Yokohama city released a video on 14 July about the city’s IR bid, in which Mayor Fumiko Hayashi describes the city’s efforts toward the bid and its background.
Yokohama has been holding citizen briefing sessions across all wards since December 2019, but COVID-19 has meant there are still six wards yet to hold the explanatory meetings. This video aims to replace those lost sessions and deepen awareness and understanding of citizens toward the project.
In addition to being posted online, there will also be DVDs available for residents to borrow at the city’s facilities.
The video has been released in three parts with a total length of approximately 45 minutes and is titled “To Make IR a Reality.”
Following the message from Mayor Fumiko Hayashi to citizens, the video explains why Yokohama is pursuing an IR bid and the vision for a Yokohama IR.
It specifically touches on the approach to concerns such as addiction and security. At the end, the mayor gives common opinions from citizens received at past explanatory meetings and answers common questions.
Yokohama city’s candidate location is Yamashita pier. The city also explains its policies and efforts and the need for an IR due to financial problems, such as decreasing tax revenue due to a declining birthrate and aging population, plus the expected economic ripple effect for local businesses.