Capped by a friendly fist bump that has become a sign of the times, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike confirmed at a meeting on Wednesday their mutual cooperation on such issues as the novel coronavirus and the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.
The meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo to discuss strengthening ties between the central government and Tokyo metropolitan government was the first between the two since the new Cabinet was inaugurated.
"Combatting the novel coronavirus and hosting the Tokyo Olympics are major issues," Koike said at the beginning of the meeting. "Tokyo would like to move forward in tandam with the government."
In response, Suga agreed, saying, "I feel the exact same way."
While there were indications that Suga and Koike have been at odds over the handling of the coronavirus and other issues, the two overtly showed they have a good relationship, smiling together and exchanging a fist bump, in lieu of the traditional handshake during the pandemic.
Among other matters, they also confirmed to take concerted action to promote the digitization of administrative services, part of Suga's push to create a government agency for this purpose.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Koike said, "We are in agreement on the basic idea that the central government and Tokyo will work together to contribute to the national interest and convenience of Tokyo residents."
The meeting was arranged by Liberal Democratic Party Secretary General Toshihiro Nikai, sources said.
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