Government releases draft ordinance on requirements for designation as sub-capital, targeting four prefectures: Hokkaido, Aichi, Osaka, and Fukuoka

On the 3rd, the government announced a draft ordinance regarding the requirements for designating a sub-capital based on the related laws of the ``sub-capital'' concept to replace the function of the capital in the event of a large-scale disaster. Four prefectures meet the requirements: Hokkaido, Aichi, Osaka, and Fukuoka, and all have announced their intention to apply to the national government for designation. Public comment on the draft ordinance will begin on the same day, and a decision will be made later this month.

The proposed ordinance targets prefectures excluding areas expected to be damaged by an earthquake directly hitting the capital or by the eruption of Mt. Fuji, in order to avoid simultaneous damage to the Tokyo area. In addition, the following requirements were established: (1) There must be a city where 14 or more national offices have been established, (2) There must be a designated city with a population of 1.2% or more of the total domestic population, (3) The economic size of the prefecture must be at least 2.1% of the gross domestic product (GDP), and (4) The designated city must be reorganized into a special ward, or the designated city and prefecture must conclude a cooperation agreement.

The four prefectures currently meet requirements (1) to (3), and can apply to the national government by establishing the environment in (4). If the national government confirms that the requirements are met, the entire prefecture will be designated as a sub-capital. Policies for developing sub-capitals will be determined for each prefecture.