Tokyo Photo News October 2023

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is working on people-centered urban development in the Nishi-Shinjuku area, where roads, parks, and city blocks are integrated, and is promoting the implementation of smart services. This event was held in cooperation with the Shinjuku Subcenter Area Environmental Improvement Committee, etc., and made use of roads and public open spaces to give visitors a pleasant experience of Nishi-Shinjuku.
* Smart service: A service that contributes to improving the quality of life (QOL) of Tokyo residents by utilizing digital and other technologies

People were also able to take a ride in a self-driving car that had been decorated with pictures drawn by local elementary school students.

A space where visitors can relax in an outdoor atmosphere in a city of skyscrapers was also set up.

To add interest to the nightscape in Tokyo, the walls of the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building were used as the backdrop for a projection mapping show.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is promoting initiatives that will establish waterway transport as a familiar means of tourism and transportation, and lead to the creation of a lively waterfront area. As part of this initiative, we have started the boat commuting operation of a Nihonbashi -Toyosu route. Hop aboard an urban cruise and enjoy a speedy, comfortable and safe commute experience. The photo shows the Toyosu pier in Lalaport Toyosu, which serves as the point for boarding and disembarking.

During normal business hours, we use an Urban Launch (capacity 41 people), but when the tide is high, we use a Limousine Boat (capacity 12 people). The photo shows the exterior of the limousine boat.

The Limousine Boat is equipped with high-end seating on board.

The photo shows the interior of the Urban Launch. Bicycles and wheelchairs can also be placed on the deck of the vessel.

You can also enjoy the night view of Tokyo while commuting to work at dusk.

This photo shows Nihonbashi Pier. The terminal is just down from the bridge towards the Nihonbashi River.

The year 2023 marks the 130th anniversary of the transfer of the Tama region from Kanagawa Prefecture to Tokyo Prefecture. To commemorate the occasion, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, in collaboration with 30 municipalities in Tama, held the “Cho Tamaran Expo” to promote the charms of the Tama region (“Cho” means “Super” in Japanese.). Kicking off the opening ceremony was a special appearance by Tamarannya, the charm promotion project mascot for Tama.

At the opening ceremony, Governor Koike greeted the crowds in her role as event organizer.

Under the theme of “My Thoughts of the Future of Tama,” a contest was also held for paintings drawn by children up to elementary school age, who will lead the next generation. At the award ceremony of the painting contest, four winners took the stage and Governor Koike gave a speech congratulating them on their efforts.

At the “Cho Tamaran Expo” held on Sunsun Road at the JR Tachikawa Station North Exit, an event was also held to sell and promote specialties of the 30 municipalities of the Tama region and to enjoy local gourmet offerings.

On October 31, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government opened “Anime Tokyo Station” in Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, as a new tourist facility utilizing Japan anime content that has fans all over the world. At the grand opening ceremony held the day before, Governor Koike said, “Anime and manga are killer contents of Japan, and I hope that people from all over the world will come to this facility as a starting point for encountering the charm of anime.”