Lawsuit Erupts Over Massive 52.7-Meter Data Center in Prime Station-Side Location as Residents Push Back

A facility over 50 meters tall is being built on land near the station and next to Aeon mall

“We were shocked when a construction notice suddenly appeared. We cannot understand why a facility that raises so many concerns about noise and safety is being built on such a prime location right in front of the station.” (Local resident)

With the rapid spread of generative AI, construction of data centers (DCs), which process and store enormous amounts of data, is accelerating. In Inzai City, Chiba Prefecture, opposition among residents is growing over “Inzai 5” (provisional name), currently under construction near Chiba New Town Chuo Station. A massive facility is being built on a plot of land adjacent to high-rise apartment buildings and the large commercial complex Aeon Mall. It will stand 52.7 meters tall, have six floors above ground, and a total floor area of approximately 30,000 square meters.

“Inzai has solid ground, low disaster risk, and is located about 40 kilometers from central Tokyo and close to Narita Airport. More than 30 data centers have been built in the city, earning it the nickname ‘Data Center Ginza.’

However, construction on such a prime site in front of the station has provoked fierce opposition from residents. They claim that the building confirmation inspection conducted by the designated inspection agency Japan ERI was illegal and filed a lawsuit with the Chiba District Court in March this year.” (National newspaper social affairs reporter)

Fire risks are also a concern

In August, residents also filed a lawsuit against the city over its decision to allow the project to proceed, despite a resolution passed unanimously by the city assembly calling for construction near the station to be voluntarily suspended. Munekazu Tanigawa, the lead plaintiff in the residents’ lawsuit, explains:

“We understand that data centers are important facilities serving as social infrastructure. However, they bring risks beyond waste heat and noise, including fires involving enormous heavy-oil tanks and battery storage systems. Despite this, the Building Standards Act has no separate classification for data centers, so they are treated as equivalent to offices and can receive building approval. With construction proceeding in such an uncontrolled manner, residents’ living environments cannot be protected.”

Residents have many other concerns, including the impact of enormous electricity consumption on power bills and the strain on water resources. What do the companies involved think about these concerns? Here are the responses from Mitsui & Co., an investor in Inzai 5, and Towa Sogo System, which serves as the contact point for the data center operator.

“We believe it is important not only to comply with laws and regulations but also to engage in sincere dialogue. As an investor, we will communicate to the operating company the importance of taking appropriate action.” (Mitsui & Co. Public Relations)

“We will continue to address the concerns and questions of nearby residents and maintain careful explanations and dialogue.” (Towa Sogo System Public Relations)

The root of the problem also lies in outdated laws and regulations governing construction. Attorney Masaharu Hioki, who specializes in urban planning and construction disputes, explains:

“In Japan, land use is generally unrestricted, and building approval is granted as long as a structure complies with the Building Standards Act. New types of facilities, such as data centers, are classified as ‘offices’ and can therefore be built even near train stations and in residential areas. To prevent construction in such locations, local governments urgently need to take measures such as imposing location restrictions through urban planning regulations or their own ordinances.”

There are now more than 320 data centers in Japan, including those under construction or in the planning stages. Precisely because they are essential infrastructure supporting an AI-driven society, rules are needed to ensure they are built in appropriate locations.

From the October 23–30, 2026, combined issue of “FRIDAY”