Japan's 'Secondary Capital' Race Begins as Law Passes Parliament

Japan's parliament has narrowly passed a bill to create a "secondary capital" outside Tokyo, a move aimed at decentralizing power and maintaining national functions during large-scale disasters. The legislation, a joint proposal by the Liberal Democratic Party and the Ishin Party, passed with a slim 123-121 vote.

The "secondary capital concept" seeks to address Tokyo's overconcentration of resources and ensure continuity of government if the capital is hit by a major catastrophe. Potential candidate prefectures must meet criteria including having central government local agencies, a robust administrative system, and significant population and economic activity. Designation could bring regulatory relief and tax incentives.

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The secondary capital should not be singular, but multiple core regions should drive Japan's economic growth together.

However, the bill faces criticism. Concerns have been raised about the risk assessment, as it primarily considers "capital-in-the-center earthquakes" and "Mount Fuji eruptions" but excludes the Nankai Trough earthquake, a major potential threat. Construction costs are also debated, with initial estimates for disaster backup functions ranging from billions to tens of billions of yen, but a full cost has not been disclosed.

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Aichi and Nagoya possess all the functions required for a secondary capital. We will be the first in the nation to officially apply.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike expressed caution, viewing the decentralization push as potentially shifting responsibility for structural issues like the local tax allocation system onto Tokyo. Some within the Tokyo Metropolitan Government question the feasibility of Osaka or Fukuoka effectively serving as a backup capital given their distance.

Despite the debates, the bill's passage has ignited a "secondary capital race." Osaka, Fukuoka, and Aichi prefectures have been the first to announce their bids. Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura plans to hold another referendum on the "Osaka Metropolis Plan" to create special wards. Aichi Governor Hideaki Omura stated that Aichi and Nagoya possess all necessary functions, while Fukuoka Governor Seitaro Hattori proposed a joint application with Fukuoka and Kitakyushu cities. Other prefectures, including Hokkaido and Miyagi, are also considering applications.

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The secondary capital must be a city with a lower possibility of simultaneous disaster with Tokyo.