Japan seeks 'reserve capital' to prepare for major disaster in Tokyo

Japan's parliament has passed a law enabling the selection of a 'reserve capital' to serve as a backup in the event of a catastrophic disaster striking Tokyo. This legislative move is intended to bolster the nation's resilience against large-scale natural calamities and to decentralize the country's heavily concentrated population and governmental functions.

The scenario of a devastating earthquake or tsunami destroying Tokyo, a city with over 13 million residents and a broader metropolitan area of 37 million, is a primary concern. Such an event could paralyze the entire administration of Japan due to the extreme concentration of political and financial institutions in the capital. The recent earthquake in the Kumamoto region, which caused three deaths and over 100 injuries, underscores the ongoing seismic risks Japan faces.

Beyond disaster preparedness, the law aims to curb Tokyo's economic dominance, which currently accounts for approximately 20 percent of the nation's economic output. Establishing a second capital could stimulate investment in government buildings and urban infrastructure in other regions, fostering more balanced national development.

While the law does not specify a city, Osaka, Japan's second-largest city, is seen as the leading candidate due to its strong economic base and its location approximately 400 kilometers from Tokyo. However, the selection process is not without controversy. Opposition parties suggest the law may have been tailored to benefit the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), which supports the government and is headquartered in Osaka. Other cities, including Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Nagoya, have also indicated interest, setting the stage for a potential competition among them.