country-japan
Japan architectural code and regulatory reference. Covers the Building Standards Act (Kenchiku Kijun Ho, 1950, fundamentally revised 1998 toward performance-based regulation and 2007 strengthening post-Aneha incident), Building Standards Law Enforcement Order (Kenchiku Kijun Ho Shiko Rei) and MLIT Notifications (Kokuji); the parallel Fire Service Act and Fire Service Law Enforcement Order administered by Fire Department (Shobosho); Energy Conservation Act 1979 superseded by Act on the Improvement of Energy Consumption Performance of Buildings (Kenchikubutsu Sho-Energy Ho) 2015 + amendment 2022; Heart Building Law 2006 (Barrier-Free Law) and JIS S 0026 accessibility standards; City Planning Act with 12 use districts and ratio-based regulation (Yoseki-ritsu volumetric, Kenpei-ritsu coverage, daylighting + setback ratios); the unique two-level seismic design philosophy (Level 1 475-year + Level 2 2475-year), 1981 New Seismic Standard (Shintaishin), Energy Absorption Member design + base isolation + damper systems; AIJ Recommendations for Loads on Buildings 2015; CASBEE (Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency); BCJ (Building Center of Japan) structural performance evaluation; Architect Law and Class 1/2/ Mokuzo (timber) architect designations; Land + Building Lease Act; and the prefecture + Designated City (Seirei Shitei Toshi) + Core City (Chukaku Shi) administrative tiers.