Disagree with expropriation compensation?

What the Law Says

Japanese law provides a formal process to challenge expropriation compensation amounts through administrative review, not immediate court action.

Under the Land Expropriation Act, when land is acquired for public projects (e.g., roads or railways), the acquiring authority must determine and notify the owner of the compensation amount. If the owner disagrees with that amount, they may formally object.

The objection must be filed with the Prefectural Expropriation Commission (or the national commission for nationally designated projects) within 30 days of receiving the official compensation notice. The Commission is required to issue its decision within 120 days of receiving the objection.

The Commission’s decision is binding unless appealed to the District Court within 30 days. However, judicial review is limited to legality — not re-determination of value — and only one such appeal is permitted.

Statutory Text

An owner who disagrees with the amount of compensation… may file an objection with the Expropriation Commission within thirty days from the day on which he/she was notified of the amount.

— Land Expropriation Act, Art. 81 — Objection to Compensation Amount

Statutory Text

The Expropriation Commission shall, within one hundred twenty days from the day on which it receives the objection, render its decision thereon.

— Land Expropriation Act, Art. 82 — Period for Rendering Decision

What to Do

Sources