Freehold vs Leasehold: Ownership Rights in Japan
Japanese property is freehold for foreign buyers - but leasehold land does exist. Here is how to tell the difference and why it changes the value.
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Can You Get Residency in Japan by Buying Real Estate?
Japan has no golden visa - buying property grants no residency. Here is the honest answer, and what actually does create a route to living in Japan.
View articleCan UK Citizens Buy Property in Japan?
British buyers can own Japanese property outright - no residency, no approval, no leasehold trap. Here is what UK investors should know before buying.
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Can Australians Buy Investment Property in Japan?
Australians can buy Japanese investment property outright, with no FIRB-style approval and no residency needed. Here is how it compares to buying at home.
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Can an American Buy a House in Japan?
Americans can buy property in Japan with no residency or visa required. Here is the process, the ownership rights, and the US-side issues to plan for.
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“The Numbers Are Out!” – Insights from Japan’s Post-COVID Population Census
Japan lost 3 million people - but gained 1.3 million households. Here’s what the 2025 census actually means for property investors.
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Why “Easy” Properties in Japan Often Aren’t Easy to Own
Buying property in Japan that looks “easy” can hide complex ownership burdens. NTI breaks down what simple really means for foreign investors.
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1LDK, 1R, 2LDK? The 2026 Guide to Japanese Apartment Types for Foreign Investors
Confused by 1LDK, 1K, or 2LDK listings? This 2026 guide decodes every Japanese apartment type - with real yield data for foreign investors.
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When a “Cheap” Property in Japan Is Actually Expensive
Cheap Japan properties often hide structural, legal, and resale risks. Learn the 5 hidden costs and how to spot genuine real estate opportunities.
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How to Underwrite Condos, Apato Buildings, and Detached Homes in Japan
Most investors buy on gut or gross yield. Neither is underwriting. Here’s the real framework for condos, apato, and detached homes in Japan.
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Investing in Regional Japan vs. Major Cities: Where the Smart Money Is Going
Japan isn’t one real estate market - it’s many. Discover where smart investors are finding stability, yield, and hidden value in 2026.
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Japan’s Real Estate Property Market: 2025 Summary & 2026 Outlook
In 2025, real estate activity in Asia Pacific started to feel active again. People weren’t only watching and waiting - more deals and decisions happened. That doesn’t mean everything suddenly became cheap or easy. It means confidence improved, and attention returned to places where buying and owning property still feels more predictable.
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10 Common Mistakes When Buying Japanese Real Estate
Guide to avoid common buyer mistakes in Japan property: depreciation, inspections, financing, taxes, akiya risks, renovation costs, and resale issues.
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Tokyo vs Osaka: Which City Offers Better Rental Yields?
Compare Tokyo and Osaka rental yields in 2025 - Osaka offers higher gross yields (~4.26%) and lower prices; Tokyo provides stability and long-term appreciation.
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How to Buy Property in Japan as a Foreigner: 7 Steps
7-step roadmap for foreigners to buy property in Japan: research, budget for fees, prepare docs, inspect, secure financing, and register ownership.
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Japan Real Estate Investment: Complete Guide for 2026
Practical guide to Japan’s 2026 property market - trends, top cities, legal and tax rules, financing options, and risk management for investors.
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Buying a Holiday Home in Osaka: The Hybrid Investment Model Guide (2026 Edition)
Last Updated: November 2025 Author: Nippon Trading International (NTI) Editorial Team Executive Summary: Key Takeaways Watch the Full Conversation This article is based on a real-world consultation with Australian buyers looking for a holiday home in central Osaka. For the full context and deep dive into the numbers, watch the episode below: https://youtu.be/XOXyY2ouVpA For many […]
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Jiko Bukken: What You Need to Know About Japan’s “Stigmatized Properties”
Jiko bukken (事故物件), or “stigmatized/misfortunate properties,” are homes or apartments tainted by incidents such as suicide, murder, or unattended deaths.
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Barrier-Free Homes in Japan: Real Estate Terms You Must Know
Looking for accessible housing in Japan? Learn the must-know Japanese real estate terms for barrier-free homes, ramps, elevators & more.
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Japan’s Real Estate Future: In the Busy Cities or Charming Countryside?
Japan’s real estate market is facing an exciting crossroads - one where the future of investment opportunities is shaped by two key forces: urbanization and rural revitalization. Investors and potential property buyers are now grappling with a choice: continue focusing on Japan’s megacities, or explore the emerging potential of the country’s tranquil countryside. Both regions present unique […]
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Nankai Earthquake: How to Properly Prepare Your Property For the ‘Big One’
Japan’s Nankai Earthquake – what is it? The Nankai Trough region faces an estimated 80% chance of a magnitude-9 “Big One” within 30 years, with potential casualties up to 300,000 people and economic losses exceeding ¥220 trillion. Whether you own a high-rise in Osaka or a wooden home in Shikoku, proactive measures can dramatically reduce […]
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1LDK, 1R, 2K? An Essential Guide to Decode Japanese Apartment Classifications
Getting to know the full range of property classifications - such as 1R, 1LDK, 2DK, and 3LDK - is crucial when investing in real estate.
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What Japanese Tenants Look For: Insights for Property Owners
When renting out property in Japan, understanding tenant preferences can make all the difference between a vacant listing and a highly sought-after unit. While universal factors like location and price play a role, the Japanese rental market has unique nuances that every property owner should consider. These details significantly influence tenant decisions, from security features like double-door entry systems to the appeal of higher floors for both safety and privacy.
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Heating Your Home: A Guide to Japan’s Unique Home Heating Solutions
As winter continues, Japan’s innovative and traditional heating solutions take center stage. Unlike central heating systems common in many countries, Japanese homes rely on a mix of portable, energy-efficient, and uniquely cultural heating methods. Whether you are settling into your new home in Japan, planning a winter visit or are just confused about what options you have in your Airbnb, understanding these solutions can make the season much more comfortable.
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Japan Continues To See Moderate Economic Recovery
Japan’s government maintained its moderate economic recovery outlook in October’s report, noting improvements in employment and income. However, it flagged global risks, including high U.S. and European interest rates, China’s real estate stagnation, and Middle East conflicts.
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A Guide to Installing an Onsen in Your Home in Japan: Requirements, Regulations, Costs, and Location Considerations
Japan’s love affair with onsens (hot springs) dates back centuries, offering not only a place of relaxation but also a deep connection with nature and tradition. The allure of having an onsen in your own home is tempting, especially for those who appreciate the therapeutic benefits and cultural significance of these natural hot baths. But […]
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Disaster Prevention Measures for Houses and Apartments in Japan: A Safe Investment for Peace of Mind
When considering buying property in Japan, one of the main concerns for many is the country’s susceptibility to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, typhoons, and heavy rain. However, Japan has some of the most advanced and stringent disaster prevention measures in the world, making its homes and apartments not only safe but also a solid investment.
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Common Materials Used for House Building in Japan
Japan’s unique geography, cultural heritage, and environmental factors have shaped the materials and techniques used in home construction. From traditional woodwork to modern innovations, the materials chosen reflect the need for durability, safety, and harmony with nature. Here’s an overview of the most common materials used in Japanese homes:
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The Benefits of Acquiring Property in the Kansai Region, Japan: A Guide for Different Buyer Profiles
The Kansai region, which includes major cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, and Wakayama, is a vibrant part of Japan with a rich history, dynamic culture, and a diverse economy. Compared to the more hectic Kanto region, Kansai offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition, with a slightly slower pace of life and lower real estate prices.
