Toyoake City Enacts Non-Binding Smartphone Use Recommendation for Residents

Toyoake City Passes Smartphone Use Ordinance

Toyoake City in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, has officially passed an ordinance recommending that its residents limit their daily smartphone usage to two hours outside of work and study. The ordinance, approved by the municipal assembly on September 22, 2025, is set to take effect on October 1, 2025. It marks a pioneering effort as the first such measure in Japan to apply to all residents of a municipality.

Aims and Guidelines

The primary objective of the ordinance is to prevent excessive smartphone use, which city officials believe can lead to physical and mental health issues, including sleep problems. It also seeks to foster greater communication within families. The recommendations are based on data and materials from the Japanese Health Ministry and national government guidelines on sleep time.

Specific guidelines are also included for minors:

• Elementary school students and younger are advised to avoid smartphone use after 9 p.m.
• Junior high school students and older (under 18 years old) are encouraged to cease smartphone use after 10 p.m.

The ordinance explicitly states that activities such as online learning, practicing for e-sports tournaments, or watching videos while cooking or exercising would not count towards the two-hour limit.

Non-Binding Nature and Public Reaction

Crucially, the ordinance is non-binding and does not impose any legal or financial penalties for non-compliance. Toyoake Mayor Masafumi Koki clarified that the measure is intended as a guideline to encourage better digital habits and provide an opportunity for families to discuss their smartphone usage. He stated, 'This does not mean that the city will restrict residents' rights or impose obligations on them.'

Despite the non-binding nature, the proposal has generated mixed reactions among the public. Some residents and online commentators have expressed skepticism, calling the two-hour limit unrealistic and an infringement on individual freedom. Others view it as a valuable opportunity for families to reflect on their digital habits.

Broader Context

While this is the first ordinance of its kind in Japan to target all residents, similar initiatives have been seen previously. In 2020, the Kagawa Prefectural Government issued an ordinance recommending limits on children's gaming time. Toyoake, a commuter town with a population of approximately 69,000, aims to address the growing concerns about the impact of prolonged screen time on health and social interaction across all age groups.