Article 3 – Restrictions on the Transfer of Rights to Cropland or Meadow/Pastureland

When selling, leasing, or transferring rights over farmland while keeping it as farmland, prior permission from the Agricultural Committee is required.
This ensures proper land management and stable food supply.
Contracts made without permission may be deemed invalid.
Cases Requiring Permission:

• Sale or purchase of farmland

• Lease or rental of farmland

• Establishment or transfer of usage rights (surface rights, tenancy rights, etc.)

Article 4 – Restrictions on Cropland Conversion

When an owner converts their own farmland for non-agricultural use (e.g., residential, parking, or storage purposes), permission from the prefectural governor or relevant authority is required.
In some cases, a simple notification to the Agricultural Committee may suffice.
Cases Requiring Permission:

• Converting farmland to residential use

• Converting farmland to parking lots

• Converting farmland to storage yards​

Article 5 – Restrictions on the Transfer of Rights for the Conversion of Cropland or Meadow/Pastureland

When both ownership or usage rights and land use change (e.g., from farmland to residential use), permission from the prefectural governor or municipal mayor is required.
Both the seller and the buyer must jointly submit the application.
Cases Requiring Permission:

• Purchasing farmland and building a house on it

• power generation equipment on former farmlandInstalling solar ​