Translator: Kayoko Shiomi Reviewer: Kazumi Tsutada
"So happy that Kyoto is in Japan"
This is a phrase for sharing the attractiveness of Kyoto.
Central Japan Railway Company uses a similar catch phrase,
“Why don’t we go to Kyoto?”
These two phrases have similar features.
They’re both plain and simple -- no mention of the purposes or explanations.
Yet, they have gained a favorable response among many people.
No one questions “why?” or “for what?”
Nobody has complained. Well, except that one time
when I visited Boston for a sister-city exchange project.
The chairman of the Japan Society there said to me,
“Mr. Kadokawa, don’t hesitate to say we're happy that Kyoto is in the world!
So far, that is the only critical comment I've received.
I was born and raised in Kyoto.
And eight years have passed since I took office as mayor of Kyoto.
With the bottom-up approach and hands-on policy
supported by Kyoto’s history, creativity, and impressive human power,
I have devoted myself to fulfilling my duties as mayor.
The League of Historical Cities consists of 108 cities in the world.
The Kyoto mayor has served as chairman of the League for 30 years.
There are many historical cities in the world,
among which Kyoto is extremely rare
in that it has a population of over 1 million
and its culture has carried on
for a millennia, without any interruption.
Let me explain why that’s been possible in Kyoto, from two perspectives.
The one is the superb fusion of our "spiritual culture" and "craftsmanship,"
which has constantly encouraged our tradition-oriented creativity.
It has been the strong core element that has developed Kyoto.
As far as 1,000 years ago, “The Tale of Genji” was written.
And Japanese culture, such as “noh,” “kyogen,” “kabuki,”
“tea ceremony,” “flower arrangement,” “incense ceremony,”
and “washoku”-- Japanese cuisine also found their roots in Kyoto.
Lying behind these cultural developments are the ideas of coexistence with nature
religion and a religious sentiment,
which have evolved a variety of craftsmanship
in textile, dyeing, ceramics, Japanese “sake”,
printing, gardening, architecture,
and many others.
The artisanal skills, sensitivity, and culture have all evolved from them.
Kyoto has encouraged citizen’s autonomy and enriched people’s lives.
This is Kyoto and this is Japan.
This wonderful tradition has successfully
led to the development of state-of-the-art global industries.
KYOCERA was initially launched with Kiyomizu-yaki pottery.
SHIMADZU CORPORATION originally dealt with Buddhist altar ornaments.
Many medical and biotechnology industries evolved from the “sake” industry.
Nintendo, a video game developer, started with its Japanese cards, “hanafuda.”
A number of universities and resourceful industries in town
create a culture of innovation. This is Kyoto.
The other reason why Kyoto has prospered for a millennia is
our concept of city planning.
Before Kyoto became a capital 1200 years ago,
national capitals had been named
after local places, such as “Nagaoka-kyo” or “ Fujiwara-kyo.”
Meanwhile, the capital, Kyoto was named “Heian,” wishing for
peace, safety, security, and stability. ”Heian" was the concept of Kyoto.
It was common that most historical cities in the world were surrounded by walls.
They once all had walls. However, “Heian-kyo” had no walls.
Kyoto hasn't segregated people in and out of the capital for 1,000 years.
It has encouraged exchanges with people form overseas.
Cultural exchange is the key concept of Kyoto.
“A city of world cultural freedom” is our current utmost ideal,
and we’d like to cherish this long-standing concept of Kyoto.
Now, the world is facing problems, such as disputes,
poverty, various disparities, and environmental destruction.
I firmly believe that Kyoto is endowed with
a spirit of helping solve these global issues.
Kyoto and other areas in Japan are experiencing a serious crisis --
that is a sudden drop in population
This is the first of its kind here in Japan.
That is what's been said. And it’s unfortunately true.
But Kyoto faced the similar crisis 150 years ago during the Meiji era,
when the capital moved to Tokyo.
The population of Kyoto drastically plunged from 300,000 to 200,000.
That was a life-or-death crisis for Kyoto.
How did our ancestors deal with this crisis?
They thought good child rearing would lead to a bright future.
“Good city planning starts with the development of human resources.”
When there was still discrimination under the strict caste system in Japan,
Kyoto decided to raise children as treasures of the city.
Although the Ministry of Education did not exist back then,
Kyoto founded 64 local schools through private donations
to provide an equal education opportunity.
The first Japanese art university was established here, too.
Kyoto continues to put emphasis on education and culture.
And again, Kyoto and other parts of Japan faced another crisis.
It was the nationwide collapse of the bubble economy twenty some years ago.
Japan suffered a serious recession.
At that time, Kyoto citizens discussed plans for a long-term vision
for fundamental city planning.
Many city planning schemes were primarily for
the restoration of infrastructure and industrial policies.
