An innovative initiative has been introduced in the central Japanese city of Toyoke to curb smartphone addiction. The city authorities have proposed setting a maximum daily smartphone use limit of two hours for about 69,000 residents in Aichi Prefecture, sparking intense debate over device dependency.
This is the first such proposal in Japan. However, Toyoke Mayor Masafumi Koki clarified that the measure is not mandatory. Instead, its main purpose is to raise awareness and encourage residents to manage their screen time more responsibly. The proposal has been submitted to local lawmakers and, if approved in October, will take effect as a citywide guideline.
Mayor Koki emphasized that the restriction applies only to non-work and non-study usage and will not be strictly enforced. “The two-hour limit is only a guideline… meant to encourage citizens,” he said. He stressed that the move is not about restricting rights but creating opportunities for families to reflect on how and when they use smartphones.
Smartphone activities outside of leisure, such as watching videos while cooking or exercising, online learning, or preparing for e-sports tournaments, would not count toward the daily limit.
While acknowledging the necessity of smartphones in modern life, Koki expressed concern that many students refuse to attend school without their phones and that adults are often sacrificing sleep and family time due to excessive use.
According to the newspaper Mainichi, the proposal has stirred widespread discussion among residents. At least 120 people have submitted feedback via phone and email, with nearly 80 percent opposing the move. Some, however, voiced support.
The proposal also recommends that elementary school children stop using smartphones by 9 p.m., while high school students and adults should stop by 10 p.m.
The debate has spilled over to social media, with one Japan Times user remarking, “In two hours, you can’t even finish reading a book, let alone watch a movie.”
