Person holding a phone in Toyoake, Japan, with a two-hour screen time notification visible. — A person holds a smartphone showing the time in Toyoake, Japan, which proposes a two-hour daily usage limit.

Japanese city suggests a two-hour daily smartphone limit

The friendly proposal encourages healthier habits without any penalties for excessive usage.

By News Editor Last updated Aug 22, 2025

Japan – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – A new proposal in a Japanese city is putting a friendly spotlight on digital wellness. The city of Toyoake in central Japan is drafting a unique ordinance that will recommend all residents limit their daily smartphone use to just two hours for personal time.

Importantly, this is a gentle suggestion, not a strict law. There are no penalties or fines for those who use their devices more. The goal is simply to encourage healthier habits and raise awareness about the impacts of excessive screen time.

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Mayor Masafumi Koki stated the initiative aims to prevent the physical and mental health issues linked to too much device use, such as poor sleep quality. The draft also includes evening guidelines: it suggests elementary students avoid phones after 9:00 PM, and that junior high students and older stop using them after 10:00 PM.