Editorial

15:51 JST, August 27, 2025

While it would be acceptable if you found yourself using your smartphone in your free time, it cannot be said that it is healthy to be looking at it around the clock.

Regardless of whether it is appropriate to restrict the use of smartphones by laws and ordinances, it is hoped that society as a whole will consider whether it is acceptable for our daily lives to be dominated by such devices.

The city of Toyoake in Aichi Prefecture has submitted a draft ordinance to the city assembly that sets a limit using smartphones and tablet devices outside of work or study to “no more than two hours per day.” This is an ordinance that stipulates basic principles, but does not include obligations or penalties, and its purpose is to promote measures to prevent excessive smartphone use.

The ordinance would apply to all residents, but the draft ordinance includes guidelines on........

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