Tokyo Photo News September 2012

On September 1, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government held its annual joint disaster management drill with Meguro Ward. The drill was based on a scenario of a very strong earthquake occurring in the northern part of Tokyo Bay, and focused on measures to address issues such as the collapse of houses and spread of fire in areas with close-set wooden houses, large numbers of evacuees or people unable to return home, and the occurrence of tsunami. Local residents participated in rescue and firefighting drills. In the waterfront area, Japan Self-Defense Force drills, drills to transport stranded people by water buses or pleasure boats, and drills to close floodgates were carried out.

Photo: Drill to transport stranded people by pleasure boat (disaster relief wharf in Akashi-cho, September 1)

Development of the Tokyo Outer Loop Road (Gaikan) is underway by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. On September 5, construction began on a 16.2-kilometer section, which will link the Kanetsu Expressway, Chuo Expressway and Tomei Expressway. The some 34 kilometers between Oizumi Junction and Misato-minami Interchange is already open to traffic. Completion is scheduled for 2020 with the aim of relieving traffic congestion in Tokyo.

Photo: Governor Ishihara participating in the groundbreaking ceremony at the site for the Tomei Expressway junction in Okura, Setagaya Ward

As the host city for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be decided next year on September 7, an event was held at the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry hall in Chiyoda Ward on September 7, exactly one year before the decision. Following speeches by Governor Ishihara and Tsunekazu Takeda, president of the Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee, the countdown clock was unveiled.

Photo: Countdown clock unveiling ceremony

On September 29, The National Urban Greenery Fair Tokyo: Tokyo Green 2012 opened under the theme of "A green wind rushing through Tokyo." Various gardening techniques, creative displays by artists and gardeners, and other events will be held at the main fair grounds located in six parks and gardens in Tokyo. The fair will be held for 30 days from September 29 to October 28. For details, visit the official website at http://greeneryfair-tokyo.jp/en/.

Photo: One of the main fair grounds is the Takenodai area of Ueno Park