In Japan, it is not uncommon for the road leading to your property to be a "Private Road" (Shido). However, failing to properly understand the ownership and rights associated with it can lead to significant trouble down the line. Simply put, because a private road is someone's property, you need the owner's permission (consent) to pass through it or to excavate it for utilities like water and gas. If you don't have a share in the road or can't obtain a written consent form, y

Finding a great deal on land is the first step toward your dream home. However, many buyers are shocked to discover that the "advertised area" and the "buildable area" are not the same. This is primarily due to Setback (Setback/道路後退)  regulations. In many older residential areas in Japan, roads are narrower than the required 4 meters. To ensure safety and access, the law requires you to set your building back from the center of the road. This "setback" portion cannot be built