Japan's race for a backup capital sparks debate over fairness and purpose

A law enacted on July 24 authorizes the prime minister to appoint one or more "second capitals" to act as disaster-proof backups for Tokyo and potentially as new growth hubs. The measure fulfills a core promise of the ruling coalition between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party and the Osaka-based Japan Innovation Party, but critics argue the wording is vague and appears to favor Osaka, whose leader Hirofumi Yoshimura also promotes a separate Osaka metropolis plan.

Academics such as Akifumi Shimada and Kentaro Kanasaki contend that without transparent criteria and independent screening, political considerations could skew the outcome. The legislation will take effect by the end of October, with specific requirements still to be defined. Prefectures including Fukuoka, Hokkaido, Hiroshima, Aichi and Gunma have expressed interest, each framing the initiative either as a disaster-response base or an engine of regional economic growth. Scholars caution that the dual objectives may conflict and risk concentrating power in a few centers rather than easing Tokyo's dominance.