Japan Opens Applications to Certify Regional Management Entities
Overview
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism will open the first application period for a certification program supporting private regional management entities that plan and carry out concrete initiatives to maintain living services and address local challenges as regional living areas are formed. Established on July 30, 2026, the program certifies entities with the intention and plans to work toward forming regional living areas over the medium to long term. Applications are accepted from October 9 through November 13, 2026, and must arrive by November 13. Certification is expected in mid-December 2026. Applicants must consult the National Land Policy Bureau before applying. Further application periods are planned within the fiscal year.
Key points
- The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is opening the first application period for a program certifying private regional management entities.
- The application period runs from October 9 through November 13, 2026; applications must arrive by November 13.
- Applicants should consult the National Land Policy Bureau in advance.
Overview
As population decline and the declining birthrate and aging population raise concerns about the reduced or lost capacity to provide local living services, forming “regional living areas” that sustainably provide services needed for daily life is considered important. Private regional management entities are viewed as key players in this effort: they connect local and external stakeholders by using people, information, expertise, and other resources, and manage the region as a whole and address its challenges. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has supported their efforts.
On July 30, 2026, the Director-General of the National Land Policy Bureau established a program to certify private entities with the intention and plans to work toward forming regional living areas over the medium to long term.
Impact
Certification is expected to build credibility and trust for these entities in their regions. The National Land Policy Bureau will further support private regional management entities by providing a one-stop service to introduce relevant support measures and offer advice.
Details
The bureau has accepted advance consultations ahead of the first application period. Application details are provided in the certification guidelines and application forms, and applicants are advised to consult the National Land Policy Bureau before applying.
Applications must arrive by November 13, 2026. Certification is expected in mid-December 2026. Further application periods are planned within the fiscal year.