Race to become Japan’s secondary capital heats up

The Japan Innovation Party (JIP) will push hard for legislation to establish a backup capital in the upcoming session of parliament, one of the key points in its coalition agreement with the Liberal Democratic Party.

Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura, who is also the JIP’s leader, used his Jan. 5 New Year’s remarks as governor to call for the creation of a secondary capital in Osaka. He said it would not just be a place where government and administration functions could be temporarily relocated in the event of a natural disaster that leaves Tokyo unable to function, but also something much larger.

“The secondary capital we envision is not merely a backup for the capital’s functions during emergencies. It will possess a character distinct from Tokyo, creating and projecting Osaka’s values,” Yoshimura said.