The third Kabuki-za theater opened its doors in 1925, but soon underwent restoration in 1950 due to damages suffered from air raids during the Pacific War. The fourth and current theater was registered as a national tangible cultural property in 2002, but a plan to rebuild the aging structure was presented in 2009. The theater will close this April to be reborn in three years as part of a complex that will also include a 150-meter tall office building.

The Tokyo Fire Department’s annual New Year Fire Review was held on January 6 at the Tokyo Big Sight. The performance simulated firefighting activities in the event of a large-scale earthquake, and the fire extinguishing and rescue exercises seemed almost real with mobilization of even the Department’s helicopters and boats. Members of the Edo Firemanship Preservation Association also performed acrobatic feats on ladders to the enthusiastic applause of the assembled crowd of spectators.

An 11-member campaign team, including the mayor of Oshima Town and Miss Oshima, paid a visit to Governor Shintaro Ishihara at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government on January 12 to promote the Izu Oshima Camellia Festival. Mayor Shizuo Fujii asked the governor to “attend this year’s festival by all means” and Miss Oshima, Kasumi Takano, presented him with a bouquet of camellias. A variety of events are taking place on the island during the festival, which runs until March 28.

On January 19 a drill was conducted around Ueno station simulating the evacuation of people stranded at the station in the event of a large-scale earthquake. If public transportation stops due to an earthquake, it is estimated that about 90,000 people will be stranded at the station. This drill was conducted with the aim of preventing any resulting confusion, and was held with the cooperation of businesses and schools around the station. On Ameyoko Street, local high school students also participated in the drill as stranded people evacuating to Ueno Park.

The second phase of construction of the Tokyo Port Seaside Road is underway on the 4.6-km section stretching between the Outer Central Breakwater Landfill Site and the Wakasu area of Koto Ward, and with it, the provisionally-named Tokyo Rinkai-Ohashi Bridge is taking on shape. When combined with the section already open to traffic, the fully completed road will connect Jonanjima in Ota Ward to Wakasu in Koto Ward. It is expected to contribute to the smoother flow of goods in the waterfront area and the alleviation of congestion on the Bayside Road.

About 35,000 runners raced through the streets of Tokyo amid inclement weather in the 4th Tokyo Marathon held on February 28. This year, a new sub-event called the “Tokyo Marathon Family Run 2010” was held on the same day for elementary school children and their parents, with 1,000 participants running the two kilometers to the goal.

An opening ceremony was held on February 22 for the “Industrial Support Square: TAMA.” It was established on the former site of the Metropolitan Junior College in Akishima City to serve as the new center for the support of industry in the Tama area. Facilities providing managerial and technical support to small and medium-sized enterprises are concentrated here with the aim to give comprehensive support that responds to the diverse needs of businesses and industry.
Photo: Governor Shintaro Ishihara (center) inspects one of Japan’s largest EMC sites (10 meter EMC anechoic chamber)

An opening ceremony was held on February 3 for the Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Medical Center and the Tokyo Metropolitan Children’s Medical Center, located in Musashidai, Fuchu City, prior to their start of operations in March. The Tokyo Metropolitan Fuchu Hospital was rebuilt to become the Tama Medical Center--the only metropolitan hospital in the Tama area providing comprehensive medical care. The Children’s Medical Center was formed as a result of integrating three separate children’s hospitals in Kiyose, Hachioji, and Umegaoka, and will serve as the new hub for children’s medical care in the metropolis.

On March 29, 2010, Tokyo Sky Tree?a digital broadcasting tower under construction in Sumida Ward?reached 338 meters in height to become the tallest structure in Japan, surpassing the 333-meter tall Tokyo Tower. When completed at the end of 2010, Tokyo Sky Tree will rise to a staggering height of 634 meters. The facility is scheduled to begin broadcasting in spring 2011.
(Photo taken on March 17, 2010.)

On March 28, 2010, Route 4 (Shinjuku Line) on the Metropolitan Expressway Central Loop Route opened to traffic for the first time. The new Ohashi Junction, a four-level trumpet intersection, and the Nishi-Shinjuku Junction will connect Route 3 (Shibuya Line) and Route 4 (Shinjuku Line), which is expected to reduce travel times and alleviate road congestion.
(Photo taken on March 17, 2010.)

