Features

In these articles we provide information necessary to understand real estate in Japan. Topics covered include but are not limited to the characteristics and durability of Japanese buildings, the Building Standards Act pertaining to real estate in Japan, and an explanation on what the Building Lots and Buildings Transaction Business Act is all about.

Japan enacts Land Use Restriction Bill

Japan enacts Land Use Restriction Bill In the early hours of March 26, the Japanese government enacted a new bill (Land Use Restriction Bill) tightening regulations on the the acquisition and usage of land around Self-Defense Forces bases, nuclear plants, and remote islands that are adjacent to t…

Insurance for Flood Disaster (water damage) caused by heavy rain, typhoons, and others

Over the past few years, large-scale flood damages have frequently occurred in various parts of Japan due to typhoons and local heavy rains. Almost every year in some part of Japan there is heavy rainfall the likes of which is only seen once every few decades and due to this heavy rainfall, the ri…

How to rent out a residential property – Long-term vs short-term vs minpaku

There are various lease methods in Japan for managing a real estate property (a house and an apartment room) for investment. These methods include a short-term lease called minpaku (lodging at a private residence for example Airbnb/Vacation Rentals), weekly apartments, monthly apartments, a long-t…

Property Investment For Foreigners: Technological Innovation in Japan’s Real-Estate Property Market

The following is an excerpt from "Japan Real Estate Property Investment For Foreigners Part 2" by Ziv Nakajima-Magen – Partner & Executive Manager, Asia-Pacific Nippon Tradings International (NTI) While Japan is considered by many to be a techno-geek’s paradise, those of us living here know…

Property Investment For Foreigners: Japan’s Abandoned Homes

The following is an excerpt from "Japan Real Estate Property Investment For Foreigners Part 2" by Ziv Nakajima-Magen – Partner & Executive Manager, Asia-Pacific Nippon Tradings International (NTI) Q: There is talk of a large number of properties that have been abandoned in rural areas due to…

Property Investment For Foreigners: Japan's Earthquakes & Other Natural Disasters

The following is an excerpt from "Japan Real Estate Property Investment For Foreigners Part 2" by Ziv Nakajima-Magen – Partner & Executive Manager, Asia-Pacific Nippon Tradings International (NTI) Q: Japan is extremely susceptible to natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis and volcano…

How to Start a Business in Japan

For those who already have an established company abroad and would like to expand their business to Japan, there are 3 types of operations you can choose from to incorporate your business. You can either establish a Representative Office, a Branch Office, or a Subsidiary Company. In Japan, a Repre…

The Latest Modern Japanese Bathrooms

As you may have guessed from Japan's Hot Spring culture, Japanese people love taking baths. Japanese bathrooms are structured not only for taking a shower but also for soaking in a bath. In contrast to some western cultures where people shower in the morning as a way to wake up and start the day,…

Luxury Residential Areas in Tokyo – Branded dream areas to live in

High class residential areas in uptown Tokyo such as Hiroo, Azabu, Shoto, Akasaka, and Takanawadai are known throughout Japan as prestigious areas within Tokyo. A common feature among most of these areas is being located at the top of hills–in the center of Tokyo–with nice views in quiet living en…

The 3A Areas in Central Tokyo – The Allure of Azabu, Akasaka, and Aoyama

Minato-ku lies at the center of Tokyo and its allure attracts many big domestic and foreign companies looking to establish their offices there and business people with high incomes looking for a place to live. Within this ward are the areas of “Azabu”, “Aoyama”, and “Akasaka”. These three location…