A Message from the Governor of Shizuoka Prefecture

Building Shizuoka's Future Through Well-Being

As fiscal year 2026 begins, the Shizuoka Prefecture Strategic Plan is entering a new stage of full-scale implementation. Last year, which we designated as the first year of fiscal reform, marked an important first step toward restoring the prefecture's financial health. This year's budget, titled the "Dual-Track Budget for Nurturing the Future," reflects our commitment to both strengthening our fiscal foundations and making strategic investments in new areas of growth. We will continue to invest actively in building the economy of the future, developing the people who will lead it, and ensuring the safety, security, and peace of mind of our residents.

In recent years, the circumstances surrounding our prefecture have changed significantly, and the challenges we face have become broader and more complex. These include growing global instability, a declining birthrate and aging population, digitalization, decarbonization, and increasingly severe natural disasters. At a time like this, it is not enough to pursue material prosperity alone. We must also create a society in which people can live with confidence, feel secure in their daily lives, and experience a genuine sense of happiness.

In today's diverse society, where each person defines happiness in their own way, there is an increasing need to address a wide range of issues to improve well-being and inspire hope for the future. With this in mind, we have named our newly formulated strategic plan the Shizuoka Well-Being Plan. The name reflects my strong belief that our most important goal is to ensure that every resident can feel comfort, fulfillment, and happiness in everyday life, and that we must do everything possible to enhance that sense of well-being.

This year also marks the 150th anniversary of Shizuoka Prefecture. In 1876, the former Ashigara, Shizuoka, and Hamamatsu prefectures were merged to form the present-day prefecture. As Governor, I have always placed great importance on maintaining balance among the eastern, central, and western regions of Shizuoka. I believe it is essential to draw on the unique strengths of each area while promoting development across the prefecture as a whole. We will continue to advance our policies in close partnership with municipalities throughout Shizuoka.

Enhancing the well-being of our residents cannot be achieved by the prefectural government alone. By working together with residents, businesses, community organizations, and many other partners, we will share a common vision for the future and move forward together across all of Shizuoka. Through these collective efforts, we will strive to make Shizuoka the happiest prefecture in Japan. I sincerely ask for your continued understanding and support.

Yasutomo Suzuki
Governor of Shizuoka Prefecture