The urban redevelopment project underway in the west district of Shirahige, Arakawa Ward was completed this spring. More than 40 years after the redevelopment project basic concept was formulated in 1969, the district was reborn as a safe and secure town featuring an evacuation area capable of accommodating 120 thousand persons during a natural disaster.
(Photo taken on March 17, 2010.)

The Tama Medical Center, which began operating from March, is the result of a complete rebuild of the old Tokyo Metropolitan Fuchu Hospital. It is the only Tokyo metropolitan hospital in the Tama area providing comprehensive medical care services. The Children's Medical Center was formed by integrating the Kiyose, Hachioji and Umegaoka children's hospitals, and will act as a new hub for pediatric care in Tokyo.
(Photo taken on March 17, 2010.)

With aliteracy a growing societal concern in recent years, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government launched the cross-bureau Measures Against Aliteracy Review Team led by Vice Governor Naoki Inose. The Review Team invites specialists from various fields to participate in workshops and meetings in order to grasp the actual conditions and impact of aliteracy. On April 21, 2010, a workshop led by Yurika Mimori, President of the Tsukuba Language Arts Institute, was held for employees of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
(Photo taken on April 21, 2010.)

Hamura City hosted its annual Tulip Festival from April 9 to 22 at the Negarami-Mae Suiden rice paddies, where nearly 400 thousand tulip bulbs representing approximately 20 different varieties are planted as an aftercrop while the rice paddies are not being cultivated. One of the largest tulip fields in the Kanto region, in full bloom the field appears like a giant and coloful patchwork quilt covering the land when seen from the viewing platform.
(Photo taken on April 19, 2010.)

Dojunkai Apartments were built in a total of 16 locations in Tokyo and Yokohama between 1926 and 1934 using donations received from Japan and overseas following the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. The last remaining Dojunkai Apartment today is the Uenoshita Apartments, located in Higashi-Ueno, Taito Ward, which was completed in 1929. The apartments consist of two 4-story reinforced concrete apartment buildings with a total of 76 units. At the time of completion, the apartments featured the most modern facilities of the time, including electricity, gas, water, garbarge chutes and water-flushing toilets.
(Photo taken on April 13, 2010.)

On April 13, 2010, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government welcomed five Tokyo-based medalists from the Vancouver 2010 Winter Paralympics for a ceremony to award the Tokyo Medal of Honor and the Tokyo Residents Sports Award. Governor Ishihara lauded the medalists saying, "You displayed the truest form of human strength and beauty." Winner of two gold medals, Yoshihiro Nitta was awarded with the Tokyo Medal of Honor and the Tokyo Residents Sports Award, while silver medalists Taiki Morii, Mikio Annaka and Kazuhiro Takahashi, and bronze medalist Kuniko Obinata were each presented with the Tokyo Residents Sports Award.
(Photo: Nitta, at right, receives the award and a handshake from Governor Ishihara)

Tokyo Metropolitan Mizumoto Park first opened in Katsushika Ward in 1965. Boasting a large area of 90 hectares and built along Koaidame?a flood control basin constructed for the old Furutone River, the park is the only one of its kind in Tokyo that offers a natural riverside view. Visitors can enjoy all types of outdoor activities including barbequing, fishing, or simply taking a stroll in the park grounds. It is also frequented by many different kinds of wild birds, such as kingfishers, making it a great spot for wild bird watching. A 1.2-kilometer long row of poplar trees and a forest of approximately 2,000 dawn redwoods (Metasequoia) paint the park a brilliant shade of green as it welcomes the changing season.
(Photo taken on May 21, 2010.)

On May 28, the official funeral for the late Mr. Shunichi Suzuki, a former Tokyo governor who served for 16 years over four terms and passed away on May 14, was held at Aoyama Sogisho in Minato Ward. The final honor started with an address by Governor Ishihara who headed the Funeral Committee; this was followed by a condolence speech presented by Mr. Seisuke Okuno, former member of the Diet, on behalf of all friends of the former Governor. The memorial service was attended by approximately 1,000 people who came to pay tribute to Mr. Suzuki. The Lake Biwa Rowing Song (Biwako Shuko no Uta), said to be one of his favorite songs when he was alive, was played during the flower tribute ceremony.
(Photo taken on May 28, 2010.)

