Nytimes iconNytimesAug 22, 2026

Cities Compete in Dizzying ‘Gold Rush’ to Be Japan’s Backup Capital

The race is on to be second to Tokyo — and to claim the prestige and money that could come with it.

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The race is on to be second to Tokyo — and to claim the prestige and money that could come with it.

Osaka? Fukuoka? Sapporo? The race is on to be second to Tokyo — and to claim the prestige and money that could come with it.

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The race is on to be second to Tokyo — and to claim the prestige and money that could come with it.

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