A Message from the Governor of Shizuoka Prefecture

Fiscal Year 2025 marks the first year of my renewed resolve for the future of Shizuoka Prefecture—a year to embrace challenges and pursue fiscal reform.

To give these commitments concrete shape, we will launch two new major initiatives.

A　Challenging Ourselves – Policy Formulation for FY2026

We will develop policies for fiscal year 2026 that reflect both changes in the social landscape and insights from our prefectural happiness survey.

This policy package will consist of four components:

1.　Designated Policy Areas – I have identified seven priority themes:

• Increasing income and fostering entrepreneurship
• Redesigning regional transportation
• Building a child-centered society
• Ensuring a reliable medical system
• Realizing a society where women, youth, and foreign residents can thrive
• Fostering culture that brings pride to communities
• Strengthening earthquake and tsunami preparedness

2.　Data-Driven Policy-Making – Using happiness survey results to address weaknesses, enhance strengths, and implement effective programs.

3.　Staff-Led Initiatives – Encouraging policy proposals from all prefectural staff, particularly younger employees, to bring fresh and creative perspectives to prefectural challenges.

4.　Private Sector-Led Initiatives – Seeking ideas from the private sector to enhance residents' well-being, including launching the Well-being Creation Project leveraging private-sector platforms.

B　Advancing Fiscal Reform

We will conduct a thorough review of revenues and expenditures to place our finances on a more responsible and sustainable footing.

Our February mid-term fiscal plan projects a huge funding shortfall for the FY2026 budget. Even so, we must continue implementing policies to achieve our vision of becoming Japan's happiest prefecture.

This summer, we will conduct a comprehensive budget and program review—not merely to cut costs, but to undertake structural reforms that shape Shizuoka's future. By streamlining programs to focus on essentials and reassessing policy priorities, we will free up fiscal and time resources to invest in growth-driving initiatives.

Other Priority Actions

• Addressing Demographic Change – Preparing for 2040, when the population aged 65 and over will peak. A cross-departmental team will develop a 2040 Basic Policy Framework (tentative title), outlining future directions for childcare, education, healthcare, and elder care.

• Revitalizing Industry – Promoting collaboration between domestic and international startups and local companies to introduce advanced technologies and innovative ideas, thereby strengthening our industrial base.

• Expanding Tourism and Exchange – Implementing strategic measures to fully capture the growing inbound travel market. We will work closely with Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport Co., Ltd., municipalities, and relevant organizations to further develop and promote the airport's use.

As we work toward making Shizuoka the happiest prefecture in Japan, I am committed to leading these efforts with determination. I ask for the understanding and cooperation of all residents as we move forward together.

Yasutomo Suzuki
Governor of Shizuoka Prefecture