---
title: Petition to Protect Niseko Town’s Vital Water Source
date: 2025-08-27T10:55:00+09:00
author: Chris Pickering
canonical_url: "https://uchijapan.com/news/petition-to-protect-niseko-towns-vital-water-source"
section: News
---
[Japan](https://uchijapan.com/news/japan)# Petition to Protect Niseko Town’s Vital Water Source

Aug 27, 2025

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   ![Yotei kasagumo](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_480x270_crop_center-center_60_line/IMG_5768.jpg)Niseko Town has concluded its petition campaign to protect one of the community’s most critical resources: its water supply. The petition, known as the **“Petition to Protect Niseko Town’s Water Supply Source,”** ran from **August 8 to August 25, 2025** and is now closed. The town has expressed deep gratitude to residents and supporters for their cooperation.

In the first trial at the Iwanai District Court, Niseko Town lost the case. The town has appealed, and the matter is now under deliberation at the **Sapporo High Court**.

### Background of the Dispute

Niseko Town is currently engaged in litigation over a key parcel of land at the foot of Mount Yotei—an area designated as a **Water Supply Source Protection Area** since 2011. This land, acquired by the town in 2013 under a formal sales contract, provides drinking water to around 4,000 residents, or 80% of the community.

### The Legal Dispute

The former owner—who last held title 17 years ago, four transactions prior—has filed a claim demanding the return of ownership rights, arguing the land was sold without their consent. Niseko Town, however, maintains that the acquisition was made legally, in full compliance with existing ordinances and contracts, and that the land has since been managed exclusively for public welfare.

### Protecting Niseko’s Lifeline

To safeguard the town’s most critical water resources, Niseko introduced the **Water Supply Source Protection Ordinance** and the **Groundwater Conservation Ordinance** on May 1, 2011. Following the advice of a specialized committee, the contested site was officially designated a protection area on October 5 of the same year.

These ordinances were pioneering in Hokkaido, establishing strict rules for land use, requiring mayoral consultation for certain types of facilities, and mandating community explanatory meetings. They also introduced penalties to ensure compliance, following consultation with the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

### Twelve Years of Preservation

Since acquiring the land on January 7, 2013, Niseko Town has preserved it as a protected area, preventing development and ensuring the long-term safety of the water supply. Local government stewardship has been widely seen as essential, especially in light of recent reports highlighting unauthorized and excessive development at the base of Mount Yotei.

### The Petition Campaign

To demonstrate strong public support for safeguarding this essential water source, Niseko Town gathered signatures—both online and via mailed forms sent to all households. These will now be presented responsibly to the judges at the Sapporo High Court.