Revision of the Basic Act for Land and the Problem of Unknown Land Ownership

Abstract

This paper analyzes the features of the revised Basic Act for Land, which came into effect in March 2020, from the perspective of the problem of unknown land ownership. It discusses three issues that are central to addressing this problem: (1) fostering a common understanding of “appropriate use and management,” (2) promoting “creative utilization,” and (3) strengthening cooperation between the national government and local governments. The amendment points to the possibility of building a “new cycle” of land use and management and the importance of advancing specific measures that are aligned with the principles of the amended Act through closer collaboration among all concerned.