Japan's National Diet passed the secondary capital law on the night of July 24 [1], creating a legal framework to backup the nation's capital.
The legislation is designed to prevent a total collapse of government operations if a massive disaster disables Tokyo. By diversifying administrative functions, the government aims to reduce the excessive concentration of population and economy in the Tokyo metropolitan area [2, 3].
The bill passed with a narrow margin of 123 votes in favor and 121 against [2]. The ruling coalition, consisting of the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party, secured the victory with the support of independent lawmakers [1, 2].
Yoshimura, leader of the Japan Innovation Party, said the secondary capital law is centered on backing up capital functions in preparation for large-scale disasters [1].
The passage of the law coincided with the conclusion of the special Diet session, which closed on July 25 [3]. Prime Minister Takaichi said she would continue to attend and respond to inquiries if requested [1].
Following the legislation's enactment, the government is scheduled to establish the specific requirements for designating a city as a secondary capital in autumn 2026 [2]. This process will determine which region is best suited to host the backup administrative infrastructure, a move intended to balance regional development with national security.
“The secondary capital law is centered on backing up capital functions in preparation for large-scale disasters”
The narrow victory for the secondary capital law reflects a strategic shift in Japan's disaster mitigation policy. By legally enabling a secondary capital, Japan is acknowledging that the centralization of power in Tokyo is a systemic vulnerability. This move not only addresses physical risks like earthquakes but also serves as a catalyst for regional revitalization by shifting economic and political gravity away from the capital.
