Opposition is mounting in Japan against the construction of large-scale data centers amid concerns over their environmental impact and effects on local communities. Plans to build a major data center near Tokyo have drawn particular criticism from residents in Hino, a city on the outskirts of the capital, where the project is set to transform the skyline and disrupt the neighborhood.

Yoriko Kitagawa, 94, voiced deep worries about the development, describing it as a “terrible plan.” The project, led by developer Mitsui Fudosan, involves three buildings, two of which have recently been scaled down by 20 percent to a height of 63.5 meters. However, the structures are still expected to loom over nearby homes, sparking fears over loss of sunlight, noise pollution, heat emissions, and safety risks related to large battery storage and fuel stockpiles for backup generators.

Local activist Yasuo Yamazaki, 69, highlighted the potential danger of fire or explosions given the facility’s infrastructure. “Heat from the data center is also worrisome, as well as noise,” he said, emphasizing concerns about the site’s environmental and safety footprint. In response, Mitsui Fudosan plans to establish a “green buffer zone” of up to 78 meters, featuring trees and a stream intended to mitigate noise, reduce heat, and lessen the visual impact of the buildings.

Japan’s rapid expansion in data center construction reflects its ambition to enhance its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. The government aims to position the country as one of the most AI-friendly globally, targeting the deployment of 10 million AI robots by 2040 and the development of domestic AI infrastructure to reduce reliance on leading global powers such as the United States and China.

However, Japan faces significant challenges due to its geography and urban density. Approximately 80 percent of the country is mountainous, limiting available land near major demand centers that are primarily located around Tokyo and Osaka. According to energy and utilities consultant Trung Ghi, data centers need to be close to end-users to support activities requiring ultra-fast response times, such as financial trading, streaming, and gaming. Yet, long-term viability will depend on access to affordable, reliable, and low-carbon power, along with coordinated planning around land use, cooling, telecommunications, and community engagement.

The challenges extend to regulatory frameworks as well. Some critics argue that Japanese building regulations are outdated and fail to classify data centers appropriately, often treating them like office spaces rather than industrial facilities. This mismatch complicates oversight and community protections, according to Satoshi Oikawa, a lawyer representing residents in Inzai, a Tokyo commuter town. Inzai has seen the proliferation of more than ten data centers, including one operated by Google, and residents there have filed lawsuits against new developments, citing threats to their right to sunlight, landscape preservation, and general quality of life.

While developer Japan ERI, responsible for approving some data center projects, declined to comment, the debate underscores the tension between Japan’s technological ambitions and local communities’ concerns over safety, environment, and livability. With new restrictions being considered internationally, including in New York State and Australia, Japan’s experience reflects growing global scrutiny of the data center industry amid the AI boom.