A spotlight is currently being shed on the emerging issue of "yami-kosaku", the illicit practice of farmland leasing in Japan. In recent reports, the unofficial renting and borrowing of agricultural land—unregulated and not overseen by authorities—is becoming increasingly prevalent. This illicit practice is feared to be undermining local economies, threatening the sustainability of agricultural operations, and complicating land management issues.

Agricultural land in Japan is usually strictly regulated, with inheritances and property management norms playing significant roles. There have been increasing concerns about the misuse of farmland, decentralization, and undesirable changes in demographic land ownership structures. Yami-kosaku is thus seen as a demonstration of these broader issues.

In countries such as the US and EU, land leasing policies are often more flexible, with sufficient safeguards and regulatory procedures to avoid illicit practices. The issue of 'under the table' leasing isn't unheard of, but it's typically less prevalent due to these policies and law enforcement practices.