Japan’s Recent Building Code Revisions

Overview of Japan’s Recent Building Code Changes Building Standards for a Greener Future: Key Changes in Japan’s Building Code In 2024, Japan updated its Building Standards Act to improve how buildings use energy. This change supports Japan’s goal of a carbon-neutral society. Let’s look at the main changes and how they will affect building practices. […]

Changes in the Building Standards Act 2025: Abolition of the Four-Number Exception

Overview In 2025, a significant amendment to the Building Standards Act will take place, marking the abolition of the “four-number exception.” This exception previously allowed small-scale buildings, such as wooden houses and small commercial facilities, to bypass the confirmation application process. The abolition aims to enhance the safety and quality of all buildings by ensuring […]

Understanding Fire-Resistant and Semi-Fire-Resistant Structures: A Simple Guide

Hello! Today, let’s talk about building safety, specifically the concepts of “fire-resistant structures” and “semi-fire-resistant structures.” These terms describe how well a building can withstand fire. I’ll explain this in a way that’s easy to understand, even for someone with no background in construction. What is a Fire-Resistant Structure? A fire-resistant structure is designed to […]

Understanding the First and Second Moments of Area: A Simple Guide

Understanding the First and Second Moments of Area: A Simple Guide When diving into the world of engineering and physics, two important concepts you might encounter are the first moment of area and the second moment of area. These terms might sound complex, but let’s break them down with some simple examples to make them […]

The recent amendments to Japan’s Building Standard Law

The recent amendments to Japan’s Building Standard Law, specifically the Act on the Improvement of Energy Consumption Performance of Buildings (Building Energy Efficiency Act), are primarily focused on enhancing energy efficiency and integrating renewable energy into building standards. Key aspects of these amendments include: These changes reflect a significant shift in Japan’s approach to building […]