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Toyoake Passes Japan’s First Citywide Smartphone Use Guideline, Effective Oct. 1

City officials frame the non-binding measure as public health guidance to prompt family discussions.

Overview

  • The city council approved the ordinance 12–7, creating voluntary benchmarks with no penalties that apply to all residents.
  • The guidance caps leisure use of smartphones and similar devices at up to two hours per day, excluding use for work, study or household tasks.
  • For minors, evening cutoffs are set at 9 p.m. for elementary-age children and 10 p.m. for those under 18, with households encouraged to set their own rules.
  • Supplementary resolutions mandate clear public communication, periodic reviews, and follow-up support such as counseling links and surveys by education and welfare bodies.
  • Officials recorded roughly 300–320 public comments with opinions split, and the mayor said the aim is to encourage self-checks and family discussion rather than impose restrictions.