TOSHIMA City was once included in the list of “cities at risk of disappearing” announced by the Japan Policy Council in 2014. Today, years after being removed from the list in 2019-2020, Toshima has undergone a remarkable transformation.
Under the leadership of Mayor Miyuki Takagiwa, the city has charted a clear path forward, demonstrating how visionary leadership and sustained efforts can shape the city’s future and drive positive change.
Child-Rearing Policy.
Under this policy, monthly visits are arranged to households with babies. The administration distributes an electronic coupon worth 3,000 yen at each visit. In line with this, more men are encouraged to take parental leave. In addition, budget allocation includes support for men in childcare and the creation of a “father-child handbook” (February, 2024).
In a separate interview with the Mayor herself (July, 2024), she shared that the administration is starting to make childbirth expenses “essentially free”. She also explored that relevant departments in her administration have also collaborated to set up systems to reduce the burden of childcare as well as housework, both included under the category of “uninterrupted support”: from strengthening the support provided by “postpartum doulas” and increasing the number of “postpartum care facilities” so that mothers can stay overnight with their children when tired, as well as offering day care services in addition to overnight services.
Development of Ikebukuro into a World-Class Anime City
Under the leadership of Mayor Miyuki, Toshima City has also collaborated with Kadokawa Corporation and Sunshine City Corporation for the establishment of a new production hub, Studio One Base in Sunshine City, Ikebukuro. This collaboration is part of Toshima City’s initiative to advance urban development that leverages manga, anime, and its status as a mecca for the genres.
“As a manga, anime and cosplay mecca, Toshima City has been promoting various initiatives focused on events. We are sure that our partnership with KADOKAWA will facilitate the development of Ikebukuro as a base for creation as well. Our collaboration in the development of young creators and the revitalisation of the industry and the local community will enable us to get very close to achieving the three core values in the Toshima City Basic Concept we formulated last year: everyone has a role to play, a community where all are connected, and a city of smiles, encounters and dreams,” said Mayor Miyuki Takagiwa (group.kadokawa.co.jp)
Combating Illegal Dumping
Following the report of abandoned suitcases, believed to be mostly left behind by foreign visitors, the city government on July 1, 2026, signed partnership agreements with two private companies involved in suitcase reuse as part of efforts to prevent illegal dumping by promoting buyback and paid collection services, distributing multilingual leaflets encouraging people not to discard suitcases, and displaying warnings on large outdoor screens.
Mayor Miyuki Takagiwa once said, “I want people to grow up healthy and create their own future, even if they have a physical disability, come from a poor family, or have been abused by their parents, and since becoming mayor, I have felt even more strongly that I want this to be possible in Toshima City.”
It is not surprising that Toshima City is starting to take shape the way she envisions.
Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyPJH81K-Hk
https://www.japanpolicyforum.jp/society/pt2024071017442214434.html
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260714/p2a/00m/0na/019000c
https://group.kadokawa.co.jp/information/news_release/2026030501_en.html
https://www.japanpolicyforum.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/pdf/2024/no82/DJweb_82_soc_01.pdf
Photos:
https://www.japanpolicyforum.jp/society/pt2024071017442214434.html
