Japan approves criteria for multiple "second capitals" as disaster backup

On Tuesday, Japan's cabinet approved an ordinance that defines the qualifications for a prefecture to be named a "second capital" that would serve as an alternative seat of government in the event of a disaster affecting Tokyo. To qualify, a region must account for at least 2.1% of the nation’s gross domestic product and contain a city representing at least 1.2% of the country’s population. Four prefectures—Hokkaido in the north, Aichi in central Japan, Osaka in the west and Fukuoka in the southwest—have indicated they will seek the status.

The measure stems from legislation passed in July, a cornerstone of the coalition agreement between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party and the Osaka-based Japan Innovation Party, and is scheduled to become effective on Friday. The ordinance does not limit the number of second capitals, so multiple designations are possible. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told reporters that all four prefectures would be designated if they submit applications and satisfy the criteria. Additionally, the backup capital must be situated outside areas at high risk from a severe earthquake centered on Tokyo or an eruption of Mt. Fuji, which straddles Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures.