Osaka, Fukuoka, Aichi Vie for 'Second Capital' Designation in Japan

Governors from Osaka, Fukuoka, and Aichi prefectures have publicly expressed their ambition to have their regions designated as Japan's second capital. This move follows the enactment of a new law on July 24, designed to establish a secondary administrative hub outside of Tokyo. The legislation aims to decentralize core administrative functions and reduce the concentration of people and economic activity in the capital, particularly in the event of a disaster.

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More than one area should be designated as a second capital. Such core areas will drive Japan’s growth.

Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura stated his determination to seek the designation for his prefecture, emphasizing that "more than one area should be designated as a second capital." He believes such core areas will "drive Japan’s growth." Yoshimura, also the leader of the Japan Innovation Party, is pursuing a plan to abolish Osaka City and establish special wards, a policy he aims to put to a referendum next spring.

The Fukuoka prefectural government is planning to achieve designation by fostering cooperation between the prefectural government and its municipalities, including Fukuoka and Kitakyushu cities. Governor Seitaro Hattori announced their aim to be designated as 'all Fukuoka' by working closely with local municipalities and the business community.

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We will aim (for the designation) as ‘all Fukuoka’ by working with municipalities (in the prefecture) and the local business community.

Meanwhile, Aichi Governor Hideaki Omura held an emergency press conference to declare his prefecture's readiness. "Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya possess all the functions necessary to serve as a second capital," Omura asserted, positioning himself as the first to formally bid for the designation. The law allows for multiple areas to be designated, with evaluations considering the presence of government ministry branches, population concentration, economic strength, and the administrative structure needed to function as a secondary capital. Prefectures that are designated are expected to benefit from incentives such as tax breaks and regulatory easing.

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Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya possess all the functions necessary to serve as a second capital. I’m the first in the nation to make a bid (for the designation).