Across the globe, including in Japan, the construction of data centres is rapidly increasing with the spread of AI. Data centres are particularly concentrated around areas with high demand, such as the Tokyo metropolitan area and west Japan's Kinki region. To avoid communication delays, some projects are being planned near railway stations and residential areas.

At the same time, concerns among local residents are growing over issues such as noise, waste heat and fire risks. In Inzai City, Chiba Prefecture, a lawsuit has been filed demanding cancellation of a data centre construction project. In Seika Town, Kyoto Prefecture, the issues of noise and exhaust emissions from generators have led the town to announce a policy of not attracting new data centres.

According to media reports, the legal status of data centres remains unclear, and they are not covered by the national environmental impact assessment system. In addition, basic information disclosure by operators is also considered insufficient. As the government accelerates the development of data centres, the need to establish safety and environmental standards, clarify construction rules, and promote information disclosure and dialogue with local communities has been highlighted.