On January 5, the first auction of tuna and other marine products of the year, a long standing new year's tradition, was held at Tsukiji Market. With the market scheduled to move to Toyosu next November, this year marks the last time for the first auction of the year to be held in Tsukiji. On this day, a bluefin tuna caught off of Oma, Aomori prefecture fetched a price of 14 million yen, and the market was bustling with excitement.

(January 5, 2016)

On January 11, Coming of Age Day, ceremonies were held throughout Tokyo to commemorate the occasion. Located in western Tokyo, Hinohara-mura has a population of about 2,200 people, and is Tokyo's only mura (town) not located in the Tokyo islands. This year, 17 new adults participated in the ceremony. At the venue, each spoke of their resolve to achieve their goals as adults, and parents, guardians, and special guests congratulated them on embarking on the next stage of their lives.

(January 11, 2016)

On January 11, Governor Masuzoe and Daichi Suzuki, Chief of the Japan Sports Agency, visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Sports Center for the Disabled in Kita Ward to observe the Tokyo Metropolitan Paralympic Athlete Discovery Program. This program, which covers a total of 15 events, including archery and track and field, is being implemented to discover competitive disabled athletes with ties to Tokyo, and enable as many as possible to be in the Paralympic Games. With applications received from 253 people, the number well exceeded the initial call for about 100 athletes. The program welcomed the participation of all of the applicants.
(January 11, 2016)

The Horikiri Large Kite Flying Contest was held at Katsushika Ward's Horikiri Mizube Park on the banks of the Arakawa River. This year marked the eighth time for the event to be held. While the wind was not as strong as participants would have liked, the kites made by local junior high school students, each with its own motif, were all launched together.

(January 28, 2016)

On February 10, a ceremony to appoint Tokyo Brand Ambassadors and an event to promote ideas and examples of how to use the "&TOKYO" brand logo were held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The Tokyo Brand Ambassador system aims to bolster the Tokyo Brand through the appointment of figures capable of promoting the brand message in Japan and abroad. Having received their appointment from the governor, French restaurant owner and chef Kiyomi Mikuni, actor and Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia founder Tetsuya Bessho, and performer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu each spoke of their eagerness to represent the Tokyo Brand.

(February 10, 2016.)

On February 10, the Meeting with Governor Masuzoe in Ota event was held at Ikegami Hall in Ota Ward. Under the theme for the event "Do it now! Making Tokyo the world's safest and most secure city, " and in light of the upcoming five year anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the governor led a discussion with about 400 residents of Ota Ward and students of Tokyo Metropolitan Omori High School on rethinking what can be done now to raise self-help and mutual help capabilities, including stockpiling goods at home and disaster preparedness activities in the community.

(February 10, 2016.)

On February 18, about 70 red and white plum trees blossomed in Shiba Park's plum garden. The group of plum trees originally grew in the Tsunohazu district of Shinjuku, and, from the Edo period, was called the ginsekai or beautiful snowy landscape when in bloom. However, the trees were transplanted to their current location around 1908. Many events are held at the annual plum festival, including performances featuring the koto, a traditional Japanese instrument, and outdoor tea ceremonies, bringing many tourists to the park.

(February 18, 2016.)

On February 28, the Tokyo Marathon 2016 was held, marking its tenth anniversary. The race capacity was raised by 1,000 from last year, allowing 37,000 runners to participate. Runners started in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, passed through Iidabashi, in front of the Imperial Palace, through Shinagawa, Ginza, Asakusa, and Tsukiji to arrive at the finish line at Tokyo Big Sight. With over 1.5 million spectators along the course, the Marathon Festa was also held, featuring musical, dance, and other performances to cheer on the runners at 28 locations, as part of this major early-spring event that unites Tokyo.

(February 28, 2016. )

　On March 1, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Government office during her stay in Japan. She was welcomed by Governor Masuzoe and based on the MOU signed in October last year, they exchanged views on matters concerning the environment, culture, sports, urban development, and tourism, and spoke about strengthening ties between the two cities. At the joint press conference following the meeting, Governor Masuzoe and Mayor Hidalgo announced their agreement to mutually promote tourism.

