Japan investigates ownership of thousands of uninhabited islands amid security concerns

Japan is launching a comprehensive investigation into the ownership of its approximately 13,400 uninhabited islands amid growing concerns over foreign, particularly Chinese, acquisitions near strategically sensitive locations.

The issue gained prominence after a Chinese national reportedly purchased an uninhabited island near a U.S. military base in Okinawa. Similar cases have emerged, including Chinese entities buying land on islands near Japanese Self-Defense Force bases in Yamaguchi and Hokkaido, raising alarms about national security.

These acquisitions, often involving land near military installations or vital water sources, have fueled public anxiety and calls for stricter regulations. Some Japanese netizens have labeled the purchases as a form of "Chinese invasion," urging the government to prevent or limit foreign land ownership.

In response, the Japanese government is surveying island ownership to identify potential security risks. The investigation will prioritize islands located in border areas or near military facilities. Furthermore, the government plans to nationalize islands with unclear or unregistered ownership, utilizing satellite imagery and aerial surveys to monitor land use and activity. The focus remains on the strategic implications of these land purchases, rather than mere real estate transactions, as Japan navigates a new phase of "securitization of land."