#Japan #Tokyo #Community Engagement #Tokyo Government #Project Proposals

Tokyo's 2023 Project Proposal Initiative

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has launched the 2023 Project Proposal Initiative under the theme "Your Ideas Can Change Tokyo." This initiative invites citizens and university researchers to submit proposals that reflect the various challenges faced by the community and the outcomes of academic research. The objective is to foster a participatory governance model where residents can directly influence public policy and contribute to shaping a better Tokyo.

Starting from April 3 to May 31, 2023, proposals will be accepted from local residents and university faculty members. Once proposals are submitted, the Tokyo government will review them, and a public vote will be held around late July to select which projects to implement. The results from this voting will inform the budget for 2024, emphasizing a democratic approach to urban governance.

Overview of the Citizen Proposal System

The citizen proposal system encourages direct engagement from residents, allowing them to propose solutions to Berlin's pressing issues. This novel approach aims to break away from conventional bureaucratic norms and hone in on innovative perspectives to address critical urban challenges.

Proposal Submission Timeline

• - Start Date: April 3, 2023 (Friday)
• - End Date: May 31, 2023 (Sunday, postmarked)

Areas Open for Proposals

The government is seeking diverse ideas across various fields, including but not limited to:

• - Support for marriage, pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting
• - Initiatives to foster entrepreneurship and innovation
• - Programs aimed at empowering young people
• - Creating a vibrant and livable Tokyo
• - Developing policies for an inclusive society and a sustainable environment
• - Implementing disaster prevention measures for a safe living environment
• - Enhancing female participation in the workforce

How to Submit Proposals

1. Online: Proposals can be submitted via the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's finance bureau website. The online form is available at Tokyo Citizen Proposal Page.
2. By Mail: Download the proposal format from the same webpage and send it to the designated proposal officer at the finance bureau.

Eligibility Requirements

Participants must be at least 15 years old as of April 1, 2023, and either reside in Tokyo or study/commute to the city. Both individuals and organizations are welcome to submit ideas.

Overview of the University Researcher Proposal System

In addition to engaging citizens, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government also seeks project proposals from university researchers. This aims to draw on the wealth of knowledge concentrated in Tokyo's universities to tackle urgent socio-political issues and guide the future of the city.

Proposal Submission Timeline

• - Start Date: April 3, 2023 (Friday)
• - End Date: May 31, 2023 (Sunday, postmarked)

Notable Areas for Proposals

Among the wide range of topics, the focus will be on:

• - Supporting young people's aspirations and promoting joy in the lives of children and youth
• - Creating an environment where everyone can flourish and realize their potential
• - Establishing Tokyo as a leading financial and economic hub
• - Designing a city that entices and captivates through growth and maturity
• - Building a safe, resilient, and sustainable urban environment for all

Support for University Proposals

The Tokyo government provides substantial support, with a maximum of three years of funding available. This includes:
1. Grants to cover research costs for up to 30 million yen per year.
2. Joint projects undertaken with the Tokyo government, with funding up to 200 million yen per year.

Submission Process for University Proposals

Researchers should access the University Proposal page on the finance bureau's website to download the necessary documents, fill out the required fields, and submit via the online platform. More details can be found at Tokyo University Proposal Page.

Eligibility for University Proposals

Researchers must be employed at a university that is legally established under Japan's School Education Act and has its main campus located within Tokyo. Recommendations from their employing institution are also required.

In conclusion, this joint initiative signifies a progressive step toward inclusive governance in Tokyo, enabling the public and academia to collaborate towards a sustainable and vibrant urban future.