In 2006, the Tokyo metropolitan government formulated a guideline to promote urban culture as part of its aim to make Tokyo "a city that gives rise to creative culture."

In March 2007, the Art and Culture Council of Tokyo started discussions on promotional programs, including a cultural strategy for the realization of Tokyo as one of the world's cultural cities and a cultural program aimed at Tokyo's bid to host the Olympic Games.

The council comprises 11 members chaired by Fukuhara. They represent various cultural circles. It also has 15 younger members serving on an expert panel tasked with conducting more detailed discussions.

In fiscal 2008, the metropolitan government initially earmarked about ¥9.7 billion for administrative and operational outlays to be used for cultural facilities and cultural promotion expenses, such as subsidies for art and culture groups. Although these allocations accounted for only 0.14 percent of the general account budget, it represented a 21 percent year-on-year increase. The expenditure covers the Tokyo Culture Creation Project originally proposed by the Art and Culture Council to disseminate Tokyo´s cultural information to the rest of the world.

According to a 2003 survey on cultural affairs conducted by the Tokyo metropolitan government, fewer than 30 percent of the respondents said they thought Tokyo could join the club of world-class cultural cities together with Paris, London and New York. However, more than 50 percent gave a negative view.

On the positive side, according to the survey findings, people referred to noh, kabuki and a variety of exhibitions. In contrast, many people thought the scenery and look of the city was not very attractive and that historical structures were not being preserved well.

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