Japan tightens land law after Chinese buyers lead property rush near sensitive sites
Japan to require nationality disclosure for land near key sites after study finds Chinese nationals bought half of 3,498 such properties in 2024
Separately, the government announced it will demand from April 2026 increased disclosure when corporations attempt to acquire forested lands or properties deemed of national security importance, such as requiring them to disclose the nationalities of company heads in registration forms.
Foreigners acquired 1,744 plots of land and 1,754 buildings across 37 of Japan’s 47 prefectures, according to the survey on acquisitions. The purchases were made in the vicinity of 583 locations designated as “monitored areas” or “special monitored areas” under a law governing their use that took effect in 2022.
The survey is the second since the implementation of the law aimed at preventing real estate in areas surrounding important facilities and on remote islands from being used for acts that may impact official activities.