Japan House Prices
EN
We are not a real estate broker or a law firm. We introduce licensed Japanese brokers and judicial scriveners, who handle all explanations and filings.
Rules tracker

Japan foreign ownership rules tracker

Japan is tightening how it tracks who buys land. So far that means more declarations, not a ban. This page sorts every change into four boxes — decided and in force, decided with a start date, under discussion, and reported only — with the date, what it means for you in plain words, who it applies to, and the official source.

Last updated: 28 September 2026Not legal adviceSources: Cabinet Secretariat, Cabinet Office, MOJ, MOF, MLIT, Forestry Agency

Bottom line (as of 28 September 2026)

  • Foreigners can still buy. No law in force bans or limits purchases of land, houses or condos by foreign individuals or companies because of their nationality.
  • What changed is paperwork. Since April 2026 companies declare the nationality behind them on large-land, forest and security-zone notices; from 5 October 2026 individuals declare nationality when they register as owner. The FEFTA report now covers every property acquired by a non-resident.
  • What may come next is local, not national. The ruling party’s proposal (reported 24 September 2026) is a permission system for land about 1 km around certain key facilities and on unmanned border islands, for Japanese and foreigners alike. It is not law.
  • Existing owners are not being forced to sell. None of the decided rules or published proposals takes away property already owned. The one rule that affects current owners — the address change registration — applies to Japanese owners too.

How we sort items

Decided & in forceAn official rule or decision that already applies. (13) Decided, starts on a set dateOfficially decided, with a start date in the future. (2) Under discussion (not law)Being studied by the government or an official panel. No law, no obligation yet. (5) Reported onlyOnly in news reports or party proposals. Not confirmed by an official text. (2)

Timeline

DateWhat happened / happensStatus
20 September 2022Important Land Act fully in force →Decided & in force
1 April 2024Owners abroad must give a domestic contact at registration →Decided & in force
1 July 2025Large-land notice asks individuals’ nationality →Decided & in force
25 November 2025MLIT survey of new-condo buyers; developers adopt anti-flipping policy →Decided & in force
16 December 2025FY2024 data: foreign-linked buyers 3.1% of acquisitions in 583 zones →Official data
23 January 2026Ministerial council adopts the Comprehensive Measures →Decided & in force
4 March 2026Study group on land rules: 1st meeting →Under discussion (not law)
1 April 2026Nationality on large-land, forest and special-zone notices (companies); FEFTA home-use exemption ends; address change registration mandatory →Decided & in force
9 April 2026Study group: 2nd meeting (international commitments) →Under discussion (not law)
30 April 2026Study group: 3rd meeting (drones, islands) →Under discussion (not law)
21 July 2026Study group: 4th meeting (risks near defence sites) →Under discussion (not law)
24 July 2026Ministerial council: PM orders summer wrap-up of security land rules →Under discussion (not law)
7 August 2026MLIT panel proposal: lower notice thresholds →Under discussion (not law)
15 September 2026First official ownership data: overseas residents own 0.06% of land parcels and 0.2% of buildings →Official data
24 September 2026LDP team drafts permission-system proposal (reported) →Reported only
5 October 2026Nationality declared at ownership registration; extraordinary Diet session reported to open →Decided, starts on a set date
1 April 2027Forest ledger records nationality →Decided, starts on a set date
31 March 2028Deadline for address changes made before April 2026 →Decided & in force

Decided & in force

An official rule or decision that already applies.

Large land purchases by companies: declare the nationality behind the company

Decided & in force  1 April 2026  Confidence: high (official text read)

What
Under the National Land Use Planning Act, the buyer of a large plot (2,000 ㎡+ in urbanisation areas, 5,000 ㎡+ elsewhere in city-planning areas, 10,000 ㎡+ outside them) must notify the municipality within 2 weeks of the contract. From 1 April 2026, when the buyer is a company, the notice must also give: the representative’s nationality, and the nationality of any single country whose nationals are a majority of the officers or hold a majority of the voting rights.
For you
A disclosure rule, not a ban. It only matters for big plots (rural land around ski resorts, development sites). A normal condo or house lot in a city is far below the size threshold.
Applies to
Companies (Japanese or foreign) buying large plots after 1 April 2026. Individuals: no change this time (they have declared nationality since July 2025).
Scope
Individuals Companies New buyers Existing owners Japanese too

