Japan's lower house passes ruling bloc-sponsored bill for 2nd capital

TOKYO - Japan's House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill submitted by the ruling parties to set up a "second capital" to serve as a backup for Tokyo's core functions in times of disasters or other emergencies and promote decentralization.

The Liberal Democratic Party led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and its junior coalition ally, the Japan Innovation Party, aim to enact the law during the current parliamentary session, which may be extended about a week beyond its end on Friday.