Tokyo's Initiative for Child Participation in Policy Making: An Orientation Event

Engaging Youth in Policy: The Tokyo Initiative

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has initiated a remarkable project called the "Youth Participation in Policy Making Project". This initiative aims to ensure that policies reflect the perspectives and experiences of children and adolescents. With a strong emphasis on listening to the voices of the younger generation, the project seeks to incorporate their honest opinions into the policymaking process, ultimately upgrading the policies to better fit their needs and realities.

The Orientation Event

To kick off this initiative, an orientation event is scheduled on May 11, 2025, from 2 PM to 5 PM, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, specifically in the Second Main Building, Room 2. The purpose of this event is to introduce participants to the project and facilitate their engagement through a series of activities including self-introductions and group work centered around the theme of fostering interest in business and entrepreneurship among the youth.

What to Expect

Participants can look forward to the following agenda:
1. Getting Acquainted: Each member will share a brief introduction about themselves, helping to establish a sense of community and collaboration.
2. Group Activities: In line with the orientation goal, attendees will engage in collective discussions and tasks designed to build familiarity with business and entrepreneurial concepts, enabling them to express their ideas and opinions effectively.

Press Inquiries and Participation Guidance

The orientation is open to media coverage; however, interested journalists must submit a completed registration form (included in a separate document) via email to S1110301@section.metro.tokyo.jp by noon on May 9, 2025. Media coverage will be limited to one camera per reporting organization for video, and one reporter for still photography, due to venue constraints.

On the day of the event, media representatives should proceed to the designated registration area at the entrance of Room 2 from 1:20 PM until the coverage concludes. The allocation of reporting positions will be based on the order of registration.

All media personnel are required to wear their organization's identification during the event. After the orientation concludes, a 10-minute window for individual interviews with participating members will be made available, allowing for deeper engagement with the youth involved.

It is important for reporters to adhere to the instructions provided by facility staff throughout the event. Non-compliance with these guidelines may result in the denial of access to media coverage.

The creation of this initiative is part of the broader framework to advance the “2025 Tokyo Strategy” with a strong focus on creating a child-centered policy paradigm. The ultimate goal is not only to empower youth voices but also to forge a path towards effective policy solutions that consider their unique perspectives.

As Tokyo moves forward with this initiative, it is crucial to note that it represents a significant shift in how governance may engage with the younger demographic in the future, potentially setting a benchmark for other municipalities worldwide. With milestones such as these, Tokyo continues to lead the way in promoting inclusive, engaging, and responsive governance that truly considers the realities of its youngest citizens.