Chapter 579: The Proactive Tokyo Metropolitan Government

10:00 AM.

Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1.

"The fifteenth?!"

Isomura Naonori snapped his head up, his brows furrowing tightly.

"Saionji Tower officially opens in four days, and you’re telling me now that the roads won’t open until the fifteenth?!"

His voice rose noticeably, freezing mid-motion as he was about to turn a page.

Several officials in the conference room looked up one after another.

Spread across the table was a construction progress map of the Waterfront Sub-center, with several roads connecting to Odaiba’s core area marked in red and green, alongside notes on the latest project progress and inspection schedules.

The head of the Bureau of Construction wiped his brow.

"Governor, please hear me out. The main construction is actually completely finished. It’s just that the signal equipment at two intersections is still being calibrated, and some road markings need to be repainted, so..."

"So we have to wait another nine days?!"

Isomura shoved the schedule in front of him forward, his expression darkening further.

"On the tenth, Saionji Group is officially moving its headquarters in! Leaders from Japan’s business circles, the government, and so many foreign guests will be attending, yet the surrounding roads won’t even be open?"

The more he spoke, the more of a headache he got, prompting him to massage the bridge of his nose.

"How am I supposed to explain this to Miss Saionji?"

The head of the Bureau of Construction quickly bowed his head.

"I am terribly sorry, Governor. But according to the original plan, construction completes on the ninth, joint inspections begin on the tenth, and the official opening is on the fifteenth..."

"Wait!"

Isomura suddenly raised his hand.

He picked up the schedule, scrutinized it, and looked at the man in sheer disbelief.

"If work finishes on the ninth, why on earth wait until the tenth to start inspections?"

"Because according to standard procedure, the contractors must first submit a completion report before we can arrange for the Bureau of Construction, traffic management departments, and relevant agencies to conduct on-site inspections..."

"Then arrange it in advance!"

Isomura could no longer sit still.

He slapped the schedule onto the table, leaned forward, and swept his gaze across the officials’ faces.

"Do you really have to wait until the contractors deliver a report to your desks before you deign to visit the site?"

"Well..."

"Organize inspections for the completed sections starting today!"

Isomura grabbed a pen and drew a heavy line across the schedule.

"Have the contractors rush the remaining signal equipment and road markings. Inspect whatever can be inspected first, and if you need to coordinate with the traffic department, do it right now!"

He looked up, his speech growing increasingly brisk.

"And manpower! If you’re short on hands, reassign them from non-urgent projects! Work overtime if needed, and submit whatever extra expenses are incurred through the proper channels!"

"In short, before the night of the ninth, I want to see every road fit for opening put into service!"

"But Governor, the ninth..."

"If I recall correctly, I’ve already given you three months, haven’t I?!"

Isomura cut him off once more.

"Last October, you promised me that main section construction would finish by year’s end. Come November, you claimed underground utility lines needed adjustments and had to be pushed back two weeks."

"And December? The contractors had already finished most of the work by December, only for you people to start studying inspection procedures!"

He jabbed a finger emphatically at the green-marked roads on the map.

"It’s already January 6th!"

"Three whole months since last October!"

"Every time I asked, you told me soon, soon, they’ll open any moment!"

At this point, Isomura took a deep breath, trying to steady his tone.

But when his eyes landed back on the schedule, he couldn’t hold back.

"Yet when we’re down to the wire by just a few days, you turn around and tell me you can’t make it?!"

The conference room fell dead silent.

Head down, the head of the Bureau of Construction hurriedly jotted down the new directives in his notebook, while the other officials dared not utter a peep.

Anyone could see that this Governor of Tokyo, in office for less than a year, was genuinely agitated.

Then again, no one could blame him.

In April of last year, when Isomura Naonori defeated Suzuki Shunichi—who had governed for twelve consecutive years—everyone present had a fairly good idea of how much backing Saionji Group had provided behind the scenes.

Especially regarding the Waterfront Sub-center development.

Since Isomura took office, related projects previously scattered across the Bureau of Construction, the Bureau of Port and Harbor, and the Bureau of City Planning had their priorities reorganized under the new development plan.

Saionji Group had submitted a unified plan to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government outlining the relocation of its headquarters, opening of subsidiary office buildings, handover of employee housing, and construction of harbor facilities; Isomura subsequently ordered all departments to align public works around these milestones.

In the past, various projects had their own timelines, with completion orders largely dictated by each bureau’s annual budget and contractor schedules.

The situation was now vastly different.

Several road segments originally slated to drag on for another six months or more had been prioritized one after another.

