Japan's ruling coalition and partner agree to pass backup capital bill by July 17

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Japan Innovation Party leader Hirofumi Yoshimura agreed Monday to pass a bill creating a backup capital by the end of the current parliamentary session on July 17. The measure would establish a secondary site to assume Tokyo's administrative and economic functions in the event of a disaster and would decentralize some capital functions.

Background on the plan The Japan Innovation Party had made passage of the legislation a condition for joining the ruling coalition last year. The bill originally included a clause expanding an Osaka city merger referendum to all prefectural voters, but that provision was removed after the Monday meeting.

Some legal scholars have raised concerns that allowing non-city residents to vote on a city merger could conflict with Article 92 of the Constitution.

Next steps Both party leaders must now secure support within their own ranks.

With less than a month remaining and other legislation pending, the timeline for full debate remains uncertain.