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The Benefits of Acquiring Property in the Kanto Region, Japan: A Guide for Different Buyer Profiles
The Kanto region, which encompasses Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures (Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Gunma, Tochigi, and Ibaraki), is the heart of Japan’s economic, political, and cultural activities. As one of the most sought-after real estate markets in the country, Kanto offers numerous benefits for different types of property buyers.
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How to Create a Sustainable Home in Japan Through Renovation
Renovating a home to be more sustainable is a practical and often cost-effective way to reduce your environmental impact while improving your living space. In Japan, where older homes often lack modern energy-efficient features, renovating for sustainability can bring significant long-term benefits
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Tokyo Star Bank’s Real Estate Loans for Non-Residents Drive Foreign Investment in Japan
Tokyo Star Bank Ltd. has introduced a unique service offering loans and accounts to non-residents looking to purchase real estate in Japan. Since the service launched last year, it has seen rapid growth, fueled by Japan’s weak yen and attractive low interest rates, which have sparked international interest in the country’s property market.
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Understanding Japanese Real Estate Measurement Units: A Comprehensive Guide
When navigating the Japanese real estate market, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with various measurement units that describe property areas. These units, such as 坪 (Tsubo), 平米 (Heibei), ㎡ (Square Meter), 畳 (Jo), and others, are commonly used in property advertisements, whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or rent a property in Japan.
View articleIs It Worth Buying Property in Japan? A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re considering investing in Japanese real estate, whether for a permanent move or as a different type of investment, you’re likely wondering if it’s worth it. Understanding the pros and cons, and what to watch out for before making a significant financial commitment, is crucial.
View articleUnderstanding Earthquake Resistance Standards in Japan
Earthquake resistance standards are critical guidelines that define the minimum structural integrity that buildings must possess to withstand seismic events. These standards have evolved over time to enhance building safety and resilience in earthquake-prone areas.
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Investing in New/Young Pre-Owned vs. Old Pre-Owned Properties in Japan
When investing in real estate in Japan, it’s crucial to understand the distinct advantages and disadvantages of new/young pre-owned properties versus old pre-owned properties. This knowledge can guide investors in making decisions that match their specific investment objectives.
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Exploring Japan’s Promising Real Estate Investment Locations
Japan offers a vast array of opportunities, and while the areas we present here are not exhaustive nor “officially” the best, they are selected for their diversity, showcasing the wide range of features available in the country
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The Growing Popularity of Mixed-Use Office Developments in Japan
Tokyo’s office market faced challenges during the pandemic, experiencing reduced foot traffic and increased vacancies. To adapt to shifting tenant needs and diversify income, upcoming developments are increasingly incorporating mixed-use elements. Projects like Tokyo Torch and Jingu Gaien reflect this trend, integrating sustainability and community amenities to attract and retain talent in Japan’s competitive labor market.
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Luxury Residential Project in Central Tokyo at 30% Discount
Avatar Capital Partners, a new Asia-based real estate fund manager, has acquired a 70-unit luxury residential development in central Tokyo at a 30% discount. Founded just three months earlier, the firm aims for substantial returns amidst rising inflation and tightening cap rates in Japan’s recovering market. They focus heavily on multi-family investments and strategic collaborations with local developers for growth opportunities.
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Strategies for Commercial Property Acquisition in Japan
Acquiring property in Japan presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities, especially for investors with commercial goals in mind, but the Japanese real estate market offers various strategies to suit different investment objectives.
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Things to Consider Before Buying a Property in Japan
Foreigners are increasingly buying property in Japan, but it involves complexities. Key points include choosing buildings constructed post-1981, low property taxes, and favorable mortgage rates. However, obtaining mortgages without permanent residency is tough. Condos might have hidden high maintenance costs, and older homes often require significant repairs. Buyers should be well-informed to navigate Japan’s buyer-friendly yet nuanced market.
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Japan Orders Compliance Improvements at MUFG Bank and Its Morgan Stanley Securities Partnerships
Japan’s banking regulator ordered Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) to improve compliance after breaches of “firewall” regulations. The Financial Services Agency mandated MUFG units to identify breach causes and submit improvement plans. The Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission found unauthorized client information sharing and preferential lending rates, leading to penalties for MUFG Bank and its securities partnerships with Morgan Stanley.
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Owning Property in Japan: Responsibilities and Insurance Essentials
Owning property in Japan comes with a set of responsibilities that you must adhere to. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the necessary steps and ensure you’re fully prepared.
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Japan’s Home Vacancy Rate Increased by 80% Over the Last 20 Years
Japan’s housing market is grappling with an oversupply crisis, marked by nearly 9 million vacant properties and an 80% surge in vacancy rates over two decades. This trend, driven by demographic shifts like declining birth rates, poses economic and safety challenges. Potential solutions, such as foreign investment or immigration, are complicated by Japan’s insular culture and economic considerations.
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Japan’s Prime Minister to Unveil Six-Year Economic and Fiscal Plan
Japanese PM Kishida will announce a six-year economic and fiscal plan aimed at boosting growth through labor market reform, domestic investment, and higher productivity. The plan, starting in April 2025, aims for wage growth to surpass inflation, ending deflation. Fiscal policy will follow Japan’s primary budget surplus goal by March 2026.
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Japan’s Business Service Prices Increase at Fastest Annual Rate Since March 2015
Rising labor costs in service sectors like machine repair and industrial renovation have led to the fastest annual increase in Japan’s business service prices since 2015. Policymakers view wage growth as essential for sustained demand-led inflation and further rate hikes. Recent significant pay hikes reflect a shift in BOJ’s policy amid Japan’s fragile economy.
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Akiya: A Japanese Phenomenon
Akiya present a unique opportunity for property investment for those willing to undertake the necessary renovations, with one of the most attractive aspects of akiya being their affordability.
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Hospitality Start-Up Revitalizes Japan’s Undiscovered Towns with Rural Cabins
In Katsuura, Chiba, Tyni, a hospitality start-up, is redefining sustainable tourism with its first mobile cabin. Set against lush greenery and pristine beaches, this repurposed 1980s company retreat offers urban couples a nature escape. Co-founder Mori Nishimura aims to connect travelers with Japan’s serene landscapes and culture. Tyni is expanding, backed by funding and regional revitalization support.
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Private Lodging in Japan: Minpaku
Private Lodging for short term rentals, known as Minpaku in Japan, keep on gaining in popularity. Here is a guide to get started in the land of the rising sun!
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Lodging and Bathing Tax to Offset Tourism Costs
Hakone, a popular hot spring resort in Kanagawa Prefecture, may introduce its first lodging tax and increase the bathing tax due to financial strain from tourism-related costs.
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BOJ To Implement Economic Measures
Bank of Japan Governor Masaaki Shirakawa acknowledged Japan’s severe economic situation due to deflation and a strong yen. He signaled readiness for further monetary stimulus if recovery is threatened. Shirakawa emphasized that both the BOJ and the Federal Reserve share similar economic goals, despite differing approaches to monetary policy.
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Japanese Property Acquisition Challenges
When stepping into the market, expect a mix of challenges. From the necessity of physical presence to navigate certain aspects, to potential cultural differences, and the often intricate administrative procedures, there’s a lot to consider. These complexities can seem overwhelming at first glance, but understanding what to expect can help you navigate through them more effectively.
