the Meeting of the National Governors' Association was held on July 12 and 13 in Kumamoto City. Forty-four prefectural governors gathered together to summarize proposals to put forward to the central government concerning the second phase of the decentralization reform. With both pros and cons expressed on the “hometown tax”, submission of a proposal on this issue was shelved. It was also resolved at the meeting that the prefectural governments would support Tokyo's bid activities for the hosting of the 2016 Summer Olympics.

The National Assembly of Local Welfare and Child Commissioners was held on July 5 at the Nippon Budokan. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the inception of the social welfare councilor system in 1917 in Okayama Prefecture -- the system that is said to have sparked the establishment of the local welfare commissioner system. The Assembly, with the theme of “Spreading kindness throughout the community,” was attended by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress. It was a memorable day for the 6,000 commissioners nationwide who have for many years volunteered their support for social welfare. Picture: As one of the organizers of the Assembly, Governor Shintaro Ishihara greets the participants.

It is said that one oyster will filter 400 liters of sea water a day to feed on plankton suspended in the water. Aiming to improve water quality in the Port of Tokyo, the Bureau of Port and Harbor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has begun tests for water purification using aquatic plants and animals including oysters. The first experiment was started on August 28 by suspending oysters tied to a rope like a bead curtain from a floating raft at Odaiba Kaihinkoen (Odaiba Seaside Park). On that day, ten visiting pairs of parents and children helped to fasten the oyster “bead curtain" to the bamboo raft. It is planned that 40,000 oysters will be suspended in the water over the next three years.

Lined up with meek countenances are the some 90 young athletes from teams competing in the “Asia Junior Sports Exchange Games 2007.” Tokyo, aspiring to be a “sports city,” held the badminton games with the aim of enhancing mutual understanding among young people from around Asia as well as improving their competitive techniques. The players visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office on August 29 to report on the success of the competition, and chatted with the Governor. In his message to the athletes, the Governor said, “Tokyo is an interesting city. Please come to Tokyo again and get to like it. Let us continue this friendship into the future.”

The Flame of Hope, lit in Athens for the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games Shanghai to be held in October, arrived at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Citizen's Plaza on August 22 via South Korea. A grand ceremony was held to greet the arrival of the flame with Governor Ishihara, Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wang Yi, and Tokyo 2016 Bid Ambassador Yasuhiro Yamashita in attendance. The cauldron was lit using the torch's flame, which then continued on its journey to Sydney through a relay of runners including Barcelona Olympics gold medalist Kyoko Iwasaki.

This flower, described in the Manyoshu, the oldest existing collection of Japanese poetry, is called ominaeshi in Japanese. It has long been a part of our lives as one of the “seven flowers of autumn.” The record-breaking summer heat may have made going out an effort, but autumn is now just around the corner. You can sense it all around you: At Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens, the vivid yellow flowers of the patrinia can be enjoyed throughout September. Let the refreshing breezes of autumn take you on a journey to the world of the Manyoshu.

Sparks fly as rescue workers cut through a car door. This realistic image was taken during Tokyo’s comprehensive disaster management drill conducted on September 1. This year’s disaster drill was conducted jointly by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Akishima City, Fussa City, Hamura City, Musashi-murayama City and Mizuho Town under the theme of “collaboration.” The drill, which focused on urban disasters such as entrapment in elevators and transportation for the “daytime Tokyoites” (people who work/study in Tokyo but live in the surrounding area) unable to return home, was conducted with participation from a broad range of sectors including the U.S. Forces in Japan, the City of Taipei, medical professionals and local resident’s associations.

On September 13 the symposium, “Thinking About Global Warming” was held at the JICA Chikyu Hiroba in Hiroo, Shibuya Ward. Professor Junichi Nishizawa, President of Tokyo Metropolitan University delivered the keynote speech. Governor Ishihara, who was on an inspection tour of the South Pacific island nations of Tuvalu and Fiji, participated in the symposium via teleconference. He reported on the rise in sea level and erosion of the shoreline in Tuvalu as a result of global warming, and brought up the importance of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. He also indicated his intention to request the government of Japan to give support to Tuvalu.

This year Governor Ishihara’s centenarian visit was to Minato Ward resident Taido Matsubara, who will turn 100 in November. On September 6, Governor Ishihara presented Mr. Matsubara with a hanten, a traditional short coat made of Murayama Oshima silk, congratulating him on his longevity. Mr. Matsubara is a Buddhist monk of the Rinzai School and author of many books on Buddhism. He said, “I do not do things that are unreasonable, indolent or wasteful, and make it a point to do whatever I can on my own.” To the 1,590 people in Tokyo who have or will be celebrating their 100th birthday during this fiscal year, we wish you good health for many more years to come!

These two youths, a refreshing sight in the Tokyo Citizens Information Room, are students from Aoba Junior High School in Katsushika Ward. This photo shows one of the scenes taking place in the workplace experience program for junior high school students geared to second year students attending public junior high schools in Tokyo. This pair’s experience included selling publications and sorting materials in the Tokyo Citizens Information Room. Their impressions: “From heavy lifting to detailed work, it was harder than imagined, and both mentally and physically tiring.”

