Japan is preparing to introduce a new rule that would require individuals to declare their nationality when registering property, with implementation targeted for fiscal year 2026. The move is part of a broader effort by the government to improve transparency in real estate ownership and strengthen the accuracy of national property records.
At present, Japan’s real estate registry system records the name and address of property owners but does not consistently capture nationality information. This has made it difficult for authorities to fully understand ownership trends, particularly as foreign investment in Japanese real estate has increased in recent years.
Under the proposed change, nationality would become a mandatory data point at the time of property registration. The requirement is expected to apply to both Japanese nationals and foreign buyers, ensuring uniformity across the system. Officials have indicated that the information would be used strictly for administrative and statistical purposes, such as policy planning and market analysis.
The planned reform aligns with Japan’s wider digital and administrative modernization efforts, which aim to make public records more precise and easier to manage. By clearly identifying ownership profiles, the government hopes to enhance oversight without restricting legitimate property transactions.
While the proposal has drawn attention, authorities have emphasized that it is not intended to discourage foreign buyers or target specific groups. Instead, the focus is on creating a clearer, more reliable registry that reflects the realities of today’s property market.
Further details, including the exact scope of the requirement and how the data will be handled, are expected to be finalized ahead of fiscal 2026 as the government moves toward formal adoption of the new rules.
Originally written by- BY HIMARI SEMANS STAFF WRITER
Link to the article: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/12/16/japan/politics/foreigners-land-registration/
