Key Facts
• Fukuoka Prefecture purchased 2,500 m² of land in Akamura for road construction in 2025.
• Initial offer was ¥4.3 million, but final purchase price rose to ¥21.6 million.
• Landowner’s objections led to two price reassessments before final agreement.
• Governor Seitaro Hattori called the issue a ‘serious problem’ on August 14, 2025.
• The price increase included excavation costs for developed land.
• Final price was significantly higher than nearby land values, deemed ‘inappropriate.’
• Governor pledged to involve third parties for reevaluation and prevent future issues.
• Fukuoka Prefecture plans stricter oversight for land acquisitions under ¥50 million.
Summary
Fukuoka Prefecture faced criticism for purchasing land at five times its initial valuation for a road construction project. The 2,500 m² plot in Akamura was initially offered at ¥4.3 million but was ultimately bought for ¥21.6 million after two reassessments due to the landowner’s objections. Governor Seitaro Hattori acknowledged the issue as a ‘serious problem,’ citing a failure to accurately assess the land’s condition and costs. The final price, which included excavation expenses, was significantly higher than nearby land values, raising concerns about transparency and public trust. The governor announced plans to involve third-party evaluations and implement stricter oversight for future acquisitions, even for projects under ¥50 million, to prevent similar issues.