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Japanese Yen Hits to 30-Year Low Amidst Dollar’s Strength
USD/JPY surged past 151.00, nearing a 30-year high, as the US dollar gained over 400 pips against the yen in a week. This highlights the dollar’s strength and yen’s weakness amidst global financial dynamics. The Bank of Japan’s rate hike fueled uncertainty, causing the yen to plummet. Market watchers await further impact on the currency pair.
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Hokkaido’s Niseko to Implement Accommodation Tax of Up to 2,000 Yen per Night
Tourists visiting Hokkaido’s Niseko mountain resort will face a new accommodation tax, with rates up to 2,000 yen per night for hotel and private lodging stays, approved by Japan’s internal affairs minister. Expected to start in November, the tax aims to generate 162 million yen yearly for local government, funding improvements in transportation and tourism.
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Authorities Suggest Intervention Option for Japanese Yen
Japanese authorities convened an emergency meeting to address the yen’s decline, signaling readiness to intervene against disorderly market movements. Amid concerns over the yen’s 34-year low against the dollar, the Bank of Japan, Finance Ministry, and Financial Services Agency hinted at potential interventions and pledged to respond through monetary policy if necessary.
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Japan’s Economy Grows 0.4% in Q4!
Japan’s economy grows by 0.4% in Q4, per revised government data. Private capital investment drove the growth, maintaining the annual GDP rate at 1.9%. However, weak consumer spending persists amid subdued wage growth and inflation, raising questions about future monetary policy adjustments.
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Housing Japan Introduces Investment Sales Division – your real estate partner for Tokyo’s luxury market!
Housing Japan, renowned for luxury real estate in Tokyo, introduces its Investment Sales Division, catering to investors, sellers, and landlords. This expansion offers a comprehensive package, including top-tier properties, sales aid, and property management. It’s a one-stop solution for clients worldwide.
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Buffett boosts his Japanese trading house holdings to around 9%
Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway raised its stake in Japan’s top five trading firms to about 9%, as revealed in its annual report. The company had previously held 7-8% stakes in Mitsubishi, Itochu, Mitsui & Co., Sumitomo, and Marubeni. Berkshire aims for long-term holdings, initially announced in 2020, with plans to increase to 9.9%. In February 2024, Berkshire reported paying ¥1.6 trillion ($10.63 billion) for the stakes, valued at ¥2.9 trillion by 2023-end, translating to unrealized gains of 61% or $8 billion.
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Japan’s Tokyu Land to Sell Shibuya Tower Office Space for $673M
Developer Tokyu Land Corporation plans to sell a stake in Tokyo office floors for over JPY 100 billion ($673 million). Despite concerns about increased supply, office rents in Tokyo are rising. Tokyu Fudosan, the parent company, will sell a 49 percent interest in 25 floors of Shibuya Sakura Stage to undisclosed investors.
View articleCertification System Proposed for Elderly Monitoring in Rental Housing
Japan plans to introduce a certification system for rental housing equipped with monitoring services for elderly tenants. This initiative aims to address concerns about seniors living alone, ensuring their safety and facilitating access to essential services. The proposal includes certifying service providers and debt guarantee companies to support vulnerable renters.
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Security Tightened for Land Use Near U.S. Military Bases in Japan
Japan has expanded security scrutiny, adding six U.S. military facilities, including Hiro Ammunition Depot and Itazuki Air Base, to a list of 180 sites subject to increased regulation under a 2021 law. Aimed at enhancing security, the law requires detailed registration for property transactions within a half-mile of designated sites, allowing the government to investigate owners and halt activities posing a threat.
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Major Japanese Home Builder Acquires MDC for $4.9 Billion
Japanese homebuilder Sekisui House is set to acquire U.S. builder M.D.C. Holdings for $4.9 billion in an all-cash deal, aiming to capitalize on increased demand in the U.S. housing market fueled by lower mortgage rates. The transaction, expected to close in the first half of the year, positions Sekisui as the fifth-largest U.S. home builder based on 2022 house closures.
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Japan’s National Wealth Hits Record of $27 Trillion Driven by Increased Building and Land Values
Japan’s national net worth hit a record 3.999 quadrillion yen ($27 trillion) at the end of 2022, marking a 3.3% increase, the seventh consecutive year of growth. Produced assets, including housing and equipment, led the surge, reaching 2.17 quadrillion yen. Household wealth rose 0.5%, while nonfinancial companies’ share increased by nearly a quarter to 756.1 trillion yen.
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Central Tokyo Homes Hit an All-Time High!
The average price of newly constructed apartments in Tokyo’s 23 special wards reached an all-time high at 114.83 million yen, marking a 39.4% increase. Factors include rising construction costs, increased building activity, and high demand driven by low interest rates.
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The Story Behind Japan’s Weak Yen
The yen’s sharp decline results from Japan’s low rates against global hikes. Despite similar inflation with the US, the Bank of Japan hesitates due to consumer and business confidence in sustained price growth. This impacts Japan’s economy positively for global firms but negatively for consumers, influencing Prime Minister Kishida’s economic strategies.
View articleSingapore’s GIC Acquires Japan Logistics Centers
Singapore’s GIC acquired a US$800 million portfolio of six modern warehouses across Japan from Blackstone. These strategically located facilities, averaging five years in age, cover four million sq. ft. with a remarkable 99% occupancy. GIC also obtained warehouses in Yatomi city, Nagoya, and two more logistic facilities. The move highlights GIC’s dedication to Japan’s logistics sector amid rising e-commerce and optimized supply chain demand.
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Joby Aviation Partners with ANA Holdings & Nomura Real Estate for Japan’s Air Taxi Vertiports!
Joby Aviation collaborates with ANA Holdings and Nomura Real Estate to develop vertiport infrastructure for Japan’s electric air taxi service. They plan design, location, operation, and financing for these hubs across metropolitan areas like Tokyo, aiming for broader urban coverage. The all-electric air taxi promises high-speed, low-noise, and emission-free travel for a pilot and four passengers.
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Japan’s Justice Ministry Tests AI for Translating Laws to English
Japan’s Justice Ministry is testing AI to translate Japanese laws into English, addressing rising global and local demand for English legal references in investments. Presently, manual translations by officials take about 2.5 years due to varied abilities and additional duties. The AI introduction aims to reduce this to a year, potentially streamlining the process significantly. Full AI integration is targeted for April if the trial succeeds. Justice Minister Koizumi Ryuji anticipates AI enhancing the prolonged translation process.
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JP Bank Expands Real Estate Portfolio to $27 Billion in Ongoing Diversification Strategy
Japan Post Bank amplifies its real estate holdings to $27 billion, marking a significant 17.6% uptick from last year. Their strategic global diversification, notably in North America and Europe, mirrors a broader trend of Japanese investors exploring overseas markets in the post-Covid era.
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Goodbye to Tax-Free Shopping for Tourists?
Japan considers revamping tax-free shopping for foreign visitors amid concerns of resale abuse. Proposals suggest a shift where tourists pay tax-inclusive prices and seek refunds later, aiming to deter the resale of tax-free items at regular prices abroad. Formal talks may commence during the fiscal 2024 tax review, addressing the issue of tax-free goods being profited from outside Japan’s borders.
