Japan to Require Real Estate Buyers to Reveal Nationality

Japan plans to require individuals to reveal their nationality when acquiring real estate, the Justice Minister announced Tuesday, after rising prices led to concerns that foreign speculation was putting homes out of reach of citizens.

New regulations would require buyers — including Japanese citizens — to provide a passport or other proof of nationality when registering ownership. The ministry aims to have the new system begin operation in fiscal 2026, after a period for public comment.