Land Improvement Law (No. 195 of 1949)

This comprehensive law is about improvement of agricultural infrastructure and land (crop and grazing land) and covers also matters such as drainage and irrigation and other matters relating to water management. Improvement may also include, among other things, conversion of non-agricultural land in agricultural land, and change in use of agricultural land (see definitions at the outset). It provides for the establishment of so-called Land Improvement Districts. There shall be an association of Land Improvement Districts. Land Improvement projects may also be conducted by municipalities. There shall be a long-term Land Improvement Plan prepared by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, after hearing the opinions of the Food, Agriculture and Rural Policy Council. The Plan requires approval from the Cabinet. Upon approval of the prefectural governor, a land improvement district may be established by farmers. These districts shall also function as a kind of irrigation association. Agricultural water use is regulated, among other, by section 57. The Act also protects persons having fishing rights related to agricultural land or waters.