Govenor Koike Calls for Innovation at FII PRIORITY Asia Summit 2025

Governor Koike attended the FII PRIORITY Asia Summit 2025 in Tokyo. This is what she had to say at the keynote address.

Good morning, everyone. Welcome to Tokyo. It is a privilege and honor to have FII PRIORITY Asia 2025 held in Tokyo. I have the great pleasure of welcoming His Excellency Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan of FII Institute and Mr. Richard Attias, Chairman of the FII Institute Executive Committee, His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al-Saud.  And I would like to welcome so many other distinguished participants to Tokyo in its best season.

Official FII Video can be found below: 
https://www.fii-institute.tv/video/2960/official-opening

I had the honor of being invited to the FII 9th Edition 2025, which was held in Riyadh this October. There, leaders of national governments and global corporations spoke about seeking “the key to prosperity” and unlocking new frontiers of growth. I was deeply inspired by their passion and foresight.

Building upon the enthusiasm ignited in Riyadh, I am truly delighted that a vision for Asia in the new era can be crafted here in Tokyo to advance steps toward sustainable prosperity. 

Tokyo stands out in the world with a cutting-edge culture existing side-by-side with traditions dating back 400 years to the Edo period. The artist of these famous woodblock prints laid the foundation for manga and anime. So, you could say that both Dragonball and Captain Majid, Captain Tsubasa have roots going back to the Edo period four hundred years.

I also hope our world-renowned cuisine and inspiring entertainment like kabuki, sumo, robotics and e-games, will leave you with unforgettable memories. 

Now Tokyo is the perfect city for you as an investor. It has a population of some 14 million people and boasts a gross regional product of 700 billion dollars, accounting for about 20% of Japan’s total GDP. And this makes it one of Asia’s largest economies, and Tokyo holds tremendous potential for you.  

Tokyo is also a hub for innovation. It has one of the largest numbers of Fortune Global 500 company headquarters in the world, and many universities and research organizations. A diverse range of players are rising to the challenge of creating new value.

Many Japanese researchers have been recognized over the years for their accomplishments and this year again, two were awarded the Nobel Prize. Additionally, in recent years, our world-leading companies and start-ups have also been active in the fields of med tech, space tech, quantum, robotics, and many others.  

In Tokyo, Asia’s largest innovation event, SusHi Tech Tokyo attracts startups, investors, and companies from around the world, and serves as a platform for business collaboration and capital acquisition.  SusHi Tech is a concentration of Tokyo’s concept for urban management. Namely, advancing sustainability through high tech. We took the “sus” of sustainability and “hi” of high tech, and when put together, becomes SusHi, which like our real sushi, appeals to people around the world.  This year, about 57,000 people from 100 countries and regions participated in the event, with innovation originating from Tokyo spreading globally. 

And this event will be held again next year from April 27th to the 29th. I look forward to your participation.  

Tokyo also offers a safe and pleasant urban environment and public transportation services that run on time. The technologies behind the safety and precision of the Tokyo Metro subway line are even serving London’s Elizabeth Line.  

Tokyo is also leading the world in “sustainable and resilient finance,” to financially support the realization of a sustainable, resilient world. This includes the overseas markets issuance of the world’s first internationally-certified “Tokyo Resilience Bonds,” whose proceeds are dedicated to disaster response.  

Needs are increasing throughout the world to renew aging infrastructure. The technologies of Japan and Tokyo are very effective in answering those needs. For example, the leakage rates of Tokyo’s water pipeline is a mere 3%, the lowest in the world. 

Tokyo is a treasure trove of business opportunities. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government sincerely welcomes your investments, knowledge, and partnerships. 

Next year is the Year of the Horse in the Japanese zodiac cycle. It is said to be a year for business growth and when hard work bears fruit. Even for those of you who have yet to establish a base here, I encourage you to use this chance to take a new step forward on the stage that is Tokyo. 

So, thank you very much for your kind attention, and thank you so much for your participation.