The 57th Conference of the Leaders of the Nine Metropolitan Prefectural/Municipal Authorities was held in the 5th floor Meeting Hall of the TMG Building No. 1 on May 13. This marked the first meeting in which the city of Sagamihara participated. Sagamihara became a government ordinance-designated city with a population of over 500,000 in April 2010, making the occasion the first meeting consisting of nine prefectural and municipal governments. In the meeting, common issues shared by these authorities in the Greater Tokyo region, such as full national government funding for the Child Allowance and the development of the region's ring roads, were deliberated.
(Photo taken on May 13, 2010.)

The "2010 Shima-jiman Promotion of I Love Tokyo Islands," which aims to promote tourism for the Izu and Ogasawara islands of Tokyo, was held at Takeshiba Pier's Passenger Boat Terminal on May 22 and May 23. On May 12, prior to the event, a group of nine women, each representing an island, paid an official call on Governor Ishihara at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. After hearing the delegates' presentation on the attractiveness of the islands, Governor Ishihara told the visitors, "I often hear praise about Tokyo's islands from foreigners as well." The governor emphasized that each of the islands' unique charms should be further promoted both within Japan and overseas as well.
(At center, Governor Ishihara surrounded by the island delegates.)

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, as one part of its road development works, is moving forward with railway track level-separation projects aimed at eliminating road congestion at crossings and integrating communities divided by the tracks. On May 16, 2010, construction was completed on elevating a section of northbound track on the Keihin Kyuko Main Line and Airport Line in the vicinity of Keikyu Kamata Station. Approximately six kilometers of the line have now been elevated. As a result, crossing wait times at 23 track crossings on the Daiichi Keihin and other roads are expected to be reduced by approximately 40 percent. Photo: Around Keikyu Kamata station on the Keihin Kyuko line.
(Photo taken on June 1, 2010.)

Since 2008, the Toei Arakawa Line in Tokyo and Hankai Tramway Company in Osaka have been making joint efforts in promoting ridership. Aiming to revitalize communities along their respective lines, a new joint promotional campaign started on June 6 has each line hosting a tram car painted in its partner's signature colors, a first for both companies. The Toei Arakawa line has one of its tram cars painted in the color of a Showa 40s era (1965 to 1974) Hankai tram, while the Hankai Tram features the color reminiscent of a Toei Arakawa streetcar of the Showa 20s to 50s era (1945 to 1984). The painted street car will be running along the Toei Arakawa line until about March 2011. Photo: Street car painted in the signature color of the Hankai Tram (on the right) at a train crossing near Kohshinzuka.
(Photo taken on June 17, 2010.)

On a mid June day not too long after the start of the rainy season, during a break in the seasonal drizzle, we paid a visit to the east side of Asukayama Park located in Kita ward. Here, on the side of a 350-meter pathway known as the Asuka no Komichi (Asuka Trail) which runs alongside the JR train tracks, 1,300 hydrangea made up of about 10 different varieties including Ajisai, Tama-Ajisai, Gaku-Ajisai, and Yama Ajisai were all in a beautiful full bloom. The view from the platform of Oji station is also quite magnificent. Photo: Asukayama Park.
(Photo taken on June 16, 2010.)

The Tokyo Conference of the International Carbon Action Partnership (ICAP), which aims to establish an international carbon trading market, was held at a Shinjuku hotel on June 15. Four hundred participants from 13 countries and regions, including Tokyo, took part in the conference. On behalf of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the conference's organizer, Governor Ishihara addressed the attendees, stating, "There is now little time left for us to take action toward preventing further environmental degradation of the planet. It would be a shame on our part if we don't strive to preserve the Earth now for future generations.