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Tokyo Regains Top Spot in APAC Property Investment for 2024!
In the 2024 Urban Land Institute (ULI) and PwC survey, Tokyo reclaimed its top spot in Asia Pacific’s property investment, surpassing Singapore. Japan’s low interest rates attracted investors, leading to substantial investments in its industrial and rental residential sectors, making it the region’s most active real estate market despite a slight trade decline.
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GA Technologies in Japan’s Real Estate Digital Transformation and Global Expansion
GA Technologies navigates Japan’s aging real estate sector, focusing on digital transformation. Challenges persist in housing transactions due to preferences for physical inspections, contrasting rental and investment sectors embracing digitalization. Their explosive growth hinges on capturing the digital wave’s potential and ambitious global expansion strategies. Leveraging acquisitions, like Dear Life Corporation, they aim to consolidate strengths in local markets, positioning themselves as a key player in the evolving global real estate landscape.
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Akiya Katsuyo Co Ltd and MUJI’s Investment in Japan’s Vacant Homes
Japan faces a staggering surge in vacant homes, estimated at 8.49 million, escalating concerns for future housing. Akiya Katsuyo, led by Takamitsu Wada, and retail giant MUJI enter the scene, pioneering initiatives to revitalize and transform these spaces, addressing the crisis with innovative strategies and collaborations across municipalities.
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Okinawa’s Miyakojima: Prime Destination for Investors and Explorers!
Miyakojima, an enchanting island in Okinawa, is witnessing an unprecedented real estate surge. With COVID-19 receding, investors flock to its shores, eyeing the tourism upsurge. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters and ‘Miyako Blue,’ the island’s allure fuels a skyrocketing demand, creating the ‘Miyakojima bubble.’ Land prices surged by 16.6% last year, outpacing Okinawa’s 4.9% rise, marking Miyakojima as a prime investment hub. Its captivating beauty and promising tourism prospects make it an irresistible destination for both investors and tourists alike.
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Domestic Investor Investments Doubling Yearly
Commercial real estate transactions (JPY 1 billion or larger) dipped 9% to JPY 945.0 billion in Q3 2023, attributed to an 80% foreign investment drop. Despite this, J-REITs and domestic non-J-REITs soared to 2.4x the previous year’s investment. Retail led at JPY 321.0 billion, driven by Yodobashi Holdings’ substantial acquisition. Hotels and logistics also experienced notable year-on-year increases.
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3.3M Sqft Logistics Hub in Tokyo!
ESR, a major player in the Asia Pacific industrial sector, is embarking on a groundbreaking venture with a 3.3 million sqft logistics project in Greater Tokyo. This development, ESR Higashi Ogishima Distribution Centre 2, is funded by the recently secured JPY 150 billion ($1.35 billion) ESR Japan Logistics Fund III, signaling continued support from an Asian investor who backed the preceding RJLF2 strategy.
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Ajinomoto’s $546M Acquisition of US-based Forge Biologics
Japan’s Ajinomoto is set to acquire U.S.-based Forge Biologics for $546 million. The deal, pending regulatory approval, is expected to be completed in December 2023. Ajinomoto plans to integrate Forge into its AminoScience platform to advance treatments for rare diseases.
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Kyoto’s ‘Smart’ Trash Cans
Kyoto’s Arashiyama district is cleaner thanks to “smart” trash cans that compress waste and send alerts when full. These high-tech bins improve garbage collection efficiency, but challenges arise during crowded times when trucks struggle to access the area. As tourists return, more trash cans are needed, but each smart unit costs over ¥500,000, presenting a financial obstacle. A balance between technology and cost-effective solutions is crucial to maintaining the district’s cleanliness amidst growing tourist numbers.
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Saying Goodbye to Onboard Bites
The Tokaido Shinkansen, which connects Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, has discontinued its onboard food cart service due to a shortage of workers and declining sales. The service had been a feature of the line since its inception in 1964. Despite popular offerings like Shinkansen-exclusive ice cream, sales couldn’t compete with convenience stores and station shops. Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) intends to explore alternative service models and innovations to address this issue.
View article Germany to replace Japan as third-largest economy, due to weakening yen
The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) latest projections estimate Germany’s nominal gross domestic product at US$4.43 trillion (S$6.04 trillion) in 2023, compared with US$4.23 trillion for Japan. The projections come as the yen teeters close to the 160 mark against the euro and remains within striking distance of the 33-year low against the dollar that sparked a second round of currency intervention in October 2022.
View article Major Japanese Banks to Increase Mortgage Rates
Japan’s three largest banks have announced increases in interest rates for housing loans next month, following adjustments in the Bank of Japan’s monetary policy. Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp will raise 10-year fixed-rate loans by 0.26 percentage points to 3.79%. Mizuho Bank will increase its rate by 0.3 percentage points to 3.50%, while Mitsubishi UFJ Bank will raise its rate by 0.18 percentage points to 3.7%.
View article Foreign Investments in Warehouses and Offices
Japan’s real estate market is witnessing a substantial influx of foreign investors who are looking to capitalize on the country’s investment appeal. These investors are actively seeking properties such as logistics facilities and offices, buoyed by Japan’s low interest rates, which make financing their purchases highly advantageous.
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From Farmland to Factories?
In an effort to spur the development of vital industries like semiconductors, storage batteries, and biotechnology, the Japanese government is poised to relax land use regulations, as per Nikkei’s report. This strategic maneuver is aimed at mitigating the challenges posed by land shortages, which have been particularly pressing in the semiconductor sector, potentially impeding critical factory investments.
View article Japan’s Strategy: Special investment zones where only English is needed
Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, during a speech in New York to over 200 US business leaders, expressed his commitment to invigorating foreign investment in Japan, particularly by creating specialized business zones tailored for asset management firms.
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Tokyo’s Inflation Eases, Yet Economic Challenges Persist
Despite a slowdown in inflation, persistent increases in the prices of essential goods and services are expected to maintain pressure on the Bank of Japan to gradually reduce its extensive economic stimulus measures. Analysts suggest that the Bank may need to revise its inflation projections upwards for the current fiscal year at its upcoming October meeting, as inflation is moderating at a slower pace than initially anticipated.
View article Rising Land Prices in Japan’s Regional Areas
Japan’s rising real estate values are spilling over its three major metropolitan areas -Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya, where the upturn began, according to a survey by released by the land ministry, as foreign money continues to pour into the market. The outlying areas seeing price rises benefit from three factors – foreign tourism, industrial investment in areas such as semiconductors and redevelopment projects.
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Fujitsu’s HQ Relocation from Central Tokyo to Kawasaki
Fujitsu is joining the exodus of companies moving their main offices out of Tokyo as remote work catches on in Japan and reduces the need to maintain expensive office space. It said the move is the result of a review of the company’s office needs now that so many employees are working from home. The tech giant announced on Sept. 22 that they will relocate their HQ from Minato-ku to Kawasaki city by the end of September next year.
View article Singapore as the Leading Property Investor in Japan
Singapore became the biggest investor in Japan’s real estate sector this year, lured by the yen’s weakness and growing demand in logistics and hospitality industries. Inflows from the city-state totaled almost $3 billion so far in 2023, followed by investors from the US, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates.
