Published: Aug 24, 2026, 23:26 IST | Updated: Aug 24, 2026, 23:26 IST
Japan is accelerating plans for a backup capital as concerns grow over the risks of concentrating political and economic functions in Tokyo. Osaka is emerging as the frontrunner, with its government pushing to make the city a secondary capital capable of supporting national functions if Tokyo is crippled by a major disaster. Japan's government has warned that a Tokyo-area earthquake could cause devastating human and economic losses. The debate is also aimed at reducing Tokyo-centric concentration and strengthening national resilience.