The fourth general meeting of the Preparatory Committee for the 68th National Sports Festival and 13th National Sports Games for the Challenged was held on July 29 at Keio Plaza Hotel in preparation for Tokyo's hosting of the event in 2013. It was decided that the event will be called "Sports Festival Tokyo 2013" for short and promoted under the slogan "Athletes Spread Your Wings and Fly in Tokyo, Tama, and the Islands." The committee also announced the event's mascot character, a design based on the Tokyo metropolitan bird, the black-headed gull. Nominations for the mascot's nickname will be accepted up to September 30.
Photo: Announcement of the mascot (photo taken July 29, 2010)

The 23rd Shitamachi Tanabata Festival was held from July 3 to July 8 at Kappabashi Hondori, a shopping road stretching 1.2 kilometers east to west from around the Iriya exit of Ueno station to the Tsukuba Express line Asakusa station. Festival highlights included the magnificent Tanabata decorations along the street and folk dances and song performances such as Edo Gei Kappore and Owara Kaze no bon.
Photo: Tanabata decorations along Kappabashi Hondori (photo taken July 8, 2010)

The sewage sludge gasification facility at the Kiyose Water Reclamation Center was completed and began operations on July 23. Sewage sludge, which is conventionally disposed of through incineration, is turned into gas at this facility and reused to generate power. It is calculated that the gas generated annually by the facility will be equivalent to the amount of city gas consumed by 8,500 average households. The generation of greenhouse gases can be reduced by 87% over that of conventional incineration facilities. The total cost of the project was 8.8 billion yen.
Photo: Turning on the power switch at the ceremony of the facility's completion (photo taken July 23, 2010)

On July 2, expert reviewers of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Mr. Peter Shadie and Ms. Naomi Doak, paid a courtesy call on Governor Ishihara after arriving in Japan to evaluate the Ogasawara Islands' potential addition to the World Heritage List. On-site evaluation of the Ogasawara Islands will be conducted from July 3 to July 13. The Japanese Government submitted its nomination of the Ogasawara Islands to UNESCO for the islands' inscription on the World Heritage list in January 2010, and the World Heritage Committee is scheduled to make its decision in July next year.
Photo: Governor chatting with the evaluators (photo taken July 2, 2010)

Attracting a large number of visitors, the Kiyose Himawari Festival?featuring approximately 100,000 fully blooming sunflowers blanketing a spacious 24,000 square meter piece of farmland?was held in the city of Kiyose from August 21 to September 5. Aiming to turn itself into a "City of Green Parks and Flowers," Kiyose is currently undertaking a city-wide flower planting project.
Photo: 100,000 blooming sunflowers (Photo taken on August 20, 2010)

Captured in the aerial photo above, the urban oasis of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden provided an alluring escape from this summer's endless heat. The garden was created in 1906 on the site of the former residence of Lord Naito, a feudal lord belonging to the Edo period (1603-1868) Shinshu Takato clan. Originally built as a garden for the Imperial Household, the 58.3 hectare expanse of greenery was turned into a nationally administered public garden after the Second World War. Renowned as a masterpiece of landscaped gardens, the park includes features such as a beautiful French formal garden lined with sycamore trees.
Photo: Aerial view of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (Photo taken on August 4, 2010)

Approaching the Hijiri-Bashi Bridge on a boat ride along the Kandagawa River during a visit to Tokyo's waterways, passengers were greeted with a view of intersecting Japan Rail and Marunouchi subway line trains. Differing from the street-level perspective, the view from the water offers an opportunity for new discoveries and inspirations.
Photo: From a boat on the Kandagawa River (Photo taken on August 31, 2010)

On August 29, just before Disaster Preparedness Day on September 1, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government jointly held a comprehensive disaster management drill with Bunkyo Ward. The drill envisaged a strong earthquake occurring directly under the northern part of Tokyo Bay, and damage spreading in heavily populated Bunkyo Ward with its narrow streets due to a delay in the start of police and firefighter rescue activities. At the University of Tokyo drill site, about 400 local residents participated in rescue and firefighting drills held among realistic models of collapsed houses and buildings, experiencing first hand the true meaning and importance of self-help, mutual assistance and cooperation.
Photo: Residents learning from local firefighters how to use an air jack for rescue operations at the University of Tokyo drill site. (Photo taken on August 29, 2010)