View articleThree Japanese Hotels Sold in $21.2 Million Deal
A Tokyo-listed REIT sponsored by property giant Mitsui Fudosan has acquired a portfolio of three hotels in Japan for JPY 3.1 billion ($21.2 million). The J-REIT picked up the three-asset portfolio’s highest-valued property, the 128-room Smile Hotel Okinawa Naha, the 97-room Smile Hotel Matsuyama on Shikoku, and the 106-room Smile Hotel Nishi-Akashi west of Kobe.
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Mitsubishi Estate’s Theme Park Project in Yokohama
Mitsubishi Estate was chosen by Yokohama City as the developer of the theme park in the city of Yokohama, that will rival the size of Tokyo Disneyland. It is scheduled to open around 2031, with an expected annual visitor count of 12 million people.
View articleForeigners Investing in Akiyas
Japan’s akiya problem has evolved into an unexpected opportunity. The country’s aging and diminishing population have led to a surge in abandoned houses, enticing foreign buyers drawn to Japanese culture and unable to afford similar properties in their home countries due to soaring prices and inflation.
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Global Investments on the Rise: Responding to Tourist Accommodation Demand
Robust demand for lodging by visitors and rising prices create an ideal scenario for investment. In fact, foreign investors have spent US$2 billion on hotel deals in Japan so far in 2023, the most compared with any other sector in Asian commercial property, according to MSCI Real Assets.
View articleReal Estate News Round-Up June 26-July 12
Real Estate News Round-Up (July 2023) Government and Private Entities Look for Solutions on Difficulty of Renting for Over-65s Despite Japan having many single-person households, many landlords often refuse to rent to them due to the risks involved. However, the government recently conducted a panel intended to help such people to find rental housing more […]
View articleWhy buy low-yield properties?
In this article, Alex Lipson draws from the experience of a Japanese individual investor to explain the paradoxical attraction of low-yielding investment properties.
View article Japan’s Real Estate Market in 2022-2023: Summary and Projections
Real estate prices rose in Japan in 2022, and are expected to continue and rise in 2023. Of course, real estate prices only rise….until they don’t – but in the case of Japan, a number of factors, including inbound demand, ultra-low interest rates, higher costs of labor and construction, all but ensure that 2023 will be more of the same, as COVID restrictions are further weakened.
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The Inaugural Japan Real Estate Summit
The Japan Real Estate Experts Panel (JREP) members have gathered at a beautiful venue in Tokyo, bringing together over 80 Japan real estate property enthusiasts to talk shop, gather info and network, at a phenomenal event which will surely be the first of many!
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Japan lives at the bleeding edge of good enough
With growth slowing, demographics depressed and the trade balance in deep deficit, Tokyo wants to incubate startups and put more state money into cutting-edge sectors like semiconductors and next-generation telecommunications. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida says he will put innovation and scientific research at the “centre” of his policy push. Perhaps it shouldn’t be.
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Vacant Homes and High-Rise Condos: Japan’s Housing Dilemma
Japan’s housing market is out of line with the country’s demographic reality. Annual births have fallen from 1.19 million in 2000 to an all-time low of 810,000 in 2021, with the COVID-19 pandemic pushing the figure below even government predictions. At the same time, high-rise condominiums are going up one after another in cities, and land, including agricultural plots, in suburbs and regional municipalities is steadily being converted to residential lots. What is behind this state of affairs?
View article Japan asks households, companies to conserve electricity during winter
Japan said on Tuesday it will ask households and companies across the country to conserve electricity within “a reasonable range” during the peak winter demand season to alleviate a possible power crunch in the world’s third largest economy. Japan’s power supply has been tight in recent years as nuclear power plants have been slow to restart after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.
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Japan’s stimulus plan must exceed $100 billion, says ruling party executive
Japan’s promised economic stimulus must be big enough to exceed the economy’s output gap of about 15 trillion yen ($100 billion), a senior ruling party official said on Sunday. The remarks add to growing calls among ruling party officials for hefty spending to ease the strain from rising inflation on households. On monetary policy, Shindo said while the Bank of Japan must eventually exit ultra-easy policy, doing so now would be premature as Japan’s economy and wage growth remain weak.
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Japan’s business mood worsens as costs cloud outlook
Fears of a global economic slowdown cloud the outlook for the export-reliant economy, which is just emerging from the coronavirus pandemic. Corporate capital expenditure plans for the current fiscal year stayed strong, the Bank of Japan’s “tankan” survey showed, thanks in part to the boost to exporters from the weak yen. What does it have to say about increasing capital expenditure and inflation expectations?
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Japan’s push into ‘deep tech’ innovation
Imagine if you could put an ultra-thin, transparent solar sheet on your window to generate energy, not just from sunlight but also artificial lights from inside your room? Seen as the most promising next-generation solar cell, this technology, called perovskite, is exactly what Japanese start-up Enecoat Technologies is trying to develop. Start-ups such as this are called “deep tech”. They are small firms who are merging high-tech engineering innovation with scientific discovery. The hope is that it will lead to the development of transformational products.
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Japan to reopen to independent travelers and lift daily arrival cap, Kishida says
Japan will allow visa-free, independent tourism and abolish its daily arrival cap as of Oct. 11, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Thursday, marking a major policy shift after nearly 2½ years of strict COVID-19 restrictions. The government will also launch a nationwide travel discount program, which had been shelved due to the spread of COVID-19 infections. The moves will be welcomed by the nation’s tourism sector, which has been hit hard by the pandemic.
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Japan signals readiness to act in FX market if sharp yen volatility persists
Japan’s Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said on Friday he would not rule out any options in taking action in the foreign exchange market if sharp weakening in the yen persisted. Suzuki said a weak yen has both merits and demerits, and he could not label it as right or wrong. Market attention is focused on a slew of monetary policy meetings by the Federal Reserve, the Bank of Japan, and the Bank of England next week.
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Japanese yen collapse forces nation to reopen for travelers
Japan’s sluggish economy, already weakened before the pandemic, faces the possible collapse of its national currency. The Japanese government is walking back years of harsh travel restrictions as the yen collapses in value due to a stagnant economy and weak trade. Japan until recently has all but completely rejected foreigners seeking entry or re-entry into the country. What can it do to get back on its feet? “Amid the weakening yen, [incoming tourism] will have the greatest effect,” Kihara said, according to the Japan Times. “And there are the autumn leaves and powder snow. There are many foreign visitors who want to come visit Japan.”
View article Japan opens borders to foreign travelers on ‘self-guided tours’
Japan on Wednesday opened its borders to foreign travelers on unguided tours, or what travel agencies are calling self-guided tours, which can be booked by registered travel agencies - a move that may be welcomed by some foreign visitors since the nation opened its doors to escorted tours in June. The country also raised the daily arrival cap, or the number of all arrivals to Japan per day, to 50,000 and dropped a pre-arrival test requirement for those who have been vaccinated with three shots of a coronavirus vaccine. Despite the moves, Japan’s border measures are still conservative compared with other major economies, including the U.K. and France, where restrictions on international travel have been lifted entirely.
View article It’s raining yen
Just as the yen’s eye-popping plunge against the dollar grabs the world’s financial market spotlight, investors will get a closer look on Thursday into the underlying state of the Japanese economy. Revised second quarter GDP data, and trade and current account figures for July, will give an insight into the yen’s economic fundamentals, and offer clues to whether the level and pace of the currency’s depreciation are justified.