On October 2, the TOKYO 2016 Olympic Games Bid Committee held a ceremony at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office to appoint athlete ambassadors. Looking toward Tokyo’s bid for the 2016 Olympic Games, eight currently active athletes were chosen, including swimmer Kosuke Kitajima. At the ceremony, Mr. Kitajima stated, “I will probably not be a competitor in the 2016 Olympic Games, but I want to bring dreams to children by making the Olympic Games in Tokyo a reality.” The athlete ambassadors will participate in various promotion activities as the public face of the bid campaign. Photo: Mr. Kitajima shakes hands with Governor Ishihara in front of an Olympic publicity bus bearing his image

On October 1, a presentation ceremony was held for the 2007 Tokyo Honorary Citizen Award and the 2007 Tokyo Merit Award at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government office. The title of Honorary Citizen is conferred on esteemed Tokyo citizens as a tribute to their achievements in fields including culture, academics, and art. This year Governor Ishihara recognized three individuals with honorary citizen awards: origami artist Saburo Kase, Akira Tago, who is a professor emeritus of psychology at Chiba University, and Yasutaka Matsudaira, the coach who led Japan’s volleyball team to the gold medal at the Munich Olympics. In addition, the governor presented 265 people with the Tokyo Merit Award, which recognizes those contributing to local community development. Photo: Mr. Matsudaira (right) offers words of thanks to Governor Ishihara upon receiving the award

On October 26, a team of veteran Chinese table tennis players paid a courtesy call on Governor Ishihara at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government office. The group, including 11 former world champions, visited Japan to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the normalization of bilateral relations between Japan and China. The group’s leader, Mr. Xu Yinsheng, said, “We are very glad that we have been able to visit Japan during this commemorative 2007 China-Japan Culture and Sports Exchange Year.” Commemorative photographs were taken in a friendly atmosphere, with Governor Ishihara and Mr. Xu both striking a pose, holding rackets in their right hands and balls in the left.

On October 22, a symposium to commemorate the start of “Midori no Tokyo Bokin (Green Tokyo Fundraising Campaign)” took place at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government office. Governor Ishihara spoke of the campaign’s objectives and the need to make Tokyo a greener place in order to achieve the goals of “Tokyo’s Big Change: The 10-Year Plan.” In the keynote speech, architect Tadao Ando presented case studies of greening efforts taken to achieve this aspect of the ten-year plan. Along with Mr. Ando, astronaut Mamoru Mori, and alpinist Ken Noguchi participated in a lively panel discussion that drew the keen interest of attendees. At the end of the session, the audience burst into applause at Mr. Ando’s powerful appeal: “Let’s work together, everyone!”

The “2007 Miyakejima Island Challenge Motorcycle Festival” was recently held on Miyakejima Island, where vestiges of the volcanic eruption that occurred seven years ago are still omnipresent. The brainchild of Governor Ishihara, the event was held over three days starting from November 16, with the aim of attracting tourists and revitalizing the battered island. All manner of stock car and motorcycle races were held during the festival: tourists and locals alike thoroughly enjoyed the first major event to take place on the island since the disaster. Photo: Governor Ishihara (right) waves the starting flag

On November 13, a commemoration ceremony was held at the Ogochi Dam in Okutama-machi to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the completion of construction. The Ogochi Dam was finished in 1957 after 19 years of construction, and ever since has played a crucial role as a drinking water reservoir for the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. Vice Governor Hideo Sugawara and many other guests attended the ceremony, which included the unveiling of a stone monument commemorating the 50th anniversary. A time capsule containing messages for the future from 80 local elementary school students was encased within the monument. Photo: The commemorative stone monument is unveiled

On November 2 and 3, the 36th Tokyo Metropolitan Agricultural Festival took place in the courtyard outside the Treasure House at Meiji Shrine. The courtyard was crowded with the many people attending the show of agricultural products grown in Tokyo, and many attendees purchased items on the spot. Standing in front of a Tokyo Olympic bid logo made of flowers Governor Ishihara spoke to agricultural workers, asked questions of those around him as he toured the show grounds, and thanked those involved in the festival for the effort put forth.

Attendees express their solidarity at a party which took place on November 19 at the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka after the presentation of the fundamental plan for hosting the TOKYO 2016 Olympic Games. Approximately 1,600 people came together from the worlds of sports, politics, business, and government in order to build momentum for the bid. The hosting concepts are “The world’s most compact Olympic Games” and “The Olympic Games - nurturing people, protecting the green, and vitalizing the city.” Special “Hometown Ambassadors” who will promote the bid nationwide were introduced. They pledged to spare no efforts in building enthusiasm for the event not only in Tokyo but all across Japan.

“Street paintings” are works of art painted on city-owned facility walls by young artists. On December 19, an event celebrating the completion of one of these projects was held in front of the painted girder supporting a footbridge leading to Yoyogi Park. The theme chosen by the three young artists was “connections.” Standing before the massive concrete support covered by their three overlapping images, the artists promoted their work through performances and explanations. Photo: Standing in front of his new art collaboration, artist Yukinko Akira listens to music while painting a canvas

Autumn leaves reached their peak of color in early December at Inokashira Park in Mitaka City. The roughly 630 trees surrounding the park’s pond were ablaze in vivid crimson. As if in concert, the nearby dogberries and zelkovas turned a yellow-gold, creating a veritable brocade of color. Parkgoers paddling boats or strolling along the footpaths enjoyed the magnificent view.

The South Pacific island nation of Tuvalu is facing the threat of sinking into the ocean as the result of rising sea levels due to global warming. On December 6, Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Apisai Ielemia paid a courtesy call on Governor Ishihara. The Prime Minister was visiting Japan in order to attend the 1st Asia-Pacific Water Summit, which was being held in Oita Prefecture. Due to prior commitments, the Prime Minister had been unable to meet Governor Ishihara during the Governor’s visit to Tuvalu in September, and so was delighted with the opportunity to finally meet with the Governor in Tokyo.

At 42 meters in height, Japan’s tallest holiday tree made its appearance in Hibiya Park as one display of “Illuminated Art” at TOKYO FANTASIA 2007. Using 56,100 individual light-emitting diodes, the display sought to express the theme “Growth of Green,” from its initial sprouting to its blossoming into flowers. Starting from December 21 to the early morning of January 1, the lights turned night in the heart of the city into a world of blue romance.