The Japanese government has moved forward with a land acquisition application to expand the runway at Narita Airport. The push for expansion has been advanced with an aim to boost the airport's capacity and improve air travel into and out of the country. The news of eminent domain use, commonly known as land compulsory purchase in Japan, may stir controversy among the locals and stakeholders, mirroring past events in Japan's history.

Land rights and usage are sensitive topics in Japan, given the country's limited space. The use of eminent domain for public projects like airport expansion often stirs local controversy, as it involves displacement of residents who may have cultural and ancestral ties to the land. In Japan's past, such situations have invoked public outcry and fierce resistance.

In the US and EU, compulsory land acquisition is also practiced for infrastructure development such as airports and highways, although it's subject to strict regulations. Residents are typically offered compensation, but issues can arise about the adequacy and fairness of the payout. Such circumstances often lead to legal battles, protests, and occasionally to public policy changes.