Office of Governor KAWAKATSU Heita

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The waves of Covid-19 surges remind us that the end of the pandemic is not yet in sight. I wish to sincerely thank our frontline health care workers and the people of Shizuoka for your continued efforts to keep us safe.

 

Shizuoka in 2023

We will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the designation of Fujisan as a World Heritage site. We will also be hosting the Culture City of East Asia, offering an array of cultural events throughout 2023 under the event concept of "Open Garden Theatre." We are pleased to represent Japan and look very forward to showcasing the brilliant culture and art of our nation, here from this Mt. Fuji prefecture.

 

Shizuoka and the Sustainable Development Goals

Shizuoka Prefecture's comprehensive plan is our policy roadmap for a wealthy and virtuous prefecture. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are incorporated in this plan. Japan may very well be considered a SDG model country for our safe environment, and Shizuoka is a great model prefecture for our people and resources that are globally recognized. To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, we will adopt new technologies and frameworks, diversify our energy mix, and support our industries to decarbonize.

 

Education

In the education front, the prefecture's first night school, the Fujinokuni Junior High School, will open this spring. The school will provide a second opportunity for students to learn regardless of their age, gender, or nationality.

The Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health now offers doctoral courses and fosters professionals in the medical, public health, and welfare fields.

 

Local Economy

Food is arguably one of the most important things in life. We have partnered with the prefectures of Yamanashi, Nagano, and Niigata to sustain our local economies and stimulate local food production and consumption. This "buy" for food produced "by the mountain states" initiative will continue this year.

 

Digital Transformation

The Covid-19 pandemic speeded the adoption of digital technologies, changing how we work and live. To meet these new needs, Shizuoka Prefecture will strive to be more open and accessible for all through investing in digitalization and the development of solid transport infrastructure.

 

Disaster Preparedness

Disaster preparedness to protect our citizens' lives and properties continues to be one of our top policy priorities. The prefecture will work to strengthen our partnerships with the national government, municipal governments, and first responder organizations to minimize damage in the predicted Nankai Trough earthquake and improve river basin control.

 

Shizuoka Prefecture will serve as the cultural face of Japan this year, and you all have a role to play this special year. Each of us individuals have great potential, and each one of us are irreplaceable.　Let us together make this prefecture a great place to call home.