Key Facts
• December 24, 2025: Policy Chief Alex Saito addresses ‘Metropolitan Concept’ stance.
• Japan Innovation Party and LDP aim to pass ‘Sub-Capital Bill’ in 2026.
• Saito: Resolving administrative duplication more critical than ‘Metropolitan Concept.’
• Party leader Hirofumi Yoshimura links ‘Sub-Capital’ to special ward establishment.
• Special wards currently exist only in Tokyo; require restructuring of designated cities.
• Osaka and Nagoya debate ‘Sub-Capital’ and ‘Metropolitan Concept’ separation.
• New Osaka City-Osaka Prefecture council to discuss administrative structure in 2026.
Summary
Alex Saito, policy chief of the Japan Innovation Party, stated that resolving administrative duplication is more important than adhering to the ‘Metropolitan Concept,’ signaling a potential shift in the party’s stance. This comes as the party and the Liberal Democratic Party aim to pass the ‘Sub-Capital Bill’ in 2026, which seeks to establish a backup for Tokyo’s capital functions. Party leader Hirofumi Yoshimura emphasized the need for special wards under the ‘Metropolitan Concept,’ but Saito suggested flexibility if duplication is resolved. Currently, only Tokyo has special wards, requiring significant restructuring for other cities. Osaka and Nagoya are key players in the debate, with differing views on linking the ‘Sub-Capital’ and ‘Metropolitan Concept.’ A new council in Osaka will explore administrative reforms in early 2026.
