A security perspective on the status of the Important Land Survey Act

Abstract

As a result of recent security concerns over the acquisition of land on remote islands by foreigners, the Important Land Survey Act （Act on the Review and Regulation of the Use of Real Estate Surrounding Important Facilities and on Remote Territorial Islands） was implemented in 2022. This development can be interpreted as a form of securitization, and the transformation of Japan’s borderlands into a "fortress". However, as the Act only mandates a "survey," it will be necessary to keep an eye on whether it will lead to further restrictions on land acquisition by foreigners.