Minister Ibayashi’s Press Conference
Overview
Minister Ibayashi reported on a visit to areas affected by the Kumamoto earthquake, a bid-rigging case involving large-scale condominium renovation work, and a call for technology exhibitors at the Yokohama Green Expo. In response to questions, he explained regulations on private lodging, seismic retrofits for bridge piers, and arrangements for substitute transport on the Uchibo Line following typhoon damage. He said the government would continue supporting affected areas, address the businesses involved, improve the operation of existing systems, and coordinate with relevant organizations.
Key points
- He visited areas affected by the Kumamoto earthquake and received requests for continued government support for recovery and reconstruction.
- He called the bid rigging in large-scale condominium renovation work regrettable and said the government would act under the law and consider measures to prevent recurrence.
- The government will apply supervisory measures to private lodging businesses under current law and improve implementation in light of local circumstances.
- The government will publicize checks of bridge seismic retrofits and support efforts to establish substitute transport on the Uchibo Line.
Overview
At the press conference, he reported on a visit to areas affected by the 2026 Kumamoto earthquake, where he confirmed damage to roads and port facilities as well as wells. In an exchange of views with the prefectural governor, he received requests for full-scale recovery and continued technical and financial support from the government.
For the Yokohama Green Expo, he outlined plans to hold a government-hosted “Green Tech Intensive Trade Fair,” featuring technology exhibits by companies and business matchmaking.
Impact
The minister said damage to wells had made it difficult to secure water in affected areas, seriously affecting residents’ lives.
The minister said the bid rigging betrayed the trust of condominium management associations, harmed their interests, and seriously undermined confidence in the renovation work.
He said he regarded the lack of an established substitute transport system on the Uchibo Line as a serious matter, explaining that the route serves substantial commuting and school travel demand.
Details
On September 28, 2026, the Japan Fair Trade Commission found that businesses involved had repeatedly colluded on large-scale condominium renovation work in the Kanto region, ruled that they had violated the Antimonopoly Act, and issued cease-and-desist orders. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism will respond under relevant laws, request industry groups to prevent recurrence, publicize consultation services for condominium management associations, and consider appropriate procurement practices through an expert panel.
The Act on Private Lodging Businesses was enacted in 2017 and established rules addressing safety, sanitation, and neighborhood disputes. Technical guidance issued in July enables local governments to impose measures such as zero-day limits. The minister said authorities would first make full use of existing-law orders to improve business operations and orders to suspend or discontinue operations, then improve implementation in light of local governments’ views.
The Board of Audit of Japan flagged 1,128 bridge piers, more than 80% of those it examined, as potentially lacking adequate seismic performance. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism will inform road administrators about methods for checking foundations and support local governments through grants and councils.
After Typhoon No. 25 caused landslides and other damage, two operators suspended service on five routes. East Japan Railway began substitute transport on three routes, excluding the Uchibo Line, on September 28. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism asked the Japan Bus Association to cooperate by dispatching vehicles and drivers, and issued an administrative notice on September 27 allowing service outside designated areas. It will also provide necessary support for the early restoration of the Nagura–Kisarazu section.
The Yokohama Green Expo is scheduled to open on March 19, 2027. The intensive trade fair will be held at the venue from June 30 through July 27, 2027, and technology exhibitors will be invited to apply.