On September 7, with Respect for the Aged Day (Sep. 20) around the corner, Governor Ishihara paid a visit to the home of Setagaya ward-resident Teruo Yamoto, who is to celebrate his 100th birthday in November. The two briefly enjoyed discussing cinema after Mr. Yamoto, the former president of a film company, mentioned that he had once met governor’s younger brother, the late actor Yujiro Ishihara. Asked by the governor the secret to a long life, Mr. Yamoto said he owed his health to moderate eating and exercise, and an orderly life. “But since I’ve come this far, I’d like to go ahead and live another hundred,” he jested, bringing a broad smile of surprise to the governor’s face.

About 100 elementary school children received Judo instruction from Olympic gold medalist Tadahiro Nomura on September 10, the second day of the World Judo Championships Tokyo 2010 which were held at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium from September 9 to 13. “Kid’s Judo” participants received detailed and practical training on applying various techniques, including pointers for mastering Mr. Nomura’s forte, the shoulder throw.

On September 14, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was visiting Japan to conduct site inspections of the Shinkansen bullet train and other business, paid a courtesy call on Governor Ishihara to discuss global environmental issues and California’s high-speed rail construction plans. In response to Governor Schwarzenegger’s inquiry as to which country’s system was the best, Governor Ishihara wasted no time in replying “Japan’s,” before going on to extol the nation’s technological prowess.

In order to honor the achievements of Tokyo-based athletes who are competing internationally, and to further encourage their performance, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government established the Tokyo Sport Encouragement Award this fiscal year. The first award recipients included seven high school students from Tokyo who won medals at the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games held in August and the members of the Edogawa Minami Little League baseball team, which won the Little League World Series held in the United States, also in August. The awards ceremony was held on September 17 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government No. 1 Building.

The Gathering for Rescuing Victims Abducted by North Korea was held on October 23 at the Citizen's Plaza in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. It was hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Federation of Metropolitan Assembly Members for Complete Resolution to the Issue of Abduction of Japanese by North Korea, and the Investigation Commission on Specified Missing Japanese. The event drew the participation of approximately 900 people from all over Japan, including the families of about 70 abduction victims and specified missing persons suspected of having been abducted by North Korea. At the venue, panels displaying photographs of the abduction victims and others were exhibited and a strong appeal was made for early resolution of this issue.
Photo: Gathering at Citizen's Plaza (October 23, 2010)

The famed Bush Clover Tunnel of Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens in Higashi-Mukojima, Sumida Ward, is at its most magnificent now. This is about half a month later than usual this year due to the abnormally hot summer. The blooming flowers from some 70 lilac and white bush clover trees cover a tunnel made of arched bamboo approximately 16 meters long, 1.6 meters wide, and 2 meters tall.
Photo: Bush Clover Tunnel, Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens (October 6, 2010)

On October 1, the Tokyo Honorary Citizen and Tokyo Merit Award Ceremony was held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The title of Honorary Citizen was bestowed on three individuals: Governor Ishihara presented the awards to Mr. Masakazu Adachi (75), master dyer of the Tokyo hand-drawn Yuzen style; Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki (85), director of the Japan Kawasaki Disease Research Center, who identified the Kawasaki disease; and Mr. Shikan Nakamura (82), one of the top Kabuki onnagata (female role) actors.
Photo: Mr. Shikan Nakamura gives an acceptance speech (October 1, 2010)

All sections of the Central Loop Route of the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway, currently under construction by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Metropolitan Expressway Co., Ltd.,will open to traffic with the completion of the Shinagawa Line (9.4 kilometers from Yashio, Shinagawa Ward to Aobadai, Meguro Ward) scheduled for fiscal 2013. Almost all of the Shinagawa Line is a tunnel constructed by the shield tunnelling method to reduce noise, vibration, and impact on the surrounding road traffic. Once the line is complete, Tokyo can expect a better functioning expressway network and less traffic congestion on the Inner Circular Route and other roads.
Photo: Tunnel construction in Oi district (October 20, 2010)

