Tasks of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Construction

As Japan’s capital, Tokyo is the center for many of the nation’s political, economic, and cultural functions, and has been driving the nation’s development. The Bureau of Construction must continue to support Tokyo’s transformation into a world-leading city befitting the 21st Century, furthering the rebirth of the nation.

Tokyo’s urban infrastructure, including its roads, rivers, and parks, play a vitally essential role in supporting urban activities and the lives of Tokyo residents – the driving forces behind the city’s evolution. However, many issues still remain, including the elimination of constant traffic congestion, urban flood control, improvement of areas with close-set wooden houses where large-scale fires are expected to break out following a major earthquake, and provision of open spaces and areas of greenery that will also serve as evacuation areas in the event of a disaster.

To achieve this, and to realize a comfortable, highly convenient city that is safe and attractive, the Bureau of Construction is advancing with urban infrastructure development that contributes to making Tokyo a more disaster-resistant city, taking into account the probability of an impending major earthquake directly striking the capital, and lessons learned from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Projects include development of the Three Loop Roads of the National Capital Region and the network of arterial roads that form the backbone of the city, city-planned roads that will improve disaster resistance in areas with close-set wooden houses, rivers that protect the city from flooding, and parks that create spacious and lush areas for residents to enjoy and can also serve as evacuation areas or as bases for rescue and relief activities when a disaster occurs. The Bureau also develops and operates facilities frequented by residents such as zoos, an aquarium, and cemeteries.

Furthermore, so that these assets that were built through the development of the urban infrastructure, are well managed and operated, and can be passed on to the next generation, the Bureau is promoting strategic maintenance and planned renewal. Additionally, by making the infrastructure multi-functional through the creation of facilities such as outdoor cafes along roads and rivers, the Bureau is enhancing the value of open spaces.

In implementing projects, the understanding and cooperation of residents and the private sector, as well as collaboration with the central government and municipalities, is essential. In order to maintain public trust, the Bureau is working to provide relevant information, prioritize projects, and to achieve effective results early on.

The Bureau of Construction is united in vigorously moving these projects forward.