Deputy capital requirement: ``I don't understand'' Deputy Minister Suzuki requests discussion - Governor of Hiroshima

On the 9th, Governor Mika Yokota of Hiroshima Prefecture met with Hidetaka Suzuki, the state minister in charge, at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications regarding the requirements for designating a ``deputy capital'' to replace the functions of the capital in the event of a large-scale disaster. Regarding the draft requirements announced by the government, Yokota emphasized, ``There are some aspects that I don't agree with.'' In preparation for the designation, the council urged careful discussion, including listening to opinions from local governments, and consideration of regional balance.

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The proposed requirements include the requirement that the city be a designated city with a population of at least 1.2% of the country's total population. The four prefectures that have come forward for the designation are Hokkaido, Aichi, Osaka, and Fukuoka, while the three prefectures of Miyagi, Gunma, and Hiroshima are not expected to meet the requirements.

After the meeting, Yokota told reporters, ``I explained that Hiroshima Prefecture is an extremely suitable location for the sub-capital.I hope that the proposal will be considered, taking our opinions into consideration.''

Meanwhile, at a press conference on the 8th, Gunma Prefecture Governor Ichita Yamamoto said, ``Although this is a difficult situation for the prefecture, we will continue to work hard without lowering the flag,'' indicating his intention to continue aiming for the designation. Miyagi Prefecture Governor Yoshihiro Murai expressed his understanding of the proposed requirements in a comment, saying, ``I want to respect the content.''