(March 1, 2016)

　On March 10, exactly 71 years after the WWII Tokyo air raids, a memorial service was held at the Tokyo Memorial Hall within Yokoamicho Park. This Buddhist memorial service is held in the spring and fall to remember the victims of the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the air raids. Her Imperial Highness Princess Mako of Akishino, Governor Masuzoe and other participants offered incense and prayed for the victims.

(March 10, 2016)

　On March 17, a publicity team for the 50th Hachijojima Freesia Festival, led by Mayor Yamashita of Hachijo-machi town of the Tokyo island of Hachijojima, visited Governor Masuzoe. Receiving a multi-colored bouquet of freesias from Miss Hachijojima and the other ladies of the team dressed in bright traditionally-dyed Hachijojima kimonos, the governor thanked them with a smile saying, “I always look forward to this. Thank you for delivering the pleasant scent of freesias. I understand that this is the 50th time for this festival to be held. I hope it continues to grow even bigger.

(March 17, 2016)

　On March 18, the 10,000 plum trees of Takao Baigo in Hachioji City came into full bloom. The plum tree groves of all sizes, located along Kyukoshu-kaido Avenue and other areas, were bustling with tourists enjoying the plum blossoms and trekking while taking in the outdoor tea ceremonies and “koto” (Japanese harp) performances.

(March 18, 2016)

　On April 5, cherry blossoms in the Chidorigafuchi district reached their peak. In Chidorigafuchi, west of the Imperial Palace, visitors can enjoy walking along a 700-meter path or going for a ride on the moat in a rented boat. During the cherry blossom season, trees are illuminated at night, and the area attracts many people including foreign tourists.

(April 5, 2016)

　On April 20, the Tokyo Metropolitan Robot Industry Support Plaza was fully opened, and the opening ceremony was held. Located within the Telecom Center Building, this facility has a 3D printer, which can be used to create a prototype of a robot body, as well as equipment for testing the durability, shock resistance, vibration characteristics, and other features of a robot and for observing the running qualities and movement of a robot to evaluate safety and reliability. The Support Plaza is designed to help small and medium-sized companies obtain safety certificates for their products.

(April 20, 2016)

　On April 25, the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games unveiled the emblems for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games at the Toranomon Hills Forum. The emblems, titled “Harmonized chequered emblem,” were created by designer Asao Tokolo.

(April 25, 2016)

　On April 27, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1 and the monument to the Tokyo 1964 Games in Komazawa Olympic Park were lit up in special colors to mark the 100 days to go until the August 5 start of the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

(April 27, 2016)

On May 2, the NO LIMITS SPECIAL GINZA & TOKYO event was held on Ginza Chuo-dori Avenue. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government NO LIMITS CHALLENGE program, which started last fiscal year, allows participants to experience Paralympic sports firsthand, and is being held at locations around Tokyo to spread the appeal of Paralympic sports. At the event, there were opportunities to try Paralympic sports such as wheelchair basketball, athletics, powerlifting, and blind soccer.

(May 2, 2016)

The Jindai Botanical Gardens Spring Rose Festival was held through May 29. In the rose garden at Jindai Botanical Gardens, which has been recognized with the Award of Garden Excellence from the World Federation of Rose Societies, there are 409 varieties, 5,200 rose plants being cultivated. The sight of the many precious roses, including large rose plants that have been raised since the opening of the gardens and the collection of original varieties of roses, dazzles the eye. A morning tour, concert, and other spirited events livened up the rose garden, which was bustling with visitors.

(May 12, 2016)

On May 17, Governor Masuzoe visited areas affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake in Fukushima prefecture to better grasp the situation there and more effectively support Fukushima’s recovery. Following the site inspection, the governor visited Fukushima Governor Uchibori at his office to discuss future support for the prefecture. At the meeting, “2020. Let’s meet in Tokyo and Fukushima,” one of a series of videos produced to support recovery in the areas affected by the 2011 earthquake, was presented and previewed.

