Hokkaido and Osaka Prefecture have recently agreed to be known as Japan's dual capitals, as per an accord signed recently. This move is part of a larger initiative to decentralize government functions all across Japan. The agreement aims not only to disperse power away from Tokyo but also to boost regional economies, enhance disaster resilience, and promote nationwide cohesion.

In Japan, decentralization is a pressing issue, considering Tokyo's tremendous influence over the country's politics, economy, and culture. Regional cities and prefectures have been trying to balance the power for years. The agreement between Hokkaido and Osaka Prefecture is a significant step towards achieving this balance. It is receiving mixed reactions, with supporters hoping that it will help regional revitalization and detractors arguing that it may lead to disparities between regions.

In the US, there isn’t a concept of multiple 'capitals', but power is shared between different levels of government - federal, state and local. The EU also has a de facto capital in Brussels but spreads its institutions throughout its member countries to reflect the principle of power distribution. Japan’s decision can be seen as unique, drawing some parallels with the EU approach.