View articleA race against time to save Japan’s traditional homes
These homes are packed with charm, full of history and quickly disappearing. Over the last 30 years, Alex Kerr has given 574 presentations on the cultural importance of Japan’s minka (traditional village homes). For the first 573, his audiences were filled with nothing but local bureaucrats skeptical about lifting a finger to preserve these striking properties. “They all had to be convinced that minka are not worthless but wonderful,” Kerr told the audience at the Minka Summit, the site of the noted Japanologist’s 574th such presentation. “The people who are coming to this conference are really doing (things with) minka. You don’t need to be convinced that minka are wonderful.”
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Japan property lures private equity with solid yields, prospective deals
A new wave of big private equity players is moving in on Japan’s property market, drawn by attractive yield spreads with Japan’s low interest rates and by prospective deals with companies that hold under-utilized assets. “The Japanese market presents a huge opportunity,” David Cheong, managing director at KKR, told Reuters. He noted wide scope to help corporations bolster their property-related operations and boost returns on property assets. “Investment demand is strong but the number of properties for sale is relatively limited…”
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Japan Considers Easing Strict Covid Tests for Entry, Nikkei Says
Japan is set to more than double the number of people it will allow into the country and may scrap the need for a negative Covid-19 test to enter, as the last rich economy with stringent entry requirements still in place looks to join the rest of the world in easing pandemic curbs.
View article Japan’s Economy Recovers Pre-Pandemic Size on Consumption Gain
The end of pandemic restrictions on businesses in late March helped spur the economy. Consumer spending, which accounts for more than half of Japan’s economic output, led the growth, as did capital expenditure. The relaxing of Covid rules resulted in increased spending at restaurants and hotels, as well as on clothes, according to the Cabinet Office.
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Making a Japanese Property Investment Strategy
You want to profit from the weaker yen and invest in Japan, but don’t know where to start? Before diving into the market here, you’ll need a general investment strategy, something that will help you decide on where, how, and what to invest in! For those that have never stepped foot into the country, it may seem like an extra challenge with finding the best locations and criteria. Let’s break it down to make better sense of it… Follow these rules!
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Japan runs first current account deficit in 5 months
The world’s third-largest economy ran a current account deficit of 132.4 billion yen ($980 million) in June, government data showed, reversing 872 billion yen from the same month a year earlier. The current account surplus has declined for four fiscal years in a row through March 2022. While yen weakness has inflated the cost of imports, its boost to the value of exports has not been as great as it once was due to an ongoing shift of exporters’ production abroad.
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Due Diligence Series Part 1: Investment Properties
So you’re ready to buy your first property in Japan? Or maybe you’ve already been down that rabbit hole and are wondering if you’ve done something wrong? One commonly overlooked concept in purchasing real estate around the world is due diligence. By definition, due diligence in terms of real estate is care taken by research and analysis of a property and its affiliations in preparation for a transaction. One of the quirks about the Japanese real estate market, however, is that the due diligence is only conducted once your offer is accepted.
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Due Diligence Series Part 2: Family and Vacation Homes
So you’re ready to buy your first property in Japan? Or maybe you’ve already been down that rabbit hole and are wondering if you’ve done something wrong? One commonly overlooked concept in purchasing real estate around the world is due diligence. By definition, due diligence in terms of real estate is care taken by research and analysis of a property and its affiliations in preparation for a transaction. One of the quirks about the Japanese real estate market, however, is that the due diligence is only conducted once your offer is accepted.
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How Shinzo Abe aimed to revitalize Japan’s economy
Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was assassinated on Friday, July 8th, had aimed to transform and revitalize the economy. When his government took office it was faced with the daunting task of revitalizing Japan’s once dynamic economy, which was still in the shadow of the major slowdown during the so-called “lost decade” from around 1991 to 2001. Abenomics did help drive growth, though not at the pace that the country had seen during its post-war boom.
View articleSome Residents to Return to Fukushima 11 Years after Evacuation
Evacuation orders will be lifted in June for the first time in the residential zone considered the most heavily contaminated from 2011 nuclear disaster in Fukushima Prefecture. Residents who fled from the Noyuki district of Katsurao village northwest of the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant will be allowed to restart living there on June 12. The decision followed a meeting between central government officials handling the nuclear accident and Katsurao officials on May 16.
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Musk Foresees the End of Japan if Birthrate does not Increase
Tesla Inc CEO Elon Musk has warned that Japan will perish if it does not reverse its declining birthrate, responding to a tweet of a Kyodo News article that said the country’s population saw its largest drop on record in 2021. “At the risk of stating the obvious, unless something changes to cause the birth rate to exceed the death rate, Japan will eventually cease to exist.
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Nursing Care Industry Finds Relief after Japan Eases Entry Ban for Foreign Skilled Workers
Foreign nationals with “specified skilled worker” visa status are once again entering Japan following the easing of border control measures in March related to the coronavirus. Foreign workers have sometimes waited years for permission to enter the country. Many have found employment at nursing homes, which have suffered labor shortages.
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Japan Prioritizes Digital Transformation to Public Services
Japan’s efforts to drag its public services into the digital age are getting some financial heft behind them. The government’s Digital Agency, established last September, looks set to have ¥472 billion to spend in the upcoming fiscal year, starting in April. Its budget priorities are heavy on technological upgrades: Promoting My Number ID cards (¥102.7 billion), subsidizing new industrial infrastructure (¥2.2 billion) and accelerating research into next-generation semiconductors (¥14.8 billion) and post-5G telecom networks (¥10 billion).
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Could Tokyo’s Declining Population be a Much Needed Change?
Japan saw its natural population decline accelerate by over 100,000 and logged its first population outflow in nine years amid entry restrictions on foreign residents due to COVID-19. Tokyo’s population shrank for the first time in 26 years, falling by 38,000 to 14.01 million, while all 47 prefectures except Okinawa posted a fall. Prefectures that had seen population growth in recent years saw their populations fall, including Chiba, Fukuoka, Kanagawa and Saitama.
View articleJapan’s Entry Ban Restricts Foreign Student “Soft Power” Intelligence
The Japanese government relaxed coronavirus border restrictions in March this year, but after almost two years of severely limited entry, “there needs to be a concerted effort to restore Japan’s image and lure back all the (international) talent that has been lost,” one expert told the Mainichi Shimbun.
View article Increased Activity Expected in Retail and Multi-Family Properties in Tokyo
A resurgence in demand last year among Asia-based investors for commercial real estate in markets such as the US, Australia, mainland China, the UK and Japan, led to activity that surpassed 2019’s pre-pandemic volume. New data from CBRE shows that after a muted 2020, Asian outbound investment in the asset class rose 69% year-on-year in 2021, to $54.6bn.
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Japanese Yen Continues to Weaken Against the Dollar
The Japanese yen continued to weaken against the dollar on Monday to a more than six-year low - plagued by a combination of rising global rates plus low growth and inflation relative to the rest of the world.
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Great Time to Buy Japanese Properties as Dollar Strengthens Against the Yen
The headwinds for yen are getting stronger and threaten to push the currency to a six-year low against the dollar. A spike in global commodity prices spurred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is likely to worsen Japan’s trade deficit as the country is a net oil importer and may push the yen to 120 per dollar this year, said Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities. Mizuho Bank Ltd. and TD Securities both predict the currency will weaken to 117 by the end of June, from 114.82 on Friday.
