The Komeito Party is pushing forward the "Sub-capital" bill, sparking opposition within the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

The Japanese Restoration Party is firmly advancing its Osaka Metropolis proposal, and the related sub-capital concept bill has been included in the coalition agreement between Osaka Prefecture and the ruling parties. However, this bill has triggered numerous objections during an LDP internal meeting.

Former Defense Minister under the LDP, Nakayama, stated: "There is no law explicitly stating that Tokyo is the capital of Japan. Fundamentally, the very use of the term 'sub-capital' is questionable."

The bill stipulates that, in the event of a large-scale disaster, the Prime Minister may designate a sub-capital based on applications from prefectures to assume functions normally performed by the capital.

The bill's supplementary provisions also include content supporting the Osaka Metropolis proposal promoted by the Restoration Party. During the meeting, repeated criticisms emerged, with concerns raised that "multiple issues should not be bundled together for legislative purposes."

Matsukawa, head of the LDP's Osaka Prefecture branch, pointed out: "If the abolition of Osaka City is decided not by the citizens of Osaka City alone but by all residents of Osaka Prefecture through a referendum, it would seriously conflict with Article 92 of the Constitution, which governs local autonomy."

The supplementary provisions clarify that matters such as establishing special wards or renaming prefectures as 'Metropolitan Areas' can be decided by public referendums conducted across the entire prefecture.

Observers believe the Restoration Party’s move aims to expand the voting scope—compared to limiting the referendum solely to Osaka City residents, a prefectural-wide vote would be more advantageous for their side. Led by the LDP's Osaka Prefecture branch, increasing voices within the party are demanding the removal of these provisions and revisions to the bill.

Although the coalition agreement states that "this session of Parliament will strive to pass the bill," further coordination among various parties is expected to face significant challenges.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866593190546442/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.