In recent years, a large number of foreigners have been purchasing land in Japan, attracting public attention. During this July’s House of Councillors election, the issue of putting 'Japanese people first' became a focal point, and the phenomenon of foreigners aggressively buying up Japanese land sparked heated debate. According to an official Japanese investigation, in 2024 alone, foreigners or foreign corporations bought as much as 175.3 hectares of Japanese farmland, double that of 2023, with Chinese buyers making up the majority.
According to a report by Japan's Sankei Shimbun, the area of farmland purchased by foreigners or foreign corporations last year is equivalent to 37 Tokyo Domes.
Among foreign residents in Japan, 377 people together purchased 95 hectares of farmland. This group includes 102 Chinese, 42 South Koreans, 42 Brazilians, 27 Americans, 24 Vietnamese, and 15 Sri Lankans.
There are also 32 corporations, mainly owned or directed by foreign residents in Japan, which together purchased 79 hectares of farmland. Among them, Chinese and Korean nationals are the majority.
The Farmland Policy Division of Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (equivalent to the Ministry of Agriculture) stated: 'According to the Farmland Law, farmland cannot be acquired for investment purposes. These farmlands must be acquired with the intention of cultivation.'
Since September 2023, those acquiring farmland must report their nationality and residence status to the Agricultural Committee, but the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries does not have accurate records of farmland acquired before this policy took effect.