Source: MLIT press release, 2 Feb 2026 (National Land Use Planning Act ordinance) · MLIT leaflet (PDF) · MLIT: land transaction notification system · checked 28 September 2026

Special monitored zones: company buyers declare officers’ and shareholders’ nationality

Decided & in force  1 April 2026  Confidence: high (official text read)

What
In a special monitored zone under the Important Land Act, both seller and buyer must notify the Cabinet Office before signing a contract for land or a building of 200 ㎡ or more. From 1 April 2026 the form changed: a company filer must also give the nationality of its representative and of its main officers and shareholders.
For you
No ban: the deal can go ahead after the notice. Only matters if the property is inside a special monitored zone and is 200 ㎡ or larger (a typical condo unit is smaller; the building’s total floor area is not what counts for a unit — ask your broker).
Applies to
Companies buying in special monitored zones. Individuals already gave nationality on this form.
Scope
Individuals Companies New buyers Existing owners Japanese too

Source: Cabinet Office: notification in special monitored zones (form changed 1 Apr 2026) · Cabinet Secretariat progress report, 24 Jul 2026 (Cabinet Office ordinance promulgated Jan 2026, in force 1 Apr 2026) · checked 28 September 2026

Forest land: nationality on the new-owner notice

Decided & in force  1 April 2026  Confidence: high (official text read)

What
Anyone who becomes the owner of land covered by a regional forest plan (by purchase or inheritance, any size) must notify the municipality within 90 days. From 1 April 2026 the notice includes the owner’s nationality; for companies, the representative’s nationality and any country holding a majority of officers or votes; owners living abroad also attach a domestic contact. Buyers who already filed the large-land notice are exempt.
For you
Relevant for rural and ski-area plots that are legally “forest” even if the register says otherwise. Paperwork, not a restriction.
Applies to
New owners of forest land, individuals and companies.
Scope
Individuals Companies New buyers Existing owners Japanese too

Source: Forestry Agency: forest land owner notification · checked 28 September 2026

FEFTA report within 20 days: the home-use exemption is gone

Decided & in force  1 April 2026  Confidence: high (official text read)

What
A non-resident who acquires Japanese real estate must report to the Minister of Finance via the Bank of Japan within 20 days, whatever the price, including inheritance. For acquisitions from 1 April 2026, owning the property itself is always reportable: the old exemptions (own home, non-profit use, own office, buying from another non-resident) no longer cover ownership. Holiday homes were never exempt.
For you
One more form after closing; your broker or scrivener can file it for you. It does not stop the purchase. Not filing can be punished (up to 6 months or ¥500,000).
Applies to
Non-residents (decided by where you live, not by nationality). A foreigner working in Japan, or in Japan for 6+ months, is usually a resident.
Scope
Individuals Companies New buyers Existing owners Japanese too

Source: Ministry of Finance: real estate acquisition report · MOF FAQ, June 2026 (PDF) · MOF (English) · checked 28 September 2026

Existing owners: update your registered address within 2 years

Decided & in force  1 April 2026  Confidence: high (official text read)

What
From 1 April 2026, a registered owner whose name or address changes must file a change registration within 2 years (changes before that date: by 31 March 2028). Fine up to ¥50,000 without good reason. The Ministry of Justice says owners living abroad are not covered by the automatic update.
For you
This is the one 2026 rule that hits people who already own. It is the same for Japanese owners. See our owner checklist.
Applies to
All existing owners, Japanese and foreign.
Scope
Individuals Companies New buyers Existing owners Japanese too

Source: Ministry of Justice: mandatory address change registration · MOJ: search information (overseas residents not updated automatically) · checked 28 September 2026

Government policy package on foreign residents and land (23 Jan 2026)

Decided & in force  23 January 2026  Confidence: high (official text read)

What
The ministerial council on foreign nationals adopted the “Comprehensive Measures for Acceptance of Foreign Nationals and Orderly Coexistence”. The land part decided to: record nationality in the land registry, forest, large-land and security-zone filings and the FEFTA report (all done by October 2026, see the items below); draft the framework of security-based land acquisition rules by summer 2026; and look at condominium purchases by foreigners again once nationality data exists.
For you
It is a government plan, not a law. It did not ban or restrict any purchase. Its concrete effects so far are more paperwork (nationality declarations) rather than bans.
Applies to
Sets direction for all later items.
Scope
Individuals Companies New buyers Existing owners Japanese too

Source: Cabinet Secretariat: Comprehensive Measures (decision of 23 Jan 2026), land section · Outline in English (PDF) · checked 28 September 2026

