Overview of Dispute Resolution Activities by the Central Construction Works Dispute Review Board in Q4 of FY2024

Dispute Resolution Activities of the Central Construction Works Dispute Review Board (Q4 FY2024)

On April 15, 2024, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism published a report detailing the dispute resolution status as mandated by the Construction Business Act. The Central Construction Works Dispute Review Board plays a crucial role in providing a streamlined mechanism for resolving disputes in the construction sector without going to court. This initiative focuses on resolving conflicts regarding contractual agreements quickly and fairly, making it a vital part of the construction industry framework in Japan.

According to the latest report, the total number of new applications for disputes during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024 is three. This marks a decrease of four applications compared to the same period last year. There were 35 ongoing cases carried over from the previous quarter, and by the end of this quarter, 11 disputes were resolved. Consequently, 27 cases will be carried over into the next quarter.

Among the new applications filed this quarter, two disputes originated from subcontractors against general contractors, while one dispute was initiated by a general contractor against a subcontractor. In terms of the nature of these disputes, two cases were related to payment issues concerning subcontractors, and one involved construction defects.

The Central Construction Works Dispute Review Board has been established under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and various prefectural governments to handle such disputes outside of traditional court systems. This approach promotes an efficient resolution process, which is essential for the overall health of the construction industry.

For those seeking more detailed insights into these disputes and the resolution process, additional information can be found on the Ministry's official website. The report offers comprehensive data and insights into the types of conflicts most prevalent within the industry, as well as statistical data on past cases and resolutions.

Overall, the work performed by the Central Construction Works Dispute Review Board highlights the ongoing need for effective dispute resolution mechanisms within the construction sector. As projects become more complex and the industry landscape evolves, having dedicated resources and structured processes in place is imperative in addressing and resolving conflicts efficiently.

For more detailed inquiries, please contact the Central Construction Works Dispute Review Board Secretariat at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. They can be reached via telephone at 03-5253-8111 (extensions 24-763, 24-764). Furthermore, interested parties can obtain the official report in PDF format, accessible after downloading the necessary Adobe Acrobat Reader software. This allows for the proper viewing of detailed documentation regarding past and current disputes within the construction industry.

As the construction sector adapts to new challenges, a transparent and effective dispute resolution process will remain a cornerstone in maintaining industry integrity and fostering a collaborative working environment.