The law of TAMA 38 is designed to improve and strengthen older building in the case of earthquakes.

Under the scheme the existing neighbors are granted various wide ranging benefits: principally fast track obtaining of permits for extending the existing apartment, permits for additional storeys and the division of these amongst existing neighbors.

In some circumstances demolition and rebuilding or the entire building.

For those whose buildings are eligible, this is a unique opportunity to drastically improve the existing building and individual apartments at a significantly cheaper price, in some cases at no cost at all.