The Political Organization and Alliances of Tokyo
Political Organization
- Tokyo is governed not by a mayor, but by the governor of Tokyo prefecture which covers Tokyo and outline areas
- -prefectural governor= has authority over a number of administrative commissions and commissioners
- Tokyo Metropolitan assembly-->127 members elected to 4 year terms
- -City limits in 1932 made the city coincide with the boundaries in all directions except the west
- -Each ward has a popularly elected council and ward head with limited authority over local matters
- Alliances With Tokyo
- "After 20 years of economic stagnation, the crisis could bring the Japanese together, catalyze much-needed reforms, and reverse decades of malaise."
- Tokyo and many parts of Honshu were hit hard by the 2011 earthquake and Tsunami, but they also led to stronger ties with the U.S. and spurred economic reforms
- -US and Japanese alliance was strengthened because the US came to help Tokyo after the Tsunami
- In what was dubbed Operation Tomadachi (Operation Friendship), the United States mobilized some 20,000 service members to assist with relief activities.
- -Hillary Clinton was quoted saying alliance was strengthened
- "Our alliance, which was already strong and enduring, has become even more so."
- "It was the largest joint operation in the history of the alliance, and it generated widespread public support in both countries.
Skyline of the neighborhood Shinjuku which is the major commercial and administrative centre. It houses the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and the busiest train station int he world. In the background is the famous Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan and a still-active volcano.