Funding had also seen marked improvements.

Following the full resumption of engineering collaboration between Saionji and Seibu, massive quantities of construction materials could be secured through bulk procurement, and contractors the Bureau of Construction once had to plead with repeatedly had returned to the job sites.

On top of that, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government adjusted its waterfront construction budget, significantly accelerating progress along critical road sections.

One could say that to meet Saionji Tower’s opening date, the entire Tokyo Metropolitan Government had unleashed unprecedented vigor under the whip of capitalism.

The last time the Tokyo Metropolitan Government was this proactive probably dated all the way back to the eve of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, when all of Tokyo rushed to pave roads and revamp the city’s appearance.

Only, back then they were rushing for the Olympic Games, whereas now they were rushing for Miss Saionji’s housewarming celebration.

Yet a hiccup had emerged right at the final inspection stage.

The officials in charge of the project felt somewhat aggrieved as well.

After all, according to the original construction schedule, having these roads open by mid-January was already well ahead of schedule.

Unfortunately, for Isomura right now, being ten days early versus a month early carried completely different weight.

If they couldn’t make it in time for Saionji Tower’s opening ceremony, the meaning behind months of frantic acceleration would be severely compromised.

What was more...

The head of the Bureau of Construction glanced up discreetly at the still-frowning governor.

This likely affected Isomura’s standing in the eyes of Saionji as well.

"Governor."

Sensing the tension ease slightly, the head of the Bureau of Port and Harbor on the other side spoke up.

"In fact, several roads connecting the port area to the core zone are already in condition to open. It’s just that some sections still share access with construction vehicles. If we open them all before the tenth, it might disrupt subsequent construction..."

"Then open the sections that have already been partitioned off first."

Isomura immediately cut in.

"Let construction vehicles keep using dedicated lanes while ordinary traffic and commuter buses take the public roads. If temporary traffic rerouting is needed, bring in the Metropolitan Police Department’s traffic division."

He turned back to the head of the Bureau of Construction.

"Listen, I am not asking you to open roads that aren’t finished yet."

"Whatever safety inspections must be done, do them properly. If an accident happens, none of us can bear the blame."

Isomura softened his tone slightly, yet kept his gaze fixed on the man.

"But for those roads already built, could you please show a little more initiative?"

"It’s clearly just a matter of gathering a few departments together to complete on-site verification in advance, so why must you wait until after the tenth?"

"Saionji Group managed to erect a 500-meter skyscraper in a matter of years, and we at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government can’t even open a few already-finished roads a few days early?"

He sighed helplessly.

"That really makes no sense."

The head of the Bureau of Construction bowed hastily.

"I am truly sorry, Governor. We will reschedule the inspection arrangements this afternoon and do our utmost to make the ninth."

"Then I’m counting on you."

Isomura finally leaned back against his chair.

Only then did he realize his mouth was parched from talking.

He lifted his teacup to take a sip, only to find the tea had long gone cold.

Frowning slightly, Isomura nonetheless downed the remaining half cup.

He looked out the window.

The new Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building had been completed less than a year ago.

This 243-meter skyscraper designed by Kenzo Tange had just become the tallest building in Japan last year.

Who could have imagined that in so short a time, that record would be left far behind by a 500-meter black tower across Tokyo Bay?

Furthermore, that skyscraper had been funded entirely out of Saionji Group’s own pocket.

Isomura’s gaze fell once more onto the Odaiba development map on the table.

Around this time last year, he had still been agonizing over the Tokyo gubernatorial election.

At the time, Suzuki Shunichi had held office for twelve consecutive years, backed by an entrenched network of local organizations and support associations; though Isomura had garnered support from numerous politicians, his campaign showed little traction.

Until Saionji Satsuki took the initiative to step in.

Funds, enterprises, banks, and an entire slate of actionable economic policy proposals poured into his campaign office one after another.

Even construction workers who originally had no ties to him were mobilized by Saionji, becoming key supporters of his campaign.

In the end, even Seibu Group joined the fold.

An election widely deemed unwinnable was turned around step by step by her hand.

And he, at last, took his seat in this office.

Isomura exhaled softly.

In truth, since taking office last April, he had indeed given it his all.

A progress payment settlement system for small and medium-sized construction firms had entered trial implementation, bridge-financing channels were gradually operating, and waterfront projects stalled by capital crunches were resuming construction one after another.

Yet this opening of Saionji Tower was of an entirely different significance after all.

The tallest skyscraper in the world.

Five hundred meters.

