Hokkaido and Osaka prefs agree to cooperate toward secondary capital status

SAPPORO -- On August 31, the governors of Hokkaido and Osaka prefectures gathered in the northern Japanese city to sign a cooperation agreement, advocating for their status as secondary capitals. This designation could enable them to assume additional responsibilities in the event of a major disaster or other emergencies. Recognizing the potential for multiple prefectures to be designated, Hokkaido and Osaka pledged to collaborate collectively in achieving secondary capital status.

The two governments stressed that they face a low risk of being affected by the same disaster as the Tokyo metropolitan area. Both regions boast substantial administrative institutions that could step in to support core capital functions during emergencies. Furthermore, they highlighted their prominence in terms of population and GDP, indicating their capacity to serve as secondary capitals.

The agreement underscores the significance of cooperation among secondary capitals, each possessing distinct characteristics and strengths, as part of a transition towards a more decentralized and multipolar national structure. It emphasizes that each secondary capital can function as a growth engine for the country, leveraging Hokkaido's food supply capabilities alongside Osaka's advanced urban functions and industrial concentration.

By pooling their resources, the two governments hope to attract investment and human resources, thereby contributing to Japan's sustainable development.

During the signing ceremony at the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building in Sapporo, Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki expressed hope that their respective strengths would be utilized to benefit the nation while advancing the revitalization of both regions. Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura, on the other hand, clarified that their aim is not to establish a "mini-Tokyo."

Instead, they intend to maintain discussions on the functions and organizational frameworks of secondary capitals in the event of a disaster that impacts the Tokyo metropolitan area, as well as the creation of a multipolar decentralized economic sphere.

With this agreement, the path forward for securing secondary capital status appears promising. The national government is anticipated to establish the criteria for designation by late October as it progresses with plans to develop secondary capitals.