Following her presentation, discussions were held on how to construct the living environments, the interrelationship between the relocation and the whole national administration and how to promote national consensus.
Active Discussions in the Diet |
In the Special Committees for Relocation
of the Diet and Other Organizations of the House of Representatives and the
House of Councilors, active discussions has been made from various viewpoints
inviting witnesses from various sectors. (For detail of
the discussions in either House, refer to the official record of the proceedings
of the Diet published by each House).
| Mr. Eisuke Uchinaka, a journalist, pointed out
that the capital function relocation is a very significant policy from the
aspect of reforming the Tokyo-oriented consciousness among the nation and
the separated capital relocation system has merits such as "the easing
of attracting competition," "further contributions to the regional
activation" and "the alleviation of development costs and environmental
loads." Following his presentation, discussions focused on how the Tokyo-oriented national consciousness could be changed due to the relocation, the problems resulting from separated capital relocation, and the significance of relocation such as reformation of the overall national administration. |
| Ms. Motoko Ishii, an illumination designer, explained
a conceptual drawing of the new city, the relocation site, focusing on the
basic concepts, "Politics and Administration Opened to the Nation,"
"An Ambiance of Prosperity and Culture," "A Community Full
of Affection" and "Harmony with the Environment" and also
introduced several overseas examples (Washington, D.C., Canberra, Brasilia.). Following her presentation, discussions were held on how to construct the living environments, the interrelationship between the relocation and the whole national administration and how to promote national consensus. |
|
| Governor Shiro Asano of Miyagi Prefecture pointed
out that: The capital function relocation is to show the way Japan has to
take in the 21st century, and is the key to the renovation of Japan and
should not be influenced by financial problems; If relocated to the Tohoku
region, the frontier in the 21st century, a city in harmony with the environment
can be realized, showing a life style of having time to spare and having
composure. Governor Maaki Kanda of Aichi Prefecture pointed out that: Changing Japan's social system by relocating the capital functions is mandatory for breaking through the present limiting circumstances in Japan; The Chuo region is where four land axes are gathered, eastern and western Japan border each other and traffic infrastructure has already been established. Governor Masayasu Kitagawa of Mie Prefecture pointed out that: Growing out of the "catch-up" type of values is necessary in the era of information renovation, comparable to the agricultural and industrial renovations, and the new posture and national image of Japan should be clearly presented; The Mie/Kio region is located at the node of four land axes and can provide a simple and effective city which is in harmony with the environment and easily accessible within the country and from overseas, utilizing the existing city functions in the region. Following their presentations, discussions were held on the status of trying to let inhabitants of the prefectures understand the necessity of the relocation, effects on regions other than the relocation site region and the whole of Japan, and requests for national studies. |
Main Current Trends in the Diet and Government |
<Related to the Diet>
| June 2,1999 | The Special Committee of the House
of Representatives had an interpellation inviting Governor Shiro Asano of
Miyagi Prefecture, Governor Maaki Kanda of Aichi prefecture and Governor
Masayasu Kitagawa of Mie Prefecture June 10, 1999 The Special Committee
of the House of Representatives had an interpellation inviting Chairman
Ikuo Yana of the Tochigi Prefectural Federation of Chambers of Commerce
and Industry, Vice-Chairman Hiroshi Kanda of the Chubu Federation of Commerce
and Advisor Shigeichiro Kanamori of the Kansai Association of Managers |
June 30,1999 |
The Special Committee of the House of Representatives
had an interpellation inviting Governor Fumio Watanabe of Tochigi Prefecture,
Governor Yoshinobu Ishikawa of Shizuoka Prefecture and Governor Yoshitsugu
Kunimatsu of Shiga Prefecture |
<Related to the Government>
June 17, 1999 |
Joint session of the 19th meeting of the Council
and the 16th meeting of its Investigation Subcommittee |
June 18, 1999 |
The 9th public hearing in Kanazawa |
| July 1, 1999 | The 17th meeting of the Investigation Subcommittee
of the Council |