Toyoake’s Bold Experiment in Digital Detox
In a world-first move, the Japanese city of Toyoake has introduced a municipal ordinance urging residents to limit non-work, non-school screen time to just two hours per day. The rule—covering smartphones, tablets, game consoles, and computers—went into effect on October 1, 2025, making Toyoake a test case for government-led digital wellness .
No Fines, But Heavy Social Pressure
Crucially, the ordinance is not enforceable—there are no fines, monitoring, or penalties for violations. Instead, city leaders are banking on Japan’s strong culture of social conformity to encourage voluntary compliance.
“It’s so sad to end your day looking at your smartphone all the time at home,” said Mayor Masafumi Kouki, the driving force behind the initiative .
Screen Time in Japan: By the Numbers
| Group | Avg. Daily Screen Time | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary & Secondary Students | 5 hours | Japanese Gov’t Study, 2024 |
| Toyoake University Students | 5–6 hours | Local survey, 2025 |
| Toyoake Ordinance Limit | 2 hours (non-work/school) | City Ordinance #2025-10 |
Public Reaction: Praise, Pushback, and Petitions
Since the ordinance passed in a 12–7 city council vote, Toyoake officials have received over 400 complaints. Critics call it paternalistic and unscientific.
Arguments For and Against
- Supporters: Believe it raises awareness about digital addiction and promotes family time.
- Opponents: Say it violates personal freedom and ignores children’s rights.
- Legal Precedent: Kagawa Prefecture’s 2020 gaming limits for minors faced lawsuits—but were upheld.
What Happens Next?
Mayor Kouki isn’t stopping there. He’s already considering a ban on walking while using smartphones and hopes Toyoake becomes a model for other cities in Japan—and globally.
“I don’t mind facing criticism at all,” he said. “I just want families to have more time to communicate, and more people to have more sleep” .
