Tokyo Photo News December 2024

As part of the “Tsukiji District Community Development Project” which leverages the strengths of the private sector, the “Tsukiji Expedition” was held on December 1. This event offered Tokyo residents a unique opportunity to explore the past, present, and future of the Tsukiji Market. Following the closure of the Tsukiji Market, this marks the first time that the site has been opened to the public as part of the community development project. The photo shows a water bus tour where participants boarded a boat to view the entire project area from the Sumida River.

Participants viewed the former Tsukiji Market site. Moving along checkpoints set up on the vast site, participants saw pillars and stone pavements of the former Tsukiji Market facilities, which have been preserved on site.

Elementary school students experienced the joy of kite-flying, embracing the sense of freedom in the open space.

After the site tour, participants watched a video of prospective project operators’ proposals at Tsukiji Social Education Center. Elementary school students also participated in a workshop where they could exchange opinions on community development and other issues. The children’s opinions included, “I want a lot of solar panels to be installed [on the site]” and “I am looking forward to the realization of advanced technology such as flying cars in the future [in Tokyo].”

With the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics coming up next year, an event was held at the Tokyo Gas Fukagawa Ground where people could experience deaf football, one of the events of the Deaflympics. Participants were elementary school students. After a classroom lecture using sign language, both hearing and non-hearing participants chased the ball on the same pitch.

Football with no sound, but with a sense of speed.

By the end of the trial class, the children were able to make shots.

Commemorative photos were taken with all participants.

In order to realize “Connected Tokyo,” the 5th “TOKYO Data Highway Summit” was held, where the Governor of Tokyo and representatives of telecommunications companies gathered together to exchange opinions.

In the summit, under the theme of the ideal telecommunications environment for the defense of the capital, TMG made a presentation for its ongoing initiatives to realize a “connected Tokyo” and telecomminications carriers also made presentations to showcase their efforts. After the presentations, the participants exchanged opinions.

Governor Koike said, “This year started with the earthquake in Noto on January 1. This reminded me of the importance of communication and information. It is key that “Tokyo can be connected at all times and in all situations.” With your cooperation, I would like to make sure that our efforts will contribute to the defense of the capital and the people of Tokyo.”

A New Year's Eve countdown event to enliven the nighttime in the Nishi-Shinjuku area, “Happy New Year Tokyo 2025” was held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Citizens’ Square in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

The event included projection mapping on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, performances of Japanese drums and DJs, and illuminations in the Nishi-Shinjuku area. Many visitors enjoyed the event.

Fireworks were set off at the stroke of midnight, and the new year (2025) was welcomed with the cheers of the event participants.

Governor Koike greeted, saying, “As the capital city Tokyo, we will work for the prosperity of Japan and enrich everyone's lives. I sincerely pray that it will be a wonderful year for all of us.