The idea of establishing a secondary capital in Japan is once again moving from theory to political action, with momentum building ahead of the next parliamentary session. At the center of the renewed push is the Japan Innovation Party, which has made legislation on a backup capital a priority under its coalition agreement with the Liberal Democratic Party.
The proposal reflects long-standing concerns about Japan’s heavy reliance on Tokyo as the nation’s political, administrative, and economic hub. Given Japan’s vulnerability to earthquakes, typhoons, and other natural disasters, policymakers have repeatedly warned that excessive centralization poses systemic risks. A major disruption in Tokyo could paralyze government functions, financial markets, and critical infrastructure nationwide.
Osaka’s Renewed Bid
Leading the charge is Hirofumi Yoshimura, governor of Osaka and leader of the Japan Innovation Party. In his New Year’s address on January 5, Yoshimura framed the secondary capital concept as far more ambitious than an emergency fallback plan. Rather than a dormant site activated only during crises, he described a living, fully functional urban center with its own identity and purpose.
According to Yoshimura, Osaka is uniquely positioned to play this role. With its strong commercial roots, global connectivity, and reputation for innovation and entrepreneurship, the city could complement Tokyo rather than compete with it. The vision is to develop a dual-capital structure in which political, economic, and cultural functions are more evenly distributed across the country.
Beyond Disaster Preparedness
While disaster resilience remains a key driver, supporters argue that the benefits extend much further. A secondary capital could ease chronic overcrowding in Tokyo, reduce regional inequality, and accelerate economic revitalization in western Japan. Decentralizing government agencies and public institutions could also encourage private-sector investment and talent migration to other regions.
Proponents frequently point to international examples where political and economic power is split across multiple cities. They argue that Japan’s centralized model is increasingly outdated in an era of remote work, digital governance, and regional innovation hubs.
Political and Practical Challenges
Despite growing enthusiasm, the plan faces hurdles. Relocating government functions would require major legal changes, long-term funding commitments, and coordination across ministries. There is also resistance from those who fear inefficiencies, higher costs, or diminished global stature if Tokyo’s dominance is diluted.
Public opinion is another factor. While Osaka enjoys strong local support, other regions may question why it should be the primary beneficiary of decentralization. This has quietly fueled competition among cities positioning themselves as potential alternatives or complementary hubs.
A Strategic Turning Point
The upcoming parliamentary debate could mark a turning point in how Japan thinks about governance, resilience, and regional development. If legislation moves forward, it would signal a shift away from decades of Tokyo-centric policymaking toward a more balanced national framework.
As Yoshimura and the Japan Innovation Party push the issue onto the national agenda, the race to become Japan’s secondary capital is no longer just a regional ambition—it is shaping up to be a defining conversation about the country’s future structure and stability.