Japan’s Toyoake City has proposed an ordinance urging all residents to limit their smartphone usage to just two hours a day outside work or school. The draft, announced by Mayor Masafumi Koki, is aimed at tackling health concerns linked to excessive screen time, such as sleep problems, anxiety, and reduced concentration. While the guideline is not legally binding and carries no penalties, it seeks to encourage healthier digital habits, particularly among children.
Under the proposal, elementary school students would be advised not to use smartphones after 9:00 pm, while junior high and older students should stop usage after 10:00 pm. Mayor Koki explained that while smartphones are now indispensable in daily life, overuse can lead to physical and mental health issues if left unchecked.
The announcement has sparked backlash on social media, where many users called the two-hour limit unrealistic. Critics argue that in such limited time, it is impossible to watch a movie, read a book, or stay socially connected online. Parents and digital rights advocates also contend that screen-time choices should remain personal or family-based rather than regulated by city authorities.
Japan has one of the highest smartphone penetration rates in the world, with around 95% of its population owning a smartphone. According to a survey by the Children and Families Agency, Japanese youth spend more than five hours a day online on weekdays, far beyond the recommended limit. Health experts warn this trend contributes to poor academic performance, obesity, cyberbullying exposure, and dependency on digital validation.
Globally, several countries have already taken steps to regulate screen time. China enforces strict restrictions on online gaming for minors, limiting play to just three hours per week, while South Korea previously banned late-night online gaming for children. India recently banned online gambling apps after reporting billions in financial losses due to addiction. Japan itself has a precedent—Kagawa Prefecture introduced guidelines in 2020 that recommended restricting gaming and smartphone use for children based on age.
The Toyoake City ordinance will be presented in the city assembly next week. If approved, the recommendations will take effect in October 2025. Mayor Koki stressed that the measure is about awareness, not punishment, and aims to help residents balance digital use with real-life activities.
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