Message from the Governor
For Japan’s Rebirth
Challenges for Saitama
What image do you have of Saitama Prefecture? With approximately 7.2 million people, Saitama Prefecture is home to densely populated cities as well as smaller towns and mountainous areas that are suffering from depopulation. Its diversified industry ranges from agriculture and engineering to services. It can be said that Saitama is the epitome of Japan, with the exception of the sea—Saitama is landlocked.
I aspire to help change Japan through prefectural initiatives and by implementing drastic measures and sharing these experiences and outcomes with other municipalities.
Japan is now at a major turning point in its history. Changes in circumstances surrounding society have forced us to re-examine many of the systems and structures that supported the postwar growth. Moreover, the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent incident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant have presented unexpected problems, necessitating a review of our energy policies and crisis management framework for large-scale disasters.
With these challenges in view, Saitama Prefecture is implementing the “Saitama Prefecture Five-year plan for safety, growth, self-reliance and self-respect” to realize “a prefecture where residents can feel safe, benefit from various opportunities and enjoy their lives.”
In particular, Saitama Prefecture will focus on the three important projects: the Saitama Eco-Town Project which aims to realize procurement of local energy sources by utilizing renewable energies; the Saitama Womanomics Project to create ideal working conditions for female workers and to use women’s strengths to revitalize both society and the economy; and the Saitama Project for Healthy Longevity to control healthcare costs and promote participation of the elderly in society through comprehensive programs aimed at preventing lifestyle-related diseases.
I admit these projects are highly challenging. However, Saitama Prefecture is determined to play a leading role in Japan’s revival by coming up with successful models for the future.
We appreciate your attention to our endeavors.