A government expert panel met for the first time on Monday to discuss groundwater use, including by foreign nationals, and plans to compile a report by this summer. The land ministry aims to collaborate with local authorities to gather nationwide data on groundwater extraction, incorporating users' nationalities, and implement conservation measures. Amid growing concerns over foreign land acquisitions, officials stressed that discrimination is not the goal.
Japan's land ministry has established an expert panel to examine groundwater usage. The panel held its inaugural meeting on Monday, addressing concerns including groundwater use by foreign nationals. It intends to produce a report by this summer, working with local governments to compile nationwide data on groundwater extraction, which will include users' nationalities.
Recent media focus on foreign nationals acquiring land has sparked worries about their access to associated groundwater resources. Following the meeting, a land ministry spokesperson stated, “Concerns and interest regarding groundwater extraction by foreign nationals are among the issues being raised, and the panel will seek opinions on how such matters should be addressed.”
In response to questions about potentially restricting foreign nationals' access to groundwater, an official emphasized that discrimination is not the objective. The initiative focuses on conservation efforts, evaluating the impact of foreign land ownership on water resources. The panel will explore comprehensive approaches to these challenges.