View article Japanese Aging Citizens take Advantage of the “Interest Only” Reverse Mortgage
The number of applications by Japanese citizens for the nation’s “Reverse 60” reverse mortgage loan program grew by 458 units year-over-year during the period of October-December 2021, coming out to a 44% increase, according to data released this month by the Japan Housing Finance Agency (JHF), a government-affiliated mortgage financial institution, and reported on by Tokyo real estate website Rethink Tokyo.
View article Covid19 Alters the One-Way Flow to Tokyo
A recent tally by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications shows that internal migration into Tokyo topped outflow by 5,433, the lowest figure on record. In particular, people leaving the capital’s central 23 wards outnumbered those moving in by more than some 15,000. This is surely a sign that the concentration of the population in Tokyo is beginning to reverse,
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Japan’s Real Estate Property Market in 2021-2022 – Annual Summary & Projections
The fact that Japan, as opposed to many of its neighbours, has been far slower in re-opening its borders, which remain all but shut to those who have not been residing in the country prior to the outbreak, however, has put a damper on the country’s economic prospects – but, surprisingly, and for reasons which will be partly explained, or at least speculated on, herein – these lacklustre economic prospects have done little, if anything, to property prices in most industry segments.
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A Realistic Approach to Purchasing a Japanese Countryside Property
Abandoned properties have taken the limelight recently for their affordability and countryside location. One couple from Alaska, fascinated by the beauty of traditional Japanese timber work and craftsmanship, had dreamt of using their home-building skills to restore an old, traditional kominka style (large stand-alone) home for a place to settle in for retirement. Ideally, they wanted to find an akiya or abandoned property for no more than about USD$20K, but weren’t sure if their plan was realistic. Given their background, their retirement dream is very much achievable.
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Increasing Number of Tokyo Residents Moving to Rural Areas
For years, Japan has tried - without success - to prevent politics, business and its population from being overly concentrated in Tokyo. But it appears the coronavirus pandemic could be a game changer, with many seeing it as an opportunity to rethink their approaches to work and life and move out of the capital to rural areas. Among them is Kazuki Hanado, 27, who moved to the city of Kamaishi in Iwate Prefecture in October 2020. Before the pandemic, Hanado, who was born in Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward, worked at a luxury inn near the Imperial Palace. But in May 2020, a few months after Japan decided to postpone the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, the inn closed down. The hiatus made her re-evaluate her life.
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Moving to Japan’s Countryside
We have been shifting and twisting and trying to adjust to a comfortable lifestyle under COVID-19. Part of that has meant getting away, even moving from crowded cities into more spacious areas. And for quite a few, Japan’s countryside has become more and more appealing. Imagine for a moment, retiring with Japan’s fresh air, greenery, rivers. Or that ideal environment to raise a family. Or imagine for a moment to generate an income on short-term rentals taking advantage of the country’s back on track campaign to boost tourism. Let’s look at how to make this dream more realistic.
View articleJapanese ‘Doma’ becoming an Increasingly Popular Residential Feature
Many Japanese abodes in 2021 are returning to the roots of traditional residences and adding an earthen floor entryway or incorporating modern variants of the space. Japanese homes already have a small “genkan” entrance area for people to store their shoes before going inside. Now, more apartment buyers are asking for a larger “doma” traditional earthen-floored space, in which they can walk around while wearing footwear and store items for outdoor use. The demand for doma appears to be related to the boom in people engaging in more outdoor leisure activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic and increased consumer desire to maintain cleanliness in the home by separating spaces.
View articleInvestors Watch Japan’s Property Market as Office Vacancy Rates Drop in Tokyo
The rate of offices standing empty in central Tokyo in November dropped for the first time since the pandemic began, an early signal that the worst could be over for the capital’s property market. Vacancies fell by 0.12 percentage points to 6.35% in Tokyo’s five main business districts, real estate brokerage Miki Shoji Co. said on Thursday. Since hitting 1.49% in February 2020, the lowest since the country’s economic bubble burst in the early 1990s, vacancies have surged.
View articleJapan to Extend Tax Relief on Energy Efficient Home Renovations
The government and the ruling coalition are planning to extend a tax break system for people who renovate their homes, sources familiar with the matter said. The home renovation tax relief is set to expire at the end of this year but government and ruling coalition officials are considering keeping it in place until the end of 2023, the sources said. The decision to extend the program is aimed at promoting sales of used homes amid a spike in vacant homes across the country.
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Price Sensitive Consumers Grapple with Tokyo’s Cost of Living
Higher fuel prices drove up Tokyo’s cost of living at the fastest pace in 16 months, although the increases were still tiny compared with those confronting consumers in other economies, where central banks are pulling back stimulus.
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Japan May Ease Visa Restrictions for Foreign Skilled Workers
In a major shift for a country long closed to immigrants, Japan is looking to allow foreigners in certain blue-collar jobs to stay indefinitely starting as early as the 2022 fiscal year, a justice ministry official said.
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New Semiconductor Plant in Kumamoto Expected to Boost High-Tech Jobs
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. announced on Tuesday that it will build a $7 billion plant in Japan’s southwestern prefecture of Kumamoto to help meet the global shortage of semiconductors.
View article Japan Gearing Up to Boost Tourism
While Japan has not yet re-opened its borders to overseas visitors, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and the country’s many local attractions are gearing up for the resumption of international travel. JNTO re-invigorated its global “Enjoy my Japan” campaign, originally launched in 2018, signaling Japan’s readiness to meet its ambitious goal of welcoming 60 million overseas visitors by 2030.
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Japan to Expedite Restarts of Nuclear Plants to Meet Ambitious Carbon Neutrality Target
Japan adopted a new energy policy on Friday that promotes nuclear and renewables as sources of clean energy to achieve the country’s pledge of reaching carbon neutrality in 2050. The new basic energy plan, adopted by the Cabinet just in time for the climate summit in early November, calls for drastically increasing use of renewable energy to cut fossil fuel consumption over the next decade as Japan pushes to meet its ambitious emissions reduction target.
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Japanese Vacant Homes become Popular Secluded Vacation Spots
Many properties are remodeled homes or company dormitories that had been left vacant or become dilapidated, and with bookings accepted from only one party for the entire facility per day, they make unique retreats for people seeking seclusion.The facilities are quietly gaining popularity, mainly among families making steady requests for reservations, with users able to enjoy their privacy and avoid physical contact with strangers in these pandemic-hit times.
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Japan Promotes Decarbonization with Wood Construction for High-Rise Hotel
A high-rise hotel with upper levels made of wood has opened in Sapporo, and operator Mitsubishi Estate Co. said most of the lumber used to construct the 11-story building was sourced from Hokkaido.
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Japan to Release Nuclear Wastewater as Tanks Reach Capacity
Japan’s new prime minister on Sunday said the planned mass disposal of wastewater stored at the tsunami-wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant cannot be delayed, despite concerns from local residents.
View article Japan’s High Quality Water Attracts Foreign Land Buyers
Foreign companies and individuals in China and Hong Kong are targeting Japan’s real estate, including areas of forest and land with access to water resources in the Kyushu region, prompting concerns from local governments and residents.
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Second Jobs to Compensate for Japan’s Shrinking Labor Force
The nation’s largest business lobby recently released a report that it says shows the benefits that can come from allowing people to take on secondary employment.