New Tokyo condos: developers’ own anti-flipping rules (not a law)

Decided & in force  Late 2025 (industry)  Confidence: medium (official, partly summarised)

What
After an MLIT survey (published 25 Nov 2025) found more short-term resales and overseas buyers of new condos in central Tokyo, the Real Estate Companies Association of Japan adopted a policy for its members: caps on the number of units per buyer, stricter matching of contract and registration names, and no reselling before handover. It applies to Japanese buyers too.
For you
When you buy a new unit from a major developer, expect a unit cap and a no-flip clause in the sales terms. Resale (used) condos are not covered. Details differ by developer; we have not seen a single published text.
Applies to
Buyers of new condos from member developers, any nationality.
Scope
Individuals Companies New buyers Existing owners Japanese too

Source: Comprehensive Measures, 23 Jan 2026 (measure no. 228: Real Estate Companies Association policy) · checked 28 September 2026

Large land purchases by individuals: nationality on the notice

Decided & in force  1 July 2025  Confidence: high (official text read)

What
Since 1 July 2025, the same large-land notice asks an individual buyer for their nationality, and a company buyer for the country under whose law it was incorporated.
For you
Paperwork only. It changes nothing about whether you can buy.
Applies to
Anyone buying a plot above the size thresholds.
Scope
Individuals Companies New buyers Existing owners Japanese too

Source: MLIT press release, 2 Feb 2026 (describes the 2025 change) · checked 28 September 2026

Farmland: permission needed, for Japanese and foreigners alike

Decided & in force  1 April 2025  Confidence: medium (official, partly summarised)

What
Buying farmland needs permission from the local agricultural committee; it is refused if you cannot farm it continuously and efficiently with ties to the area, even if you live in Japan. The application has asked for nationality and residence status since September 2023, and for the remaining period of stay since April 2025.
For you
In practice farmland is not an investment option for overseas buyers. A house with a garden is not farmland, but check the land category () before you buy rural land.
Applies to
Anyone buying farmland.
Scope
Individuals Companies New buyers Existing owners Japanese too

Source: Comprehensive Measures, 23 Jan 2026 (measure no. 237: farmland) · checked 28 September 2026

Owners living abroad register a domestic contact

Decided & in force  1 April 2024  Confidence: high (official text read)

What
Since 1 April 2024, when the registered owner has no address in Japan, the register records a domestic contact (a person or company in Japan, often a broker or scrivener, who has agreed). If you have nobody, you can register that there is no domestic contact.
For you
One extra item when you register as owner from abroad. Not a restriction.
Applies to
Individuals and companies with no address in Japan, when they register.
Scope
Individuals Companies New buyers Existing owners Japanese too

Source: Ministry of Justice: domestic contact for owners living abroad · checked 28 September 2026

Important Land Act: monitored zones around bases and border islands

Decided & in force  20 September 2022  Confidence: high (official text read)

What
In force since 20 September 2022. The government designates monitored zones (about 1 km around defence facilities, some coast-guard facilities, nuclear plants and dual-use airports, and border islands) and stricter special monitored zones. In the zones it can research ownership and use, and order a stop to use that obstructs the facility. In special zones, contracts for 200 ㎡+ need prior notice. The FY2024 survey covered 583 zones; foreign individuals and foreign-linked companies made 3.1% of acquisitions there. As of 30 June 2026 the government had issued no recommendations or orders.
For you
Buying and owning is allowed; ordinary living (even with a view of the base) is not treated as obstruction. Your broker must tell you if a property is in a zone. See our municipality list for where the zones are.
Applies to
Everyone, Japanese and foreign, including existing owners (use rules).
Scope
Individuals Companies New buyers Existing owners Japanese too

Source: Cabinet Office: Important Land Act · Cabinet Office: designated zones and web map · Cabinet Office: acquisitions in FY2024 (PDF, Dec 2025) · Cabinet Office: recommendations and orders · checked 28 September 2026

Water-source ordinances (e.g. Hokkaido): the seller notifies 3 months ahead

Decided & in force  Local, varies  Confidence: medium (official, partly summarised)

