#Japan #Tokyo #Proposal Program #University Research

Tokyo's Innovative Proposal Program for 2023

Starting from April 4 to May 30, 2023, Tokyo's government is seeking innovative ideas through its annual business proposal program. This initiative allows both citizens and university researchers to contribute their creative solutions to pressing urban challenges. The program, known as the Tokyo Citizen Proposal System, aims to gather fresh perspectives that go beyond conventional thinking, ultimately leading to effective solutions for the city's most urgent issues.

Background of the Initiative

Tokyo's proposal system focuses on the principle that "citizens propose, and citizens choose." By directly incorporating the voices of the community into municipal governance, the program aims to foster meaningful public participation in shaping the policies that affect their lives. This year’s program invites suggestions across a broad range of fields, including support for marriage, pregnancy, parenting, youth empowerment, disaster preparedness, environmental sustainability, and the creation of an inclusive society. Such initiatives safeguard the well-being and future of all Tokyo residents.

Proposal Submission Process

There are two main channels for submission:

1. Online Submission: Prospective participants can visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Finance Bureau website to access the application form and guidelines for submitting proposals online.

2. Postal Submission: Participants may download the proposal format from the website and send their suggestions to the Finance Bureau's Business Proposal division via postal mail.

Eligibility Criteria

To participate, individuals must be at least 15 years old as of April 1, 2023, and either reside in Tokyo or commute to the city for work or school. Organizations with operational bases in Tokyo can also submit proposals.

Call for University Research Proposals

In a complementary effort, the Tokyo government is also inviting research proposals from university researchers located in the metropolis. This initiative is designed to utilize the wealth of knowledge concentrated in Tokyo’s educational institutions to address the city's pressing administrative challenges and envision its future.

Similar to the citizen proposals, the submission window for researchers runs from April 4 under the same conditions. Target areas for research proposals include:

• - Creating a city full of smiles and hope for children and youth
• - Establishing a society that enhances individual potential
• - Stimulating financial and economic activity that leads global change
• - Developing a safe, resilient urban environment while pursuing decarbonization

Financial Support Structure

The Tokyo government extends significant support to both proposals. Researchers and universities engaging in research activities can receive up to 30 million yen per fiscal year, while collaborative projects between the government and educational institutions can be supported up to 200 million yen per year, with funding available for a maximum of three years.

Conclusion

Through this dual proposal system, Tokyo is embracing innovation from all sectors—a move that not only strengthens community involvement but also prompts academic contributions to real-world issues. As this initiative unfolds, residents and researchers alike are encouraged to engage actively in this collaborative effort to craft a smart and sustainable future for the city. The voting process for the proposals will commence in late July, allowing the community to influence what initiatives will be funded in the fiscal budget for 2024.

By harnessing the collective creativity of its citizens and academic institutions, Tokyo is setting a precedent for participatory governance, paving the way for a brighter urban landscape.