On August 22, 2025, Toyoake City in central Japan proposed a non-binding ordinance urging residents to limit smartphone use to two hours daily outside work or school, aiming to address health concerns, as reported by Kyodo News. The draft, which carries no penalties, will be reviewed next week and could take effect in October if passed.
Mayor Masafumi Koki stated the ordinance seeks to prevent “physical and mental health issues, including sleep problems” from excessive device use. It recommends:
- Elementary school students avoid smartphones after 9:00 PM.
- Junior high students and older adults limit use after 10:00 PM.
The voluntary guidelines acknowledge smartphones’ indispensable role in daily life but encourage moderation to promote well-being.
The city of Toyoake in Aichi Prefecture plans to introduce an ordinance that encourages residents to limit their use of smartphones for leisure—outside of work or study—to no more than two hours per day.
This ordinance applies not only to children but to all citizens. pic.twitter.com/eXEXsuuXd0
— おはよ!まいぶらざー (@OhayoMybrother) August 21, 2025The proposal sparked backlash on social media, with X users calling the two-hour limit “unrealistic.” One user noted, “In two hours, I cannot even read a book or watch a movie.” Others argued that smartphone use should be a family decision. Mayor Koki clarified, “The limit is not mandatory,” emphasising its advisory nature to quell concerns.
Toyoake’s initiative follows a 2020 Kagawa ordinance limiting children’s gaming to one hour on weekdays and 90 minutes during holidays, with similar nighttime restrictions. A March 2025 survey by Japan’s Children and Families Agency found that youth spend over five hours daily online on weekdays, highlighting the need for digital wellness measures.
If passed, the ordinance could set a model for digital health policies in Japan, though its voluntary nature may limit impact. The backlash underscores the challenge of balancing technology use with health concerns, with Toyoake’s approach aiming to foster awareness without enforcement.