What
Some prefectures and towns have their own rules. In Hokkaido’s water-resource conservation areas, a landowner who plans to transfer land must notify 3 months before the contract, whatever the size (in Kutchan the town office handles it). The prefecture may give advice. Nationwide, the government counted 269 groundwater ordinances in 26 prefectures and 236 municipalities (autumn 2025).
For you
Mainly a timing issue for rural land in Niseko-type areas: build the 3 months into the deal. Not a ban and not only for foreigners.
Applies to
Sellers (and so buyers) of land in designated areas.
Scope
Individuals Companies New buyers Existing owners Japanese too

Source: Hokkaido: prior notice in water-resource conservation areas · Hokkaido: list of conservation areas · checked 28 September 2026

Tax representative for owners abroad (unchanged)

Decided & in force  Long-standing  Confidence: medium (official, partly summarised)

What
An owner with no address in the municipality appoints a tax representative () for fixed asset tax, and a non-resident with Japanese rental income or a sale to report appoints one for national tax. Nothing new here in 2026.
For you
A practical must for overseas owners, often handled by the property manager. Not a restriction.
Applies to
Owners living outside Japan.
Scope
Individuals Companies New buyers Existing owners Japanese too

Source: Local Tax Act (Art. 355, tax representative for fixed asset tax) · NTA No.1923: tax representative for income tax · checked 28 September 2026

Decided, starts on a set date

Officially decided, with a start date in the future.

Nationality declared when you register as owner

Decided, starts on a set date  5 October 2026  Confidence: high (official text read)

What
From 5 October 2026, an individual who becomes the registered owner (purchase, gift, inheritance, new build) declares their nationality with proof, e.g. a passport copy (an expired passport does not count). Japanese owners declare too. Taiwan is recorded as “Taiwan”.
For you
No penalty: if you leave it out the registrar asks you to correct it, then records the nationality shown in your documents. It is not shown on the public register; it is meant for sharing between government agencies. Existing owners do not have to do anything (they may declare voluntarily).
Applies to
Individuals becoming owners on or after 5 October 2026, any nationality. The declaration is for individuals only, not companies.
Scope
Individuals Companies New buyers Existing owners Japanese too

Source: Ministry of Justice: search information (nationality from 5 Oct 2026) · MOJ circular No. 872, 4 Sep 2026 (PDF) · checked 28 September 2026

Forest ledger records nationality

Decided, starts on a set date  1 April 2027  Confidence: high (official text read)

What
From 1 April 2027, municipalities record the nationality collected on forest-owner notices in their forest land ledger ().
For you
Record-keeping only; nothing for you to file beyond the forest notice.
Applies to
New owners of forest land.
Scope
Individuals Companies New buyers Existing owners Japanese too

Source: Cabinet Secretariat progress report, 24 Jul 2026 (Forest Act ordinance, forest ledger from 1 Apr 2027) · checked 28 September 2026

Under discussion (not law)

Being studied by the government or an official panel. No law, no obligation yet.

MLIT panel: lower the land-deal notice thresholds and monitor use

Under discussion (not law)  7 August 2026  Confidence: high (official text read)

What
The land ministry’s expert panel (5 meetings, 27 March–31 July) published its proposal on 7 August 2026: lower the size thresholds of the National Land Use Planning Act notice (nationwide, and let local governments lower them further), require a new notice if the use changes, allow guidance and supervision also after the land is in use, and match registry data to catch unreported deals. It is about “inappropriate land use” such as waste storage, by anyone.
For you
Not law yet. If enacted, more mid-size rural purchases would need a notice with your planned use. It applies equally to Japanese buyers.
Applies to
Buyers of land above future (lower) thresholds; any nationality.
Scope
Individuals Companies New buyers Existing owners Japanese too

Source: MLIT expert panel on land acquisition and use: proposal (8 Aug 2026 page) · Proposal outline (PDF) · checked 28 September 2026

Condo purchase restrictions: only “to be considered”

Under discussion (not law)  24 July 2026  Confidence: high (official text read)

What
The government’s line (January and July 2026): keep surveying condo deals, wait for nationality data from the registry, watch the developers’ own curbs, and then consider “appropriate measures such as acquisition restrictions”, looking at other countries. No timetable and no draft.
For you
Nothing to act on today. Registry nationality data only starts in October 2026, so any condo rule would be a later step. We will add it here if a draft appears.
Applies to
Would concern condo buyers; undecided.
Scope
Individuals Companies New buyers Existing owners Japanese too

Source: Ministerial council 24 Jul 2026, document 3 (future direction, PDF) · Comprehensive Measures, 23 Jan 2026 (measures no. 230–231) · checked 28 September 2026

