July 23, 2026

The House of Councillors on July 22 began deliberations in a special committee on the “second capital” bill submitted jointly by the Liberal Democratic Party and the “Nippon Ishin no Kai” party. Japanese Communist Party lawmaker Daimon Mikishi criticized the bill as self-serving, arguing that it is designed to serve the interests of the “Ishin” and thus should be withdrawn.

Daimon asked how many of the capital’s functions are actually expected to be suspended in the event of a large-scale disaster, given that the bill proposes establishing an “auxiliary capital” to serve as a backup for the capital’s core functions.

A deputy director-general at the Cabinet Office replied, “Under current assumptions, we do not anticipate that capital functions would cease immediately.”

Daimon confirmed, “So, the government has not considered a scenario in which the Tokyo metropolitan area, comprising Tokyo and the three surrounding prefectures, would be paralyzed. We already know that substitute facilities are located in Tokyo’s suburbs, such as in Tachikawa City, in the event of a catastrophic disaster.” He criticized the “sub-capital” bill, stating that its premise is fundamentally flawed.

Daimon continued, “It is said that there is a 70% probability of a ‘Tokyo inland earthquake’ within the next 30 years,” and asked “What is the probability of a Nankai Trough earthquake?”

However, the LDP and “Ishin” lawmakers who proposed the bill were unable to answer.

Daimon explained, “It’s 60% to 90% in 30 years. Considering the maximum probability, a Nankai Trough earthquake is more likely.” He added that establishing a “second capital” in Osaka, despite the high risk of disaster there, is contradictory.

Past related article:
> True intent of ‘Ishin’ behind sub-capital bill is large development projects [July 21, 2026]