TOKYO: The governors of Osaka, Fukuoka and Aichi have expressed interest in having their prefectures designated as a second capital for Japan, following the enactment of a bill on July 24 aimed at shifting the nation\u2019s core administrative functions outside Tokyo should the capital be hit by a disaster.<\/p>\n
Other prefectural governments may follow suit, as more than one area can be designated as a second capital under the law.<\/p>\n
The law is meant to correct the excessive concentration of people, economic activity and administrative functions in Tokyo by choosing a second capital among prefectures that have a low probability of being affected by a disaster at the same time as the Tokyo metropolitan area.<\/p>\n
Prefectures will be designated based on the presence of branches of government ministries and agencies, how concentrated their population is, as well as the strength of the local economy.<\/p>\n
Another requirement for designation is that the prefecture in question must have the necessary administrative structure to serve as a second capital. Specifically, such a structure is expected to involve the establishment of special wards or an agreement for cooperation between the prefectural government and a local ordinance-designated city.<\/p>\n
Areas designated as a second capital are expected to receive benefits such as tax incentives and the easing of some regulations.<\/p>\n
On July 25, Osaka governor Hirofumi Yoshimura expressed his determination to seek the designation for his prefecture.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore than one area should be designated as a second capital,\u201d Yoshimura said to reporters during a visit to Nagoya.<\/p>\n
\u201cSuch core areas will drive Japan\u2019s growth.\u201d<\/p>\n
Yoshimura is also the leader of the Japan Innovation Party, and he aims to hold a referendum next spring on the so-called Osaka metropolis plan, his party\u2019s signature policy that would abolish Osaka City and establish multiple special wards.<\/p>\n
The Fukuoka prefectural government aims to be designated as a second capital by forming an agreement for cooperation with the Fukuoka and Kitakyushu municipal governments.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will aim (for the designation) as \u2018all Fukuoka\u2019 by working with municipalities (in the prefecture) and the local business community,\u201d governor Seitaro Hattori said in a statement on July 24.<\/p>\n
Aichi governor Hideaki Omura held an emergency press conference on the night of July 24, following the passage of the second capital bill at the Diet.<\/p>\n
\u201cAichi Prefecture and Nagoya possess all the functions necessary to serve as a second capital,\u201d Omura said. \u201cI\u2019m the first in the nation to make a bid (for the designation).\u201d<\/p>\n
The Hokkaido prefectural government, meanwhile, has been holding working-level discussions with the Sapporo municipal government.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will have concrete talks with Sapporo as soon as the (second capital) bill is enacted,\u201d governor Naomichi Suzuki said on July 24.<\/p>\n
Miyagi governor Yoshihiro Murai also expressed his interest on July 22, saying, \u201cWe will make a bid and take necessary action if we find we can meet requirements (to be designated as a second capital).\u201d – The Japan News\/ANN<\/p>\n
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