Full Breakdown
Japan’s New Internal Affairs Minister Outlines Priorities for Local Governance, Digital Safety and Infrastructure
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Strengthening Local Governments Amid Labor Shortages
Hisayuki Fujii, who assumed the internal affairs portfolio in the recent cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, said Japan must reinforce municipal systems to cope with persistent labor shortages. He highlighted that small local authorities feel the impact most acutely and called for an accelerated review of administrative procedures and role allocations so municipalities can concentrate on “creative administrative tasks.” Fujii also noted the importance of the *furusato nozei* hometown-tax donation scheme as a key tool for regional revitalization.
Reducing Portal-Site Fees and Addressing Online Misinformation
The minister acknowledged that local governments are seeking lower fees from dedicated portal-site operators that manage the hometown-tax program. He indicated that the central government will discuss fee reductions as part of an annual tax-system review slated for later this year. In parallel, Fujii said he will ask social-media platform operators to take voluntary steps to curb false information and defamation of candidates before a new law obligating such actions comes into force. He framed elections as “fundamental to democracy” and described combating misinformation as a “critical challenge.”
Securing Submarine Cable Infrastructure
Turning to economic security, Fujii emphasized that submarine cables carry 99 % of Japan’s international communications. He outlined plans to expand supply capacity, support new cable-laying projects, implement multi-routing to lessen disruption risks, and enhance physical protection of the cables.
Backup Capital and Disaster-Resilience Strategy
Fujii suggested Osaka is not the primary candidate for a secondary capital intended to serve as a backup for Tokyo. Instead, he advocated establishing a “multipolar decentralized economic zone” that would function as a disaster-response hub, ensuring continuity of governance and economic activity in the event of a large-scale emergency.
Why It Matters
The minister’s agenda links three strategic fronts: bolstering under-staffed local governments, pre-emptively curbing election-related misinformation, and safeguarding the digital arteries that underpin Japan’s global trade and communication. Together, these measures aim to enhance the nation’s resilience to demographic, cyber and natural-disaster challenges while promoting a more balanced regional development model.
