“Vice-Capital Act” has been enacted by the Diet. Although the bill sparked fierce debate and faced various criticisms—such as being dismissed as a “political stunt” by the Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party)—it ultimately passed by a narrow margin.
Personally, I view the enactment of this law as significant for the future of Japan.
Should a major disaster strike Tokyo, a city capable of assuming its central functions—in other words, a vice-capital—is a practical necessity. I also consider it useful for addressing the issue of excessive concentration in Tokyo, which is recognized as one of Japan’s major challenges.
As the population declines, achieving a society based on regional decentralization will be difficult as long as Tokyo remains the sole, dominant hub.
In the future, we need to shift toward a multi-polar structure with hubs in key regions across the country to advance decentralization. Establishing a vice-capital serves as a valid milestone in this process, acting as a pivot around which regional decentralization can be organized.
Because the initiative was championed by the Nippon Ishin no Kai, the idea that “vice-capital equals Osaka” has spread widely; however, nothing has been decided yet. While Osaka is a strong candidate, the plan is not pre-determined to be located there.
I believe the vice-capital should be developed into a “smart city” that symbolizes Japan—specifically, a regional city that embodies the concept of “smart shrink” (managed regional contraction), a process we will inevitably have to face.
Concretely, I envision designating a regional city with a population of 300,000 to 500,000 as the vice-capital, creating a hub that draws in surrounding towns and villages. This approach would allow for the consolidation of a fragmented population distribution and enable the efficient development of essential infrastructure for daily life.
If the vice-capital initiative proves successful, the model could be replicated in suitable regional cities across Japan. This could pave the way for “smart shrink” and revitalize Japan as a sustainable, decentralized society, even amidst a shrinking population. (Kei Kitajima)