And it had been built right as Japan’s bubble economy burst and countless enterprises were slashing investment.

Even without considering his minor selfish motives, objectively speaking, this matter is beneficial to the country and the people.

In recent months, media outlets from various countries have almost never stopped reporting on Saionji Tower.

The official opening ceremony on the 10th will inevitably attract attention from Japan and even all over the world.

Key figures from Japan’s financial world will come, government officials will come, and quite a few foreign investors will also be present in person.

For the Waterfront Sub-center, which has fallen into development difficulties due to the bursting of the bubble, this is simply the best promotional opportunity.

It does not even require the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to spend money specifically on advertising.

Just letting those foreign reporters see Saionji Tower with their own eyes, and then look at the hotels, commercial facilities, and future development plans under construction around it, would be enough to make many investors who had originally lost interest in Odaiba reconsider.

However, if those people drive to Odaiba by then and find that a world-tallest building has already been built, but the surrounding area is still cordoned off everywhere, and even a few major public roads have failed to open on time...

Just imagining that scene made Isomura’s forehead ache faintly.

How embarrassing would that be!

Especially that Miss Saionji.

She had invested so many resources during her own campaign for the development of Odaiba, and now even the group headquarters has been built.

As a result, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government cannot even deliver a few roads that have already been built on time.

Then what use is he as a governor?

That is the most dangerous part.

Thinking of this, Isomura’s brows, which had just relaxed, furrowed again.

"By the way."

He put down his teacup and looked at everyone again.

"How is the coordination for the commuting arrangements on Saionji’s side going?"

The official in charge of Waterfront transportation immediately opened the materials.

"The Saionji Group has already submitted the transportation plan for the early stage of the headquarters’ opening. The first batch of relocated employees will commute in batches, the group has arranged dedicated shuttle vehicles, and some personnel will also use water transportation..."

"I have already read their own arrangements."

Isomura shook his head.

"What I want to ask is what the Tokyo Metropolitan Government can provide."

The official was startled for a moment and hurriedly flipped back two pages.

"Preliminary coordination has been completed with the Metropolitan Police Department’s traffic department, and personnel will be arranged at major intersections to maintain order on the 10th. In addition, after the relevant roads are opened, public transportation routes can be adjusted according to actual needs."

"Again in the future?"

Isomura’s eyebrows immediately shot up.

That official immediately closed his mouth.

"I say everyone..."

Isomura looked at them somewhat helplessly.

"Saionji Tower is going to be put into use on the 10th. Shouldn’t everything we are discussing now be arranged before the 10th?"

He picked up the schedule again.

"Call the people from the traffic department this afternoon and confirm it together with the person in charge from Saionji."

"Where the commuting buses need to stop, which intersections need additional guide signs, and how many vehicles are expected to enter Odaiba on the day of the opening ceremony should all be arranged in advance."

"Also, the passages for fire and emergency vehicles must be confirmed separately."

Speaking of this, his expression also became serious.

"Don’t forget about that incident last June."

The expressions of several officials in the conference room tightened.

Saionji Satsuki suffered an armed attack last year, and the series of political and social storms triggered afterward have still not completely subsided to this day.

Those pro-Saionji legislators are still shouting in the assembly to amend the law to allow some qualified enterprises to legally carry guns, and it looks like they are about to succeed.

Now that the highest headquarters of the Saionji Group is put into use, a large number of political and business figures will gather at that time, so naturally there can be no negligence in security issues.

"Governor, please rest assured."

The official in charge of traffic coordination nodded hurriedly.

"We will re-confirm with the Metropolitan Police Department to ensure that all emergency passages are operating normally."

"Mm."

Only then was Isomura a bit more satisfied.

"In addition, Governor."

Seeing that his expression had eased somewhat, the person in charge of the Harbor Bureau took out a few photos from the folder.

"Recently, quite a few overseas media outlets have contacted us, hoping to take the opportunity of the opening of Saionji Tower to interview the development situation of the Waterfront Sub-center."

"There are also some enterprises that originally suspended investment starting to consult about surrounding plots of land again."

"Oh?"

Isomura reached out and took the photos.

On it was a black tower that almost occupied the entire picture.

The glass curtain wall has been completely finished, and the white logo at the top is very eye-catching under the winter sunlight.

Even through the photos, one could feel the astonishing height of that building.

Isomura scrutinized it for a moment, and his expression, which had been tense for half a day, finally relaxed.

"It really is magnificent."

"Yes, Governor."

The official beside him immediately took up the conversation.