(May 17, 2016)

On May 27, Governor Masuzoe attended the Symposium on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government White Paper on the Social Participation of Women at Tokyo Women’s Plaza. Based on the content of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government White Paper on the Social Participation of Women released in February 2016 by the Bureau of Citizens and Cultural Affairs, this symposium was held to discuss various topics such as the diverse challenges of women in the workplace, realization of flexible work styles, and the participation of women in community activities.

(May 27, 2016)

　On June 9, Inokashira Park Zoo was full of mourners paying their last respects to Hanako, Japan’s oldest elephant who passed away at the age of 69 (estimated) on May 26. Tables to offer flowers and sign the register book were set up on the following day. Mourners left flowers, apples, bananas and other offerings to their beloved Hanako, and placed their hands together in prayer.

(June 9, 2016)

　On June 16, the Tokyo Fire Department established a new rescue team and held its launching ceremony at JR Tokyo Station. Currently, the rise in ambulance demand in Tokyo is causing a tendency for ambulances to take more time to reach their destinations. The rescue team was created to address this problem. It will be stationed during the day at Tokyo Station to respond swiftly to emergencies in the neighboring area, and at night when there are less demands around Tokyo Station, the unit will move to respond to emergencies in the Shinjuku area.

(June 17, 2016)

On June 28, the water lilies of Sanpoji Pond in Shakujii Park were at their peak of beauty. The water lilies lushly covering part of the pond can be observed from the boardwalk that runs around the pond. Fully enjoy the nature of the four seasons at this pond, including the floating marshes, which have been designated as a national natural treasure.

(June 28, 2016)

The Art Brut Exhibition was held at the South Observation Deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government through June 30. Art brut is art produced by people with no formal training who create works unfettered by convention. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is working to spread understanding of art brut.

(June 30, 2016)

　On July 22, the Shimbashi Koichi Festival was held around the west exit of Shimbashi Station. This festival is held annually with the aim of revitalizing the neighborhood by boosting interaction between those who reside, work, and visit Shimbashi. The atmosphere was very lively, with many people enjoying the various events that were held, including a bon dance, fair booths, traditional games, stage events, and a beer garden.

(July 22, 2016)

　On July 22, the Marunouchi de Uchimizu event was held to provide respite from the urban heat island effect. Uchimizu, the act of sprinkling water on the street, was conducted on Gyoko-dori Avenue by the participants, many dressed in yukata, the casual summer cotton kimono, who work in or were visiting the Otemachi, Marunouchi, and Yurakucho district. Reclaimed waste water from the buildings was reused in this event.

(July 22, 2016)

　On July 24, exactly four years before the opening of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, a countdown event was held at Haneda Airport. The event included a ceremony for the completion of a globe made of 2,020 origami paper cranes and a special talk event with guests.

(July 24, 2016)

　On July 26, an opening ceremony was held for the Tokyo Hydrogen Museum (Tokyo Suiso-miru) one day before it opened to public. As a center to promote information on hydrogen energy, it is a comprehensive learning facility that allows visitors to enjoy learning about hydrogen energy through interactive exhibits. The exhibition space on the first floor is made up of six zones on hydrogen and energy. The second floor has an exhibition corner displaying hydrogen related technology and products.

(July 26, 2016)

At 9:30 a.m. on August 2, Governor Koike arrived at the main entrance to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) Main Building No.1. With the sound of the Tokyo Fire Department Band playing the Tokyo Olympic March in the background, the governor was welcomed by many TMG staff members. Governor Koike then proceeded to her office where she sat down in the black leather chair reserved for the governor. When asked about how she felt by the media, as if reflecting on the situation, the governor responded, “I am deeply moved. I am feeling the great responsibility that comes with this position.

(August 8, 2016)

　The Olympic Games kicked off in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on August 5. To coincide with the Games, the Tokyo Metropolitan Building No. 1 was lit up in four of the five colors of the Olympic symbol (blue, green, red, and yellow). Starting on September 7, the building will be illuminated in the colors of the Paralympic symbol to coincide with the opening of the Paralympic Games.

(August 15, 2016)

　On August 24, Governor Koike arrived at Tokyo International Airport with the Olympic Flag handed over to her at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games closing ceremony in hand. The governor said, “I received the Olympic Flag from Mayor Paes. Although the flag may appear heavy, it is actually not that heavy. However, I am coming to fully realize the responsibility and great importance that comes with the flag.