However, Kyoto focused on securing people’s lives and well-being.
Specifically, it confirmed the six fortes,
unique to people in Kyoto.
“Good judgment” -- critical eyes for the real
“Craftsmanship” -- technique for delicate craftsmanship
“Mastery” -- perfect achievement
and no compromise
“Attempt” -- new challenges
“Hospitality” and value recognition
and “Mottainai” -- wastefulness spirit.
By cherishing these principles and ways of living,
we've involved these strengths in our concrete city planning measures.
Kyoto citizens are engaged in various activities now.
When the bubble burst, amid a chorus of deregulation
and the construction of more and more skyscrapers all over Japan,
Kyoto stood apart and decided not to become a little Tokyo.
Instead, it placed a top priority on maintaining its scenic beauty.
Tightening the regulations of building heights
in order to harmonize with its landscape,
25,000 flamboyant signboards were eliminated from rooftops,
and the aesthetical appeal of Kyoto has improved.
Kyoto is the birthplace of the Kyoto Protocol.
Through respect and sharing a spirit of “Mottainai,”
we have so far successfully reduced the amount of city garbage by 42 %,
and closed two out of five garbage disposal plants
with an annual savings of 10.6 billion yen.
Then, we launched a campaign
to turn a car driven society into
a public transportation centered city.
We worked hard.
20 years ago, 41.7 % of visitors to Kyoto drove here.
more than a quarter of drivers dropped.
We encouraged people to take subways and buses
as well as improved its running schedules.
As the number of passengers increased, businesses have improved.
To show our spirit of "Omotenashi" --hospitality in tourism,
we have implemented 191 measures to attract visitors.
Kyoto has been awarded "The most “ attractive city to visit in the world”
for two consecutive years by a world famous travel magazine.
For human resources development, we posted a slogan,
“Providing the best environment for child nurturing."
No children have been on a waiting list for a kindergarten for the last two years.
Thanks to the enthusiasm of teachers and staff,
supported by PTA and local people,
education from elementary to high schools has also achieved great progress.
I’m glad that more people have become interested in
living and raising children in Kyoto.
8 years ago, we had 3,600 more out-goers from Kyoto city than incomers.
We have had 3,250 more incomers than out-goers over the past year.
However, the total birthrate rate is still low,
which is one of our greatest challenges.
We hope to strengthen the system
to make Kyoto an ideal and sound place
for child bearing and rearing.
In order to wrestle with the problem of declining population in Japan,
we've started the re-establishment of towns, people, and jobs nationwide.
Meanwhile, Kyoto has placed primary focus on people's hearts.
Enlivening the human spirit and heart is our priority.
In order to utilize the citizens' power
and support the activities
citizens are working on autonomously,
Kyoto has taken initiatives and drawn up all-encompassing city-planning strategies.
I’d like Kyoto to be revitalized, but it is not just for Kyoto.
I hope other local communities to be revived as well.
By connecting with other local communities
I'd like to build local revitalization models.
That's what I'd like to do.
I truly look forward to seeing Japan
filled with smiles and happiness.
People tell me, “You’re always wearing kimono.”
Yes, I am. That's true.
Some may misunderstand me, but this is not only to promote Kyoto.
Today I’m wearing “Oshima kimono," "Yuki haori," and "Sendaira hakama."
The best silk cocoons in Japan are produced
in Kawamata, Fukushima prefecture. They make high quality silk cocoons.
However, traditional local businesses have faced a serious recession,
due to business concentration in Tokyo and priority on economy and efficiency,
Under these circumstances, traditional industries are in critical condition.
We have a big dream. We'd like to reinforce
long-established connections with local communities.
With our culture and products, we’d like to revitalize local economy
and contribute to the restoration of local regions.
We’d like to make Kyoto the capital of culture not only in Japan,
but also in the world.
This is what we aspire to do.
When I visit abroad, I see “Cool Japan” items being widely welcomed.
And the Japanese philosophy of living practiced in Kyoto
-- the aesthetics of our life styles, the spirit of generosity and harmony,
and no religious conflicts earn respect from people around the world.
When the Japanese re-recognize those values,
we can contribute to happiness of people in the world as well as world peace.
In order to achieve that, we’d like to elevate the popular phrase,
“So happy that Kyoto is in Japan” into “So happy that Japan is in the world”
or “”So happy that Kyoto is in the world.”
For this goal, we’d like to have
the Culture Agency of Japan relocated to Kyoto.
Away from efficiency-focused Tokyo, Kyoto will be centered on culture.
This would contribute to connecting our hearts to
those of others in the rest of Japan and the world as well as to the future.
There are hurdles to overcome.
But, it is my sincere hope to relocate the Cultural Agency to Kyoto,
revitalize Japan with culture,
contribute to the happiness of people in the world,
as well as to world peace with culture.
(Applause)