Toyoake, a town of 69,000 in central Japan, has proposed a two-hour daily smartphone use limit.
The rule, set for debate in October, would be advisory only—no penalties, just encouragement.
Mayor Masafumi Koki says the aim is to spark family discussions on screen time, not restrict rights.
Guidelines suggest children stop using devices by 9 p.m., adults by 10 p.m.
Public feedback shows 80% oppose the plan, though some support exists.
Toyoake’s mayor said the measure is intended to address growing concerns about device addiction, school absences linked to phone dependence, and adults sacrificing sleep and family time to scrolling. Critics argue the two-hour guideline is unrealistic, especially as it excludes non-leisure uses like e-learning, e-sports practice, or multitasking with videos. The debate has sparked wide discussion across Japan about the balance between digital wellbeing and personal choice.
Source: BBC
