Local Govts Move to Secure Secondary Capital Designation

Tokyo, July 27 (Jiji Press)–Several local governments in Japan are advancing efforts to be designated as the country’s secondary capital, following Friday’s enactment of a secondary capital bill. A secondary capital would supplement Tokyo’s functions in the event of a major disaster. The prefectures of Osaka, Aichi and Fukuoka have declared their eagerness to be designated. The northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido has also expressed interest. However, the designation process remains unclear, as specific requirements will be set later by a government ordinance. The secondary capital bill was championed by the Japan Innovation Party, led by Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura. The coalition partner of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party aims to address the excessive concentration of functions in Tokyo and create a new hub for economic growth. In June, the western prefecture and its capital, the city of Osaka, formed a team of senior officials to examine necessary infrastructure and deregulation measures, as well as tax incentives to attract private investment. The team plans to conclude its discussions around this autumn. The JIP also hopes to accelerate discussions on the Osaka metropolis plan, which calls for reorganizing the city of Osaka into special wards similar to Tokyo’s 23 wards. Although the creation of special wards is not a necessary condition for a secondary capital, Yoshimura claims that the metropolitan plan would be “a suitable system for operating a secondary capital in Osaka.” At a press conference held soon after the bill’s enactment on Friday night, Aichi Governor Hideaki Omura said that the central prefecture “will unite and fully advance preparations” to obtain a secondary capital designation. “If designated, Aichi would be legally positioned as the second-largest metropolitan area after Tokyo,” Omura said. “The impact on our branding would be immeasurable.” The Aichi government will shortly hold a related meeting with the city of Nagoya, the prefecture’s capital. In Fukuoka, southwestern Japan, the prefectural government is working with the cities of Fukuoka and Kitakyushu on the matter. On July 14, Governor Seitaro Hattori announced a plan to establish a liaison council to discuss necessary backup functions and infrastructure challenges. Nevertheless, a money scandal involving the Fukuoka prefectural assembly is casting a shadow on this initiative. “We hope to resolve (the scandal) soon to avoid affecting our bid for secondary capital status,” Hattori said. Fukuoka Mayor Soichiro Takashima urged the prefectural assembly to address the issue as soon as possible, while stressing, “There has been no change in Fukuoka’s geopolitical advantage,” including in terms of backup functions during a disaster. Meanwhile, Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki told a press conference on Friday that Hokkaido and its capital, Sapporo, are “suitable” for a secondary capital in terms of diversifying disaster risks. “We will promote concrete preparations with Sapporo and consult with the central government,” Suzuki said. “We don’t know any details, such as population requirements and how many secondary capitals there would be, but we could fall behind unless we make preparations under assumptions,” a Hokkaido official said. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]