Tokyo Real Estate News & Information

Property Investment For Foreigners: Japan’s Debt & Demographics Issues

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: It’s no secret that Japan is struggling with the impact of aging demographics – in fact, it’s t…

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,…

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…

Individual VS Corporate Investment Property Ownership in Japan

Should you register your Japanese investment property under your own name, or under a corporate structure? What are the advantages or disadvantages of both options? How about tax implications? Accessibility to financing? Below is the transcript of an interview we conducted on our PodCast, with Mr Sa…

Accounting in Tokyo: Bilingual Accounting & Consulting Firms

Whether you are filing individual tax returns or hoping to establish a new business, financial issues can be complicated. These difficulties will no doubt be compounded upon moving to a country like Japan, where you will face the intricacies of a different financial system on top of linguistic and…

Taxes in Japan: Filing Japanese Income Tax in Tokyo

For many foreign residents living in Japan it’s possible that the confusion and hours or research spent in filing Japanese taxes are negligible since their companies file on their behalf. However, if 1) you’re self-employed, 2) your company happens to be based overseas, or 3) your company doesn’t…

Tokyo’s high class residential areas with the historical names not shown on a map

Though there are many high class residential areas with historical prestige scattered throughout Tokyo, their names cannot be found on any maps. The names of these places no longer exist–as they have been changed due to address unifications or the changing of town names–they are still known locally…

English-speaking Movers in Tokyo (Local & International)

Are you moving in or out of Tokyo? Are you relocating to or from Japan? If so, you may need a moving service to assist in helping you relocate your belongings to your new home. If the thought of having to work with a moving company that doesn’t speak your language sounds like a nightmare, let us…

Opening a Bank Account in Japan

You may find it difficult to open a bank account in Japan if you do not speak Japanese however, an increasing number of banks are now offering English-language services and options to open an account online