Japanese town, Toyoake, promotes a brief technological cleanup: digital break encouraged in Toyoake

In an innovative initiative, Toyoake, a city in Japan's Aichi Prefecture, is advocating for a non-compulsory smartphone usage restriction of only two hours daily for all its citizens, including adults and children. The objective is to tackle growing worries regarding the health consequences,...

, and Administrator

2025 September 11 . 2:21 PM

2 min read

Tech Adjustment in Toyoake Lasts Two Hours: Japan Township Promotes Digital Disconnection

Japanese town, Toyoake, promotes a brief technological cleanup: digital break encouraged in Toyoake

In the Japanese city of Toyoake, a new proposal is causing a stir, aiming to encourage healthier digital habits among its residents. The draft ordinance, scheduled for a vote in the municipal assembly later this month, is set to take effect in October if passed.

The proposal is not about enforcing censorship, but rather about prioritising sleep, family, and mental health over screens. It's a move that could potentially set a precedent in digital wellness policy, and even become a compelling case study in the power and limits of voluntary regulation.

At the heart of the proposal is a ban on the use of social media during school hours. This measure is intended to minimise distractions and promote focus on studies, a concern shared by many educators worldwide.

However, the ordinance has faced criticism for being too restrictive and impractical for modern life. Some argue that it may be more about catalysing personal reflection rather than regularising behaviour.

Data from Japan's Children and Families Agency suggests that youths spend just over five hours online per weekday. This statistic underscores the need for initiatives like the one in Toyoake, which aims to encourage a more balanced approach to digital usage.

Interestingly, Toyoake's move follows in the footsteps of Kagawa Prefecture, which introduced a nonbinding rule in 2020 limiting children's gaming time to one hour on weekdays and 90 minutes during school holidays.

Supporters of the Toyoake ordinance appreciate the nudge towards more mindful digital use and see it as a way to strengthen offline connections. The experiment in Toyoake could indeed serve as a beacon for other cities and communities seeking to foster healthier digital habits.

As the vote approaches, the eyes of many will be on Toyoake, waiting to see if this pioneering move in digital wellness policy will become a reality.