Kyoto is one of Japan's leading large cities, founded upon the Heian Capital, which was built in 794 AD. Its population of 1.47 million citizens lives in harmony with a natural and cultural environment which has developed over time immemorial. Kyoto City is a place where you can truly savor first-hand a rich depth of culture and art steeped in tradition, and set against the changing backdrop of the four seasons, with each one possessing its own charm.

On the other hand, although Kyoto has inherited a superb history of tradition and culture established over countless generations, it is also constantly creating new forms of culture and industry with its progressive and revolutionary spirit.

With this kind of Kyoto in mind, I am working towards bringing out the best our city has to offer, building upon a philosophy of trust and partnership with the citizens, in order to create a city which possesses both ease and vibrancy, fully-equipped to handle the demands of the modern world. In these changing times, we are faced with the fast-progressing concerns of the declining birth rate and an aging society, along with serious global-scale environmental problems. However, now and in the future, I will strive to ensure the peace of mind and safety of Kyoto's citizens, and aim to have Kyoto's reputation as a truly vibrant city well-recognized, and its existence appreciated, throughout Japan and the world.