View articleJapan Promotes Use of Innovative Wooden Materials in Construction Industry
The government’s current wood utilization strategy targets buildings with up to three stories, but it will expand the coverage to structures with four or more stories in response to technological innovation, the sources said.
View articleJapan Property Market Shapeshifts from Covid Disarray to its Stable Position
It has been more than a year since COVID-19 transformed the world, forcing changes in lifestyle, imposing restrictions across businesses - without warning, without bias. In the investment world, the priority became “flight to safety,” which has historically always favored the land of the rising sun. Japan stands as a self-sustaining market with deep domestic demand, less reliant on foreign trade. A country with relatively stable currency. A national environment unlikely to be affected by geopolitical risk. Here is how various sectors of the Japanese property market have maintained their stability over the last year –
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L4 Autonomous Driving Project to Revitalize Japan’s Rural Areas
Japan is bolstering its autonomous driving ambitions with a new project to be formally introduced Wednesday to expand the use of self-driving vehicles in more than 40 locations around the country by 2025. The “Road to the L4” project aims to popularize advanced mobility services including Level 4 autonomous driving, wherein vehicles can operate without a human at the wheel. It will include demonstrations of the technology to promote acceptance and understanding, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. One of the goals is to help revitalize communities.
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Industrial Land Prices Rise on Warehouse Demand
Japanese land prices fell for the second straight year as the country’s closed borders and state of emergency curbs to combat the coronavirus pandemic hit demand for new restaurants and hotels…
View articleSpacious Residence Trending to Accommodate Work-From-Home Lifestyle
“I was distressed both physically and mentally” in the former apartment, which had floor space of 25 sq. meters, she said, explaining why she has relocated to the new apartment, which is roughly twice as big. In the studio, she had no space for a desk despite having to work more from home, and her work and rest time became increasingly difficult to separate. One of her friends became ill due to continuously working from a small apartment, she said. Although the monthly rent for the new apartment is about 20,000 yen ($182) higher, she said, “I feel relaxed here.”
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The Value Behind Japan’s Stigmatized Properties
Once thought of as impossible to sell, each of the properties is marked by a dark history. They were the sites of various unfortunate incidents, including the deaths of previous residents. But now, Marks’ Jobutsu Estate website, named after the Japanese word for “resting in peace,” is showcasing these properties rather than giving them a pass.
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Casino Integrated Resort Locations to be Formally Announced after May 2021
Japan’s long-running mission to get casino resorts off the ground has been delayed not only because of the coronavirus but also due to related political scandals and public opposition. As Yokohama prepares for a mayoral election on Aug. 22, it and other localities hoping for a casino resort are moving forward with plans to formally finalize their proposals, which the central government will accept from October until April 28, 2022.
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Fukushima Nuclear Disaster Propels Japan into Hydrogen Energy
As billions of people watch the Olympics, front and center is the Olympic cauldron, fueled by hydrogen. It’s an important statement Japan is sending to the world: They are on a new path to a clean energy society. A brand new, totally green, facility in Fukushima produces hydrogen – the most abundant element in the universe. The plant uses solar energy, then takes water and splits it into hydrogen. The result is clean burning fuel and no carbon footprint.
View article Investors Find the Japan Property Market Surprisingly Attractive Amidst Covid
One would think that with Covid-19 and between people keen on running away from major urban centres to get away from crowds, and Japan’s aging demographics, the residential property market would take a hit. No so! In fact, just the opposite. Institutional investors have, in fact, been pouring funds into portfolios.
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Japan Considers Increased Work-Life Balance with 4 Day Work Week
Japan, known for its rigid work culture, is entertaining changes to the standard workweek few would have predicted even several years ago. The country’s annual economic policy guidelines, released this month, unveiled plans to push employers to adopt four-day workweeks, marking official acceptance of a once-fringe approach that has gained increasing purchase internationally amid workplace changes wrought by the coronavirus pandemic.
View articleLogistics gets Sexier in Japan
As featured in Asian Property Review – New robust demand for large multi-tenant logistics facilities in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya, is breaking all existing records. The world has evolved. Consumers will never go back to the same office, industrial and shopping environments that were taken for granted prior to the pandemic. Online shopping has moved from ‘convenience’ to ‘necessity.’
View article Despite Challenges Japan’s Retail Market Expected to Recover Well Post-Pandemic
As of this year, Japan’s ecommerce market is set to be worth $150.1 billion (£105.7 billion), with a compound annual growth rate of 6.2 per cent, according to a 2020 report by JP Morgan. Meanwhile, overall Japanese retail sales rose at the fastest pace – by 5.2 per cent – in five months in March this year as consumer demand recovered from the huge hit it took from the pandemic.
View article Japan a Desirable Destination for Work Relocating
Last year, Japan was ranked the second most popular destination to move to, so it’s no surprise that the country also made the list in another recent worldwide survey on where people would most like to relocate for work…
View articleWhat to do if I can’t find a tenant?
If and when a property becomes vacant, the owner would normally aim to have it cleaned up, renovated or repaired if required, then re-leased as soon as humanly possible, to allow the steady income-stream to resume ASAP. There are, however, certain periods of time, locations and property profiles which make re-populating a property a bit more challenging – and these events can require some creative thinking and solutions…
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What are Investors Looking For?
“There’s no question, we all know that we live in volatile times – the real estate markets around the world couldn’t be more speculative. Yet here, in Japan, here’s a market that focuses on steady cash flow and rental income…”
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The Pandemic and Managerial Equality for Women in Japan
Japan’s work culture is in many ways a legacy of decades past, a time when most women got married, quit their jobs and raised a family, while their husbands became the sole breadwinner with long work hours. Unfortunately, raising a family and caring for elderly family members has stereotyped women as the lesser valued gender in the eyes of an employer. The coronavirus is giving this inequality a shake-up…
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Japan Attempts to Establish Global Standards to Co-exist with Robots
The coronavirus outbreak put the spotlight on the weaknesses and vulnerabilities in the global human workforce, the risk to frontline workers, and the need for automation to reduce contact between humans to prevent the spread of the virus…
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COVID-19 and the Japan Property Market – A Safe Place to Ride out the Storm
In my conversations over the last few days, I have found that there are a few questions that are the most commonly asked when it comes to investing in this environment. I wanted to share these with you proactively – as well as to outline our current investment strategy, based on the current state of affairs…
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Japan’s Real-Estate Property Market in 2020-2021
It should come as no surprise that 2020, which will most likely go down in history as the year which sprung one of the biggest, if not THE biggest and least expected surprises of the last few decades on the global economy, has brought forth not only one, but several major shifts to the world’s real estate property markets – and its effects on Japan are equally profound…
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Japan Takes Cars to New Heights
On Aug. 25, the first flying car was successfully tested by SkyDrive Inc., a Japanese company that develops urban air mobility solutions, at a Toyota Test Field in Japan, according to a press release on SkyDrive’s website…
View articleSpacious Residence Trending to Accommodate Work-From-Home Lifestyle
“I was distressed both physically and mentally” in the former apartment, which had floor space of 25 sq. meters, she said, explaining why she has relocated to the new apartment, which is roughly twice as big. In the studio, she had no space for a desk despite having to work more from home, and her work and rest time became increasingly difficult to separate. One of her friends became ill due to continuously working from a small apartment, she said. Although the monthly rent for the new apartment is about 20,000 yen ($182) higher, she said, “I feel relaxed here.”
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