Remote islands: ownerless land to the state, transaction rules considered

Under discussion (not law)  24 July 2026  Confidence: high (official text read)

What
The government plans to register ownerless land on remote non-border islands as state property (starting in FY2026) and is considering rules for transactions on islands where needed for security. Unmanned border islands with private land are already whole-island special monitored zones (29 listed).
For you
Affects very few buyers. Inhabited resort islands such as Miyako or Ishigaki are not whole-island zones; only parts near facilities are designated.
Applies to
Buyers of land on remote islands.
Scope
Individuals Companies New buyers Existing owners Japanese too

Source: Ministerial council 24 Jul 2026, document 3 (PDF) · Study group, 3rd meeting materials (PDF) · checked 28 September 2026

Cabinet Secretariat study group on security-based land rules

Under discussion (not law)  Mar–Jul 2026  Confidence: high (official text read)

What
An expert group (chair: Prof. Akira Morita) met on 4 March, 9 April, 30 April and 21 July 2026 (no later meeting listed as of 28 September). Options on the table: who is covered (everyone, or only foreigners), what kind of control (permission, prior notice with screening, on-site inspection) and which land (near defence sites, border islands; submarine-cable landing stations were suggested). On 24 July the Prime Minister told ministers to speed up the summer wrap-up. The group’s own framework document had not been published on its page when we checked.
For you
No law yet. The discussion is about land near security-sensitive sites and remote islands, not about city condos in general. Members said there is currently no data or reasoning to restrict condo purchases.
Applies to
Would mainly affect buyers near designated facilities; scope undecided.
Scope
Individuals Companies New buyers Existing owners Japanese too

Source: Cabinet Secretariat: study group on rules for land acquisition by foreigners (materials, summaries) · Ministerial council, 3rd meeting 24 Jul 2026 · checked 28 September 2026

Company beneficial owners and a national property database

Under discussion (not law)  FY2027–2029+  Confidence: high (official text read)

What
Two plans in progress: (1) a legal system to record the beneficial owners of companies ahead of Japan’s FATF review (around summer 2028), also to be used to see who really owns land; (2) a real estate base registry built from the land register, aimed to run from FY2027, with nationality data for authorised agencies and anonymised statistics for the public from around FY2029.
For you
Holding Japanese property through a company will become more transparent. Individuals’ nationality will not be published by name.
Applies to
Company owners especially; all owners for statistics.
Scope
Individuals Companies New buyers Existing owners Japanese too

Source: Ministerial council 24 Jul 2026, minutes and document 3 · Study group, 4th meeting materials (base registry image, PDF) · checked 28 September 2026

Reported only

Only in news reports or party proposals. Not confirmed by an official text.

Ruling party proposes a permission system near key facilities

Reported only  24 September 2026  Confidence: low (news reports only)

What
According to press reports, on 24 September 2026 a project team of the LDP’s foreign-policy headquarters drafted a proposal to amend the Important Land Act: buying land in areas about 1 km around certain especially important facilities (those vulnerable to drone attacks, among others) and on unmanned border islands would need government permission in advance, for Japanese and foreigners alike. People working for or obliged to cooperate with foreign governments, and foreign military personnel, would in principle be refused. Reports say the aim is a bill in the extraordinary Diet session reported to open on 5 October 2026.
For you
A party proposal, not a government bill and not law. If it passes, it would affect only land in those designated areas, not Japan as a whole. We have not seen an official text. We will update when a bill is submitted.
Applies to
Would apply to buyers in the designated areas, any nationality.
Scope
Individuals Companies New buyers Existing owners Japanese too

Source: Nikkei, 24 Sep 2026 (Japanese, paywall) · Jiji Press, 24 Sep 2026 (Japanese) · checked 28 September 2026

National Land Use Planning Act amendment: bill eyed for the next ordinary session

Reported only  20 August 2026  Confidence: low (news reports only)

What
A trade paper reported on 20 August 2026 that MLIT is considering an amendment based on its panel’s proposal (lower notice thresholds; guidance also at the use stage) with a view to the next ordinary Diet session (usually from January).
For you
Timing is only reported. Nothing changes for buyers until a law passes and takes effect.
Applies to
Land buyers above the (future) thresholds, any nationality.
Scope
Individuals Companies New buyers Existing owners Japanese too

Source: Jutaku Sangyo Shimbun, 20 Aug 2026 (Japanese) · checked 28 September 2026

How much do foreigners own? (official data, 15 Sep 2026)

On 15 September 2026 the Cabinet Secretariat published the first nationwide estimate from the land register (FY2024 data). “Overseas residents” includes Japanese living abroad; “presumed foreigners” is estimated from names, so it is a range.