Harumi Infiorata 2010 was held in Harumi, Chuo ward from October 30 to November 3, marking the event's 10th anniversary. Local residents used the petals of over 100,000 roses to create 19 pieces of floral art and decorate a 160-meter length of canal-side walkway. Illuminated at night, the flower carpet sparkled brilliantly throughout the event.
Photo: "Floral carpet" (photo taken November 2, 2010)

Eleven member cities forming the Asian Network of Major Cities 21 (ANMC21) participated in the organization's 9th Plenary Meeting held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government No. 1 Building from November 7 to 10. The Tokyo Declaration, incorporating elements to help strengthen cooperation in fields such as industry and the environment, was adopted on November 9. The Russian region of Tomsk attended as an observer for the first time. During the event, the surface of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bldg. No 1 was illuminated with a wondrous, computer-generated "Digital Kakejiku (hanging scroll)" produced by Akira Hasegawa, enlivening the proceedings.
Photo: "After the Signing of the Tokyo Declaration" (photo taken November 9, 2010)

Haneda Airport, which has been undergoing further expansion, saw the completion of its fourth runway, Runway D, which, along with its new international terminal, began service on October 21. Out of consideration for the natural environment, a section of the new runway, which is situated near the mouth of the Tamagawa River, has been built on a pier so as not to disturb the flow of the river. With regularly scheduled international flights going into service from October 31, annual arrivals and departures will increase from approximately 300,000 to 400,000 slots as the facility starts anew as a full-fledged hub airport.
Photo: Newly built Runway D lying near the mouth of the Tamagawa River

In an effort to curb aliteracy and the declining language ability of today's youth, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and others hosted the "Wonderful World of Words Festival" at the Tokyo International Forum in Yurakucho on November 3. Approximately 5,000 people turned up for the event where promotional booths were set up by newspaper companies, publishing houses, and printers, and a hands-on e-book corner proved popular with youth and parents with children. Additionally, Vice Governor Naoki Inose and contemporary artist Takashi Murakami were among the participants of a panel discussion looking at "the linguistic capabilities which society will demand going forward."
Photo: Panel discussion led by Vice Governor Inose (edge of stage left)

"Turn off the lights, and take it slow" - Candle Night in Odaiba was held for the fourth time on December 18. Multicolored paper lanterns containing candles were displayed to form snowflakes and Christmas trees at Odaiba Kaihin Koen (Odaiba Seaside Park). The flickering candlelight transformed the beachside into a magical sight.
Photo: Odaiba Beach, Odaiba Kaihin Koen (December 18, 2010)

Tokyo Snow World in Odaiba was held from December 17 to 19 by the SKI JAPAN 100 Year Anniversary Committee and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. This event was organized to celebrate the passage of 100 years since skiing was first introduced to Japan by Austrian Army Major Theodor von Lerch in 1911, and to provide an opportunity for the residents of Tokyo to enjoy winter sports. A course to experience cross-country skiing was established at the event grounds, and at the plaza, children had fun playing in the snow.
Photo: Having fun in the snow at Odaiba (December 18, 2010)

The Tokyo Sky Tree, slated to begin operations in spring 2012, soared past the height of 510 meters on December 1. The surrounding area has been bustling with visitors watching the construction progress of this new broadcasting tower. From where this photo was taken, on a clear day you can also see Tokyo Tower, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building, and Mount Fuji.
Photo: Shot from the Arakawa riverbed in Arakawa Ward (December 10, 2010)

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government had called for citizens to suggest nicknames for the mascot for the Sports Festival Tokyo 2013 (68th National Sports Festival and 13th National Sports Games for the Challenged). "Yuriito," a combination of the Japanese word for the black-headed gull (yurikamome), the official Tokyo metropolitan bird, and the word "athlete," which was suggested by Kyoka Odajima, a fourth-grade elementary school pupil from Tokyo, was selected. Asked how she felt at the commendation ceremony held on December 16 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, she said it was exciting to imagine that a mascot she had named would be playing an active role.
Photo: Ms. Kyoka Odajima receiving a testimonial from Vice Governor Sato (left)