Japan Cabinet Backs Permit Rule for Land Near SDF Bases

Japan’s cabinet on Friday (Oct 23) approved a bill that would require prior government permission for purchases of land near SDF bases and other sensitive sites, and submitted it to the Diet the same day, Kyodo News reported.

The bill, approved by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s cabinet, amends the land-use regulation act. Under the current rules, buyers only have to notify the government in advance, according to Jiji Press.

Approval Needed for Land Near SDF Bases

The permit requirement would cover uninhabited remote border islands and areas within about one kilometre of important facilities vulnerable to drone attacks. Jiji cited Self-Defense Forces and Japan Coast Guard sites with fighter aircraft or radar as examples.

Deals made without permission would be void, and applications to register them would be refused, the reports said.

Bans on Foreign Governments and Penalties

Transfers of such land to foreign governments or military personnel would in principle be banned, as would purchases by companies they effectively control and by individuals obliged to cooperate with foreign intelligence-gathering.

Violators would face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 3 million yen (about US$19,000). A company that becomes ineligible, for example after a merger, would have to transfer the land within a year, or the government could ask a court to order an auction.

Cabinet Office officials would carry out on-site inspections, with police joining as needed. If they find activity obstructing a facility, they could recommend that the prime minister seek corrective measures.

Government Seeks Passage This Session

Speaking at his regular press conference in Tokyo, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara pointed to “a growing risk” that land and property near important facilities could be used as bases for attacks.

The government aims to have the bill enacted during the current Diet session, which runs until mid-December, Kyodo reported.

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