MeasureShare
Land parcels owned by overseas residents0.06%
Land parcels owned by presumed foreigners0.12–0.46%
Buildings (incl. condo units) owned by overseas residents0.2%
Buildings owned by presumed foreigners0.35–1.07%
Condos traded in central Tokyo (6 wards) in 2025 bought by overseas residents5.9% / 5.6%

New 5.9%, resale 5.6%. Presumed foreigners (including residents of Japan): 11.9% of condos traded.

Source: Cabinet Secretariat (PDF) · detail (PDF)

Where the security zones are

The Important Land Act zones are the areas most likely to get stricter rules. See our list of monitored and special monitored zones by municipality, or check an address on the Cabinet Office web map.

Cabinet Office zone map (Japanese)

FAQ

Will foreigners be banned from buying property in Japan?

Nothing decided points that way. The official study group is looking at land near security-sensitive sites and remote islands, and the ruling party’s proposal is a permission system in those areas for Japanese and foreigners alike. For city condos, the government has only said it will “consider” measures once it has nationality data, with no draft and no date.

Is my existing property safe?

Yes, as far as any official text or published proposal goes: none of them takes away property you already own or forces a sale. What you do need to follow is the general owner rules, such as the address change registration (2 years) and your FEFTA report when you bought. See our owner checklist.

Do I have to declare my nationality?

Only when you become a registered owner on or after 5 October 2026 (with a passport copy or similar). There is no penalty; the registrar asks you to correct the application instead. It is not shown on the public register, and existing owners do not need to do anything.

Is Japan targeting buyers from China?

None of the decided rules names a country. The nationality declarations apply to every nationality, including Japanese. The ruling party’s proposal would refuse permission, in the designated areas, to people working for or obliged to cooperate with any foreign government and to foreign military personnel.

Does this affect condos in Tokyo or Osaka?

Only if the building sits in a designated zone (your broker must tell you). Separately, major developers now cap how many new units one buyer can take and ban reselling before handover; that is an industry rule, not law, and applies to Japanese buyers too.

I am buying in Niseko or Hakuba. What should I watch?

Rural plots can trigger the large-land notice, the forest-owner notice (90 days) and, in Hokkaido water-conservation areas, a seller notice 3 months before the contract. None of these is a ban, but they affect timing. Build them into the schedule with your broker.

When could a new law take effect?

Reports say the ruling party wants a bill in the extraordinary Diet session opening in October 2026. Even if passed, a law normally takes effect later and the areas are designated afterwards. We will update this page when a bill is submitted.

Buying near a base, on an island or a large rural plot?

A licensed broker can check the zone status and the notices that apply before you sign. We introduce brokers; we do not give legal advice.