(August 29, 2016)

　The “Everyone’s Tokyo 2020 – 4 Years to Go!” countdown event was held on August 25 at the Tokyo Citizens’ Plaza next to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, marking four years to the start of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Under the “Tokyo 2020 Games emblem we make together” theme, a group of about 100 people, including elementary school students, disassembled a giant Tokyo 2020 Olympic emblem set up in the plaza and rearranged the pieces to form the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic symbol.

(August 31, 2016)

　Having been closed for renovation since September 2014, the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum reopened on September 3. The visitor experience has been improved, with an enlarged entrance hall providing a light, open space, as well as the installation of additional elevators. The museum is celebrating 20 years since its opening and to mark the occasion, it has been given a new nickname, “TOP Museum,” and a new logo using the letters T, O and P taken from the museum’s English name. 　

(September 3, 2016)

On September 13, Ogochi Shrine, located in Okutama-machi, Nishiokutama-gun, held its annual festival.

On September 6, the governor called at the home of Toshiko Kaji in Nakano-ku, Tokyo, to congratulate her on reaching 100 years of age. The governor presented a card and a gift of a lacquerware vase made by traditional Tokyo craft techniques. Ms. Kaji expressed her thanks for being able to enjoy time with people even after reaching 100 years of age and said it was like a dream for her to receive the governor’s good wishes for her birthday. Since 1958, it has been an annual tradition for the governor to call at the homes of Tokyo citizens reaching 100 years old that year, and present commemorative gifts and cards.

(September 6, 2016)

　On September 6, Governor Koike visited a nursery school in Tokyo. After touring the inside and rooftop garden at Koume Nursery School in Sumida-ku, she talked with the staff. She then received gifts and a send-off from the children. After the visit, the governor said that with the difficulties in finding land for such facilities in Tokyo, the rooftop garden at Koume Nursery School was an excellent example of good use of available space.

(September 6, 2016)

　On September 26, the red spider lilies at Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens were in full bloom. At the north side of the park around the area of the old Kanda Josui water channel, a mass of the red flowers were beautifully reflected on the surface of the water. In 1952, the Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens were designated as both a special historic site and special place of scenic beauty, under the Law for the Preservation of Cultural Properties, making it only the second site in Tokyo, along with the Hamarikyu Gardens, to receive this dual distinction.

(September 26, 2016)

The susuki silvergrass was at its peak on October 6 at the Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens. The gardens, situated near Mukojima station in Sumida-ku, were established in the early 19th century, when there was a flourishing cultural scene among Tokyo townsfolk. Tokyo Skytree can be seen from the gardens. Flowers can be enjoyed throughout the seasons. In spring, wisterias are in bloom. In fall, visitors can enjoy walking through the “hagi tunnel” which is a long, enclosed trellis of purple hagi bush clover flowers.

(October 6, 2016)

A parade of the Japanese athletes who participated in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic and Paralympic Games was held on October 7. After a ceremony on a special stage set up on Shintora-dori Avenue, the athletes got onto open buses and special floats and paraded 2,500m from Ginza 8-Chome to Nihonbashi Muromachi. The weather was beautiful and many people had gathered along the way to cheer the athletes. The medalists raised their medals and waved, cheering back to the crowds.

(October 7, 2016)

On October 11, the governor of Kumamoto Prefecture, Ikuo Kabashima, visited Governor Koike along with Kumamoto Prefecture’s “sales manager,” Kumamon. Governor Kabashima came to offer thanks for support from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government following the earthquakes in Kumamoto. Governor Koike said that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government hoped to continue offering solid support, communicating closely with the people in the affected areas.

(October 11, 2016)

On October 21, the seventh Roppongi Art Night began. In previous years, the event has been held in spring, but this year, it has been shifted to fall, and extended by one day to three days. The theme this year is “Roppongi, Art Playground—Let’s Run Around and Try Things Out!” and installations from this year’s main program artist, sculptor Kohei Nawa, were displayed in three places, including the Roppongi Hills Arena. During the three-day event, there were to be performances and music through the night from contemporary artists who had gathered from around the world.

