Japanese Real Estate Glossary
Land Condition & Hazards

擁壁

yōhekiようへき

Retaining wall

A wall holding back earth on sloped or terraced land. Aging or non-code walls are a classic hidden liability: replacing a failing retaining wall can cost millions of yen, and permits for rebuilding a house may hinge on the wall's compliance. Establish who owns it, its age, and whether it was permitted.

Find the parcel, then check its hazard layers

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