NYT
Cities Compete in Dizzying ‘Gold Rush’ to Be Japan’s Backup Capital
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Multiple Japanese cities are seeking designation as a secondary capital to Tokyo, with Osaka, Fukuoka, and Sapporo among candidates pursuing the status. The Japanese government has not yet announced official criteria for selecting a backup capital or whether such a designation will be established. Cities pursuing this status cite potential economic benefits and increased investment as incentives for their candidacy.
Original reporting: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/22/world/asia/japan-capital-osaka.html
