Mohamed Mussa
Egypt significantly influenced Japan’s openness to the world following a visit by a group of samurai at the end of the Edo period, Governor of Tokyo Yuriko Koike said.
The samurai were deeply impressed by Egypt’s level of development, she added during her speech at the wisdom of civilizations session of the World Urban Forum (WUF), hosted by Cairo.
The samurai delegation was captivated by Egypt’s beauty and development at the time, particularly experiencing their first train journey to the Mediterranean Sea. This journey played a significant role in Japan’s decision to open up to the world and pursue its own development, Koike said.
She showcased Tokyo successes as a model of sustainability, noting that Japanese citizens generally prioritize cleanliness in their city, where there are no public trash bins, as citizens actively recycle their personal waste.
Tokyo is currently implementing several major development projects to mitigate natural disasters, such as earthquakes. The city has successfully constructed disaster-resistant housing, protecting over 9 million people, and has shared its expertise with countries facing similar challenges, the governor said.
Japan has also begun using AI-powered industrial water meters to promote sustainable urban living. These meters have reduced water leakage to below 4%, she added.
The era of global boiling has reached Tokyo, where rising temperatures due to climate change are noticeable. The city used heat-resistant pavements during the 2020 Olympics to combat heat and will become the first city to commit fully to renewable energy starting April, Koike said.
Japan is committed to achieving net-zero emissions and is exploring the latest, most adaptable energy-generation methods. Solar generators have been installed on the tallest buildings in Japan, which produce zero carbon emissions, contributing to Japan’s goal of becoming a more sustainable society. Japan also aims to exchange “green nitrogen” and present Tokyo as a successful model for humanity, she added.
Additionally, the role of startups is seen as crucial in the coming phase, especially as they drive new innovations in industrial restructuring. Japan is inviting global participation in one of the largest startup conferences, featuring 45 cities worldwide, the governor said.
The World Urban Forum will open up opportunities for fresh ideas, supporting the integration of sustainability with technology, she added.
