Key Facts
• Yokohama, Kawasaki, and Sagamihara mayors submitted a request for further national discussions.
• Meeting in Sagamihara included mayors and vice-chairpersons of the three cities.
• Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications established a working group on ‘Special City.’
• ‘Special City’ aims to eliminate dual administration by transferring local duties and finances.
• Mayors emphasized the need for legal reforms to address population decline and economic stagnation.
• Kawasaki Mayor Fukuda highlighted collaboration with surrounding municipalities for sustainable growth.
• Kanagawa Governor Kuroiwa opposed, citing reduced tax revenue and lower administrative services.
• Governor Kuroiwa stated the prefecture’s stance remains unchanged despite municipal council decisions.
• The request document urges the Local Government System Research Council to advance discussions.
Summary
Mayors of Yokohama, Kawasaki, and Sagamihara have united to push for the realization of a ‘Special City’ system, aiming to eliminate dual administration by transferring local duties and finances from the prefecture to designated cities. During a meeting in Sagamihara, they reported progress, including the establishment of a working group by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. The mayors stressed the importance of legal reforms to address challenges like population decline and economic stagnation. Kawasaki Mayor Fukuda emphasized regional collaboration for sustainable development, while Kanagawa Governor Kuroiwa opposed the initiative, citing potential negative impacts on tax revenue and administrative services. Despite differing views, the three cities submitted a request urging the Local Government System Research Council to advance discussions on the ‘Special City’ framework.
