Archive · 30 Jul 2026
Japan Passes Bill for Secondary Capital Amid Earthquake Threat
Japan is very prone to earthquakes, so the government decided to make a backup city in case Tokyo gets hit hard.
They passed a law that lets the Prime Minister pick another city that can handle all the important work if Tokyo is damaged.
Osaka is the top choice right now.
Some people think the law favors Osaka and that it doesn’t cover a special type of big quake called a Nankai trough quake.
The law also says the new city will get better roads, tax breaks, and more digital tools to keep the government running online.
The bill was passed by a very close vote in the upper house of Parliament.
Japan’s upper house passed a bill to designate a secondary capital for government continuity.
The legislation allows the Prime Minister to choose a prefecture that meets specific criteria, with Osaka currently the front‑runner.
The bill was adopted on July 24, 2024, by a narrow margin of 123 votes to 121.
Critics argue the law favors Osaka and omits provisions for a Nankai trough earthquake and military continuity.
The law requires the central government to develop transport, economic incentives, and digital governance for the chosen prefecture.
- Who
- Japanese government, including the Prime Minister and the National Diet
- What
- Passed a bill to establish a secondary capital for government continuity
- When
- July 24, 2024
- Where
- Japan, with Osaka as the leading candidate
- Why
- To protect government functions from major earthquakes and other disasters
- Legislation name
- Act on the Promotion of Measures to Ensure the Continuity of National and Social Functions and the Development of a Secondary Capital
- Passed date
- July 24, 2024
- Vote margin
- 123-121
- Potential secondary capital
- Osaka
- Key concerns
- Criticism of favoritism, lack of Nankai trough provisions