Designated cities and prefectures are in conflict over the special autonomous city concept, and the first meeting is also on the same page

One point of contention regarding the local autonomy system is the creation of ``special autonomous cities'' (special cities), which would transfer the authority and financial resources of prefectures to large cities and make them independent from prefectures. While the Association of Mayors of Designated Cities, which is made up of 20 designated cities nationwide, is calling on the national government to institutionalize the system as a measure to improve administrative efficiency, prefectures are opposed to it out of concern about the impact on their finances. The two claims are on parallel lines.

Opposition to "special city" legislation, hindering prefectural management - Governor's meeting closes

The reason behind the emergence of the special city concept is that, due to population decline in recent years, there has been a shortage of local government personnel, and the sustainability of resident services has become an issue. The Association of Mayors of Designated Cities claims that the creation of the system will lead to more efficient work, less burden on staff, and improved quality of services. It is said that it will contribute to the development of the entire region by ``horizontal collaboration'' with surrounding municipalities in infrastructure development and other areas.

On the other hand, the National Governors' Association points out that if tax revenue were to be transferred to special cities, prefectures' income would significantly decrease, potentially affecting support for other municipalities. Furthermore, there is a sense of crisis that the government's response to disasters and infectious diseases across municipalities could be disrupted. The Project Team (PT)'s interim report released in July clearly stated, ``We oppose enacting legislation without clearly addressing issues and concerns.''

Against this backdrop, the two sides held their first online opinion exchange meeting on the 24th. Kizo Hisamoto (Mayor of Kobe), chairman of the Mayors' Association of Designated Cities, emphasized, ``Local governments can no longer be called sustainable, and the concentration of cities in Tokyo is steadily progressing. Reform of the metropolitan system, including (the creation of) special cities, is necessary.'' He asked the governor's association for understanding.

On the other hand, Miyagi Prefecture Governor Yoshihiro Murai, leader of the Governor's Association PT, acknowledged that there are issues with the current relationship between prefectures and designated cities, but pointed out that ``the solution is not necessarily the special city system.'' In response to the concerns of the Governor's Association, he said, ``It was not a satisfactory explanation,'' highlighting once again the gap between the two parties.

The state of the metropolitan system, including special cities, is one of the items being discussed at the government's 34th Local System Investigation Committee (an advisory body to the prime minister) that was established in January. However, an expert who serves as a committee member said, ``The merits of introducing special cities remain unclear.''