"Judging from the current situation, after the completion of Saionji Tower, the social attention of the Waterfront Sub-center has significantly increased. Especially those enterprises that were originally worried about the development progress are now re-evaluating their investment plans."

Isomura nodded.

This was the news he was most willing to hear.

The development plan of the Waterfront Sub-center had been promoted for so many years, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government had invested a lot of funds, but with the bursting of the bubble economy, many enterprises that were originally full of confidence began to shrink back one after another.

Land was bought, but not many people were willing to continue building.

Construction had already started, but banks suddenly became unwilling to provide new financing.

Some contractors could barely even pay their workers’ wages.

During his campaign last year, he had used these issues to attack Suzuki Shunichi’s governance.

Now that he had become the governor, naturally he had to find a way to solve it.

And the completion of Saionji Tower happened to let him see an excellent opportunity.

As long as Saionji continues to expand investment according to the established plan, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government gradually improves roads, harbors, and public facilities, other enterprises will naturally see the value of Odaiba again.

By then, the development of the Waterfront Sub-center, which had already fallen into stagnation, might really become active again.

Thinking of this, Isomura’s spirits also cheered up quite a bit.

"Very good."

He put the photos back on the table and picked up the map again.

"Then we should do an even better job with the supporting facilities."

"Roads are only the first step. Harbors, public transportation, water supply, and other facilities will continue to be promoted according to the new development schedule."

"Saionji has already prepared to move such a large group headquarters in, and there will be more and more enterprises and employees following behind."

He traced his finger along several roads on the map.

"We can’t possibly wait until everyone has moved in before we start considering how they will commute to and from work, right?"

Several officials hurriedly nodded.

Isomura glanced at the time again.

"All right, that’s all for today."

Everyone began to pack up their documents.

The person in charge of the Construction Bureau had just stood up when Isomura called out to stop him.

"Wait."

"Governor?"

Isomura picked up the schedule modified with a red pen and waved it at him.

"I’m counting on you for the matter on the 9th."

The person in charge’s body tightened slightly.

"Yes!"

"I hope the next time I see it, it will be the acceptance results and the opening announcement."

"Understood! I will keep an eye on it personally!"

"Thank you for your hard work."

Only then did Isomura close the document.

After the people in the conference room left one after another, he turned his head to look at the secretary.

"The schedule for the 10th has been confirmed, right?"

"Yes, Governor."

"What about the invitation from Saionji’s side?"

"They have replied to confirm attendance."

"Good."

Isomura stood up and walked to the window.

Looking out from Shinjuku, the high-rise buildings in the distance were dense, and the winter sunlight fell on the glass curtain walls, making the entire city appear exceptionally bright.

He suddenly recalled April of last year, after finishing his speech at the Ueno Open-Air Concert Hall, the scene of his first official discussion about the election with Saionji Satsuki.

At that time, that young girl was sitting on the sofa, holding a cup of cheap tea provided by his office in her hand, with a baffling smile still on her face.

The first thing she asked was whether her money had been wasted after all.

Thinking of this, a trace of a smile finally appeared on the corners of Isomura’s mouth.

At that time, the evaluation he received was—

Worthwhile for the time being.

Nearly a year has passed now.

As the Governor of Tokyo, he should at least make that Miss Saionji feel that the money back then was indeed not spent in vain.

What’s more, Isomura himself truly hoped to build the Waterfront Sub-center well.

If he could make this reclaimed land, which had originally fallen into stagnation due to the economic recession, prosperous again, make enterprises willing to invest, and let workers regain jobs, then he as governor would be considered to have truly achieved results.

And now, this opportunity is right before his eyes.

"By the way."

Isomura suddenly turned around.

"Help me contact the secretariat of Miss Saionji."

"Are you planning to speak with Miss Saionji personally?"

"Not for now."

Isomura thought for a moment.

"Tell them that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is arranging the final acceptance of the public roads around Saionji Tower."

He paused slightly and added:

"Before the 9th, all roads that can be opened will be opened."

The secretary hurriedly wrote it down.

Watching her finish writing, Isomura still felt somewhat uneasy.

"In addition, before tomorrow morning, I want to see the Construction Bureau’s new acceptance schedule."

"Yes."

"If there are departments that need me to coordinate personally, have them contact the secretariat directly."

"Understood."

Only then did Isomura sit back down in front of his desk.

He glanced at the huge Odaiba development map on the desk and reached out to gently tap twice on the location where Saionji Tower was situated.

Then he raised his head and said to the secretary:

"Also, please convey this to Miss Saionji."

"Please rest assured, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will keep up with her progress."