In Japan's Seto Inland Sea, a small island with only seven inhabitants is suddenly in the spotlight. A Chinese national bought land there, and concerned locals have now launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise money to buy it back.
Kasasa Island is located near Yashiro Island in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Ferries run about three times a day, taking only seven minutes to cross. Although small, the island covers an area equivalent to 20 Tokyo Domes and is popular among fishing fans, due to its strong currents that bring mackerel and sea bream. But aging has taken its toll – only seven people still live there.
Recently, activity on Kasasa Island has raised eyebrows. Local people say that real estate agents from China keep coming frequently and red marks have started appearing on the hills. Records show that the 3,700㎡ plot across from the residential area was purchased by a Chinese national living in Shanghai.
Heavy machinery and utility poles are already installed on the purchased land. Some pillars also have "December 2024" marked on them. Representatives of the buyer said that the land was acquired to build villas.
Residents Push Back with Crowdfunding
This move has spread uneasiness among the islanders. Yagi Hideya, head of the Kasasa Island Conservation Association, said the area is located near major military sites: the US Iwakuni base is about 20 km away, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force base in Kure is only 50 km away. Many fear that foreign ownership here could pose a risk.
Local politician Takashi Ishimoto even warned during a street campaign last month: "If things continue like this, the island will fall into Chinese hands. Protecting the island means protecting Japan."
Japan's 2022 Critical Land Law allows monitoring of land use within 1 km of defense facilities, but Kasasa Island does not fall under it. Currently, Japan has no direct restrictions on foreign land purchases. MPs from all parties have now formed a group demanding stronger rules.
As the island's population continues to grow, Yagi is also concerned about the island's future. "We're getting old. Once we're gone, who knows what will happen here. With no one left, anything can happen."
Kasasa Island is rich in sunlight and water, making it a place where self-sufficiency is possible. But residents fear that without people, its resources could be misused.
Crowdfunding Effort
To reclaim the land, Yaghi and others launched a crowdfunding campaign on 10 December. Their goal is 20 million yen, and within two weeks they had already raised over 2 million yen.
The Japanese government has also begun to address concerns over foreign land ownership. Economic Security Minister Kimiko Onoda said on December 16: "To ease concerns about foreign real estate purchases, we will work with ministries to consider making information more transparent."
Starting next fiscal year, Japan plans to require nationality disclosure for all real estate and forest acquisitions, including purchases made by foreign residents. Every transaction will be reported under the new rules.
