A city in central Japan has passed an ordinance that seeks to limit people's use of smartphones and other electronic devices to two hours a day outside their job, studies and housework.
The Toyoake City assembly in Aichi Prefecture approved the ordinance with a majority vote on Monday. It will come into effect on October 1.
City officials say it is the first statute in Japan to suggest a screen time cap for all residents in the city.
The city notes that devices, including smartphones, have become an essential part of people's lives. But it made the proposal for promoting a two-hour cap on smartphones, tablets, video games and other electronic devices over concerns that their prolonged use may lead to a lack of sleep and other health-related issues.
It also indicated that long screen time could have a negative impact on households, such as reducing communication between family members, and may hinder the healthy development of children.
All residents of Toyoake City will be subject to the ordinance, as well as children under 18 years of age attending schools in the city.
The ordinance recommends that children through elementary school age, limit the use of devices until up to 9 p.m. and those who are junior high school age and above to 10 p.m. It calls on households to create their own rules.
Toyoake City officials say the ordinance is not binding, and no penalties will be set.
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Quiz 1:
The first city in Japan to propose a screen time cap for all residents using smartphones, tablets, video games, and other electronic devices outside of job, studies, and housework, is located in which prefecture?
A. Hokkaido
B. Shizuoka
C. Aichi
D. Kyoto
[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 1: C
Quiz 2:
Which age group is recommended to limit the use of devices until up to 9 p.m. according to the Toyoake City ordinance?
A. Children through elementary school age
B. Junior high school age and above
C. High school students
D. College students
[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 2: A
Quiz 3:
The Toyoake City ordinance on limiting screen time will come into effect on which date?
A. September 30, 2025
B. October 1, 2025
C. November 1, 2025
D. December 1, 2025
[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 3: B
The Toyoake City assembly in Aichi Prefecture approved the ordinance with a majority vote on Monday. It will come into effect on October 1.
City officials say it is the first statute in Japan to suggest a screen time cap for all residents in the city.
The city notes that devices, including smartphones, have become an essential part of people's lives. But it made the proposal for promoting a two-hour cap on smartphones, tablets, video games and other electronic devices over concerns that their prolonged use may lead to a lack of sleep and other health-related issues.
It also indicated that long screen time could have a negative impact on households, such as reducing communication between family members, and may hinder the healthy development of children.
All residents of Toyoake City will be subject to the ordinance, as well as children under 18 years of age attending schools in the city.
The ordinance recommends that children through elementary school age, limit the use of devices until up to 9 p.m. and those who are junior high school age and above to 10 p.m. It calls on households to create their own rules.
Toyoake City officials say the ordinance is not binding, and no penalties will be set.
----------------
Quiz 1:
The first city in Japan to propose a screen time cap for all residents using smartphones, tablets, video games, and other electronic devices outside of job, studies, and housework, is located in which prefecture?
A. Hokkaido
B. Shizuoka
C. Aichi
D. Kyoto
[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 1: C
Quiz 2:
Which age group is recommended to limit the use of devices until up to 9 p.m. according to the Toyoake City ordinance?
A. Children through elementary school age
B. Junior high school age and above
C. High school students
D. College students
[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 2: A
Quiz 3:
The Toyoake City ordinance on limiting screen time will come into effect on which date?
A. September 30, 2025
B. October 1, 2025
C. November 1, 2025
D. December 1, 2025
[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 3: B
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Summary
First city in Aichi Prefecture, Toyoake, passes an ordinance limiting smartphone and electronic device usage to two hours daily. The ordinance, effective October 1, is the first of its kind in Japan and aims to address concerns over prolonged use causing health issues, reduced family
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ID: 28aaec1f-b63b-46cb-899f-221dba4a1bdc
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250922_12/
Date: Sept. 22, 2025
Created: 2025/09/24 07:03
Updated: 2025/12/08 01:53
Last Read: 2025/09/24 22:56