Japan regulate use of land for national security

TOKYO Jiji Press - The government on Wednesday regulated the use of 58 locations designated as being important for national security, such as remote border islands and areas around Self-Defense Forces bases.

The government can now crack down on acts in the designated areas that impede the functions of SDF facilities. It will compile databases of information on the areas collected through the basic resident register and the real estate registry.

In December of last year, the 58 locations in five of the country's 47 prefectures — Hokkaido, Aomori, Tokyo, Shimane and Nagasaki — were designated as the first batch of such areas under a law to regulate the use of land for national security purposes. The government plans to designate over 600 sites by autumn 2024.

In the designated areas, obstructive acts such as setting up an object that would hinder takeoffs and landings by SDF aircraft and the emission of jamming radio waves aimed at important facilities are restricted.

The prime minister is allowed to recommend or order the cessation of such acts, with criminal penalties imposed on those who don't comply.

The law has concerns that it could limit private rights and lead to monitoring of residents.

Economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, who oversees the law, said it was important to raise public awareness of the purpose of the law and how it works.

Takaichi plans to establish a call center to answer questions from residents.