Ask a licensed broker

Sources

  1. Cabinet Secretariat: Comprehensive Measures (decision of 23 Jan 2026), land section: https://www.cas.go.jp/jp/seisakukaigi/gaikokujinzai/index.html
  2. Outline in English (PDF): https://www.cas.go.jp/jp/seisaku/symbiotic_society/pdf/sougoutekitaiousaku_torikumi_gaiyo_en.pdf
  3. MLIT press release, 2 Feb 2026 (National Land Use Planning Act ordinance): https://www.mlit.go.jp/report/press/tochi_fudousan_kensetsugyo02_hh_000001_00106.html
  4. MLIT leaflet (PDF): https://www.mlit.go.jp/tochi_fudousan_kensetsugyo/content/001979703.pdf
  5. MLIT: land transaction notification system: https://www.mlit.go.jp/totikensangyo/totikensangyo_tk2_000019.html
  6. Cabinet Office: notification in special monitored zones (form changed 1 Apr 2026): https://www.cao.go.jp/tochi-chosa/todokede.html
  7. Cabinet Secretariat progress report, 24 Jul 2026 (Cabinet Office ordinance promulgated Jan 2026, in force 1 Apr 2026): https://www.cas.go.jp/jp/seisakukaigi/gaikokujinzai/kakuryokaigi/dai3/shiryo2.pdf
  8. Forestry Agency: forest land owner notification: https://www.rinya.maff.go.jp/j/keikaku/todokede/
  9. Ministry of Finance: real estate acquisition report: https://www.mof.go.jp/policy/international_policy/gaitame_kawase/real_property/index.html
  10. MOF FAQ, June 2026 (PDF): https://www.mof.go.jp/policy/international_policy/gaitame_kawase/real_property/FAQ_J.pdf
  11. MOF (English): https://www.mof.go.jp/english/policy/international_policy/real_property/index.html
  12. Cabinet Office: Important Land Act: https://www.cao.go.jp/tochi-chosa/
  13. Cabinet Office: designated zones and web map: https://www.cao.go.jp/tochi-chosa/kuiki.html
  14. Cabinet Office: acquisitions in FY2024 (PDF, Dec 2025): https://www.cao.go.jp/tochi-chosa/doc/kohyor6.pdf
  15. Cabinet Office: recommendations and orders: https://www.cao.go.jp/tochi-chosa/kankoku.html
  16. Ministry of Justice: domestic contact for owners living abroad: https://www.moj.go.jp/MINJI/minji05_00589.html
  17. Ministry of Justice: mandatory address change registration: https://www.moj.go.jp/MINJI/minji05_00693.html
  18. MOJ: search information (overseas residents not updated automatically): https://www.moj.go.jp/MINJI/minji05_00678.html
  19. Comprehensive Measures, 23 Jan 2026 (measure no. 237: farmland): https://www.cas.go.jp/jp/seisakukaigi/gaikokujinzai/pdf/kettei_sougoutekitaiousaku_honbun.pdf
  20. Hokkaido: prior notice in water-resource conservation areas: https://www.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/ss/stt/mizusigen/235180.html
  21. Hokkaido: list of conservation areas: https://www.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/ss/stt/mizusigen/mizusigen_hozentiiki.html
  22. Local Tax Act (Art. 355, tax representative for fixed asset tax): https://laws.e-gov.go.jp/law/325AC0000000226
  23. NTA No.1923: tax representative for income tax: https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/1923.htm
  24. MOJ circular No. 872, 4 Sep 2026 (PDF): https://www.moj.go.jp/content/001470076.pdf
  25. Cabinet Secretariat: study group on rules for land acquisition by foreigners (materials, summaries): https://www.cas.go.jp/jp/seisaku/symbiotic_society/gaikokujin_tochishutoku/index.html
  26. Ministerial council, 3rd meeting 24 Jul 2026: https://www.cas.go.jp/jp/seisakukaigi/gaikokujinzai/kakuryokaigi/dai3/gijishidai.html
  27. MLIT expert panel on land acquisition and use: proposal (8 Aug 2026 page): https://www.mlit.go.jp/totikensangyo/totikensangyo_tk2_000134.html
  28. Proposal outline (PDF): https://www.mlit.go.jp/totikensangyo/content/002017996.pdf
  29. Ministerial council 24 Jul 2026, document 3 (future direction, PDF): https://www.cas.go.jp/jp/seisakukaigi/gaikokujinzai/kakuryokaigi/dai3/shiryo3.pdf
  30. Study group, 3rd meeting materials (PDF): https://www.cas.go.jp/jp/seisaku/symbiotic_society/gaikokujin_tochishutoku/kaisai-jokyo/dai3/shiryo.pdf
  31. Study group, 4th meeting materials (base registry image, PDF): https://www.cas.go.jp/jp/seisaku/symbiotic_society/gaikokujin_tochishutoku/kaisai-jokyo/dai4/shiryo.pdf
  32. Nikkei, 24 Sep 2026 (Japanese, paywall): https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUA241VE0U6A920C2000000/
  33. Jiji Press, 24 Sep 2026 (Japanese): https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2026092400985&g=soc&m=rss
  34. Jutaku Sangyo Shimbun, 20 Aug 2026 (Japanese): https://www.housenews.jp/executive/37442
  35. Cabinet Secretariat: land and building ownership by overseas residents and presumed foreigners, 15 Sep 2026 (PDF): https://www.cas.go.jp/jp/seisaku/symbiotic_society/pdf/gaikokujin-tochitatemono-shoyujokyo.pdf

Last updated: 28 September 2026. This tracker is checked by hand against the official pages linked on each item. Proposals change quickly; if an item matters for a deal, read the linked source and ask a licensed professional.

Not legal advice. General information only, not legal, tax or registration advice. Japan House Prices is not a real estate broker (), a law firm or a judicial scrivener. Items marked “Reported only” come from news reports and may be wrong or change.