What is Smart Tokyo Promotion Project for Solving Local Issues?
Role within the Smart Tokyo Strategy
Advancing the Smart Tokyo and TOKYO Data Highway Strategy
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government formulated the “Future Tokyo Strategy Vision” in December 2019 to lay the foundation for its long-term strategic direction. One of the core pillars of this vision is the realization of “Smart Tokyo,” a concept that leverages digital technologies to unlock Tokyo’s potential and improve the quality of life for its residents. As part of its roadmap toward 2030, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government introduced the “Smart Tokyo and TOKYO Data Highway Strategy.”
In February 2020, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government launched the “Smart Tokyo Implementation Strategy,” which outlines specific measures to enhance citizens’ quality of life through the integration of digital solutions into everyday life.
The Smart Tokyo Promotion Project for Solving Local Issues plays a key role within the broader Smart Tokyo Strategy. It supports local governments in applying digital technologies to address community-specific issues, contributing to the inclusive and sustainable development of Tokyo as a smart city.
Background
Pilot Initiatives in Selected Areas (Since 2020)
Since 2020, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has implemented pilot initiatives in various areas, taking into account the unique characteristics of each region. These areas include Nishi-Shinjuku, central Tokyo (Otemachi, Marunouchi, Yurakucho, Takeshiba, and Toyosu), the Bay Area, Minami-Osawa, and the Tokyo Islands. Each initiative has been tailored to address local issues through the strategic use of digital technologies.
Smart Tokyo Chiiki Project (2022–2024)
To expand the outcomes of earlier pilot initiatives across Tokyo, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has promoted community-led smart city development in eight selected areas. These projects aim to empower local communities to take the lead in applying digital technologies tailored to their specific needs and characteristics.
The selected areas are:
Sumida City, Itabashi City, Minato City, Higashimurayama City, Komae City, Tama City, Shinagawa City, and Tachikawa City.
Purpose of the Smart Tokyo Promotion Project for Solving Local Issues
To further accelerate the expansion of smart city initiatives across Tokyo, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government launched this project to support local governments, universities, and private companies that are motivated to address community-specific issues. The project provides assistance in clarifying local issues, facilitating the formation of consortium composed of these stakeholders, and supporting their collaborative efforts to solve local issues through the use of digital technologies.
The Smart Tokyo Promotion Project for Solving Local Issues is a Tokyo Metropolitan initiative designed to tackle local issues faced by cities across the capital. By harnessing digital technologies from universities and private companies, the project aims to build smarter communities. It provides support for matching local governments with private-sector partners, along with financial assistance and implementation support for collaborative initiatives.
Support for matching local governments in Tokyo facing local issues with private-sector organizations that provide solutions.
Individual Hearings: Exploring Local Issues and Identifying Potential Partners through Dialogue
Through individual hearings, we gather insights into the specific issues and planned initiatives in each area. These discussions help deepen our understanding of local issues and lead to the identification of potential private-sector partners for effective matching.
Matching Support Event
We organize events where local governments and private-sector organizations come together to explore potential matching opportunities and initiate collaborative discussions.
Financial and Implementation Support for Consortium
Financial Support
As part of its financial support measures, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government provides grants to consortium members engaged in initiatives under this project.
Maximum Grant Amount: Up to ¥20 million per project per fiscal year
Subsidy Rate: Up to 50% of eligible expenses
Duration: Up to three consecutive fiscal years
Implementation Support
The secretariat of this project provides implementation support to ensure the smooth execution of consortium-led initiatives. This includes project management assistance as well as access to expert knowledge, networks, and other resources essential for successful implementation.
By combining local insight with the power of digital technology, community-specific issues are effectively addressed, enabling Tokyo residents to enjoy a higher quality of life.
Making urban life more convenient and more comfortable—by solving 