(October 21, 2016)

　On November 12, Governor Koike took part in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Flag and Paralympic Flag Tour event held at the Miyake Village Culture Center. At the ceremony, the governor passed the Paralympic flag to the representatives of local elementary and middle school children. Miki Ando, flag tour ambassador, passed the Olympic flag to Miyake Mayor Akimasa Sakurada. The governor then attended the opening ceremony for the WERIDE Miyake-jima Enduro Race, a cross-country motorcycle race that was held at the Oyama Special Outdoor Event Space. Governor Koike served as the starter, signaling around 90 riders racing on the course.

November 12, 2016

　On November 17, the leaves of the ginkgo trees lining the path in Hikarigaoka Park reached their golden peak. The park’s ginkgo trees were planted along the street in front of the former Tokyo Metropolitan Government building in Yurakucho. They were moved to Interaction Path within the park when they became a hindrance to constructing the Keiyo Line. Many visitors turned out to walk through the golden tunnel of leaves formed by the 40 trees, all over 100 years old.

November 17, 2016

　On November 20, Governor Koike attended the launch ceremony of the Tohoku Rokkon Festival Parade, the main event of the first Tokyo Shintora Festival. Wishing for the recovery of the areas affected by the 2011 East Japan earthquake and tsunami, the “Tohoku Rokkon Festival Parade” brought together Tohoku’s famous festivals: Aomori Nebuta Festival, Akita Kanto Festival, Morioka Sansa Dance, Yamagata Hanagasa Festival, Sendai Tanabata Festival (Sendai Suzume Dance) and Fukushima Waraji Festival. Around 300 performers danced their way down 300 meters of Shintora-dori Avenue in Tokyo (between Atagoshita-dori Avenue and Hibiya-dori Avenue).

November 20, 2016

　On November 24, Tokyo had its first November snow in 54 years. Moreover, according to the Tokyo Regional Headquarters of the JMA, snow cover was observed in central Tokyo at 11am. This is the first record of snowfall accumulation in November since records began in 1875. The fall leaves in Inokashira Park were covered with white snow, creating a colorful landscape.

November 24, 2016

　On December 2, the harvesting of Nerima Daikon was at its peak. The harvested daikon radishes are dried to be consumed as takuwan pickles. The daikon shown in the photo is of a variety called Nerima Oonaga Daikon. This variety is known to have a good yield rate when dried as well as superior quality, in terms of color, shape and crisp texture, compared to other types of daikon grown for pickling. Standing by 2,500 or so sun-dried daikon that he produced, Mr. Watado smilingly said, “I have a good feeling that these daikon will again this year make good takuwan.”

December 2, 2016

　On December 3, traditional crafts developed and promoted under the “TOKYO Teshigoto” project were displayed at “Winter Vista Illumination 2016,” a light up event held at Showa Kinen Park. “TOKYO Teshigoto” is a project set up by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center, with the aim to create new products from traditional crafts that meet the demands of modern consumers and to develop new markets at home and abroad. To that end, initiatives under the project will be implemented from fiscal 2017. Visitors couldn’t take their eyes off the brightly-illuminated traditional craftwork.

December 3, 2016

　On November 29, the construction of the New National Stadium was given the go-ahead, and a groundbreaking ceremony was held on December 11 with the attendance of Governor Koike. The height of the new stadium will be kept as low as possible to blend well with its environment, and its outer perimeter will have eaves. In addition, its top floor will have a walkway to serve as an observation deck for the public. Moreover, the stadium will be built for universal accessibility, providing an environment where every person can enjoy watching games safely and in comfort. The scheduled completion date is November 2019.

December 11, 2016

　On December 6, the annual Kumade Fair took place at Oji Shrine. This is the last fair of the year to be held in Tokyo and it is visited by many people every year. Kumade, decorated lucky bamboo rakes that “rake in good fortune” line the precinct of the shrine, which bustles with many customers looking to purchase it for success in business and family safety. The sound of ritual hand-clapping echoed alive across the shrine each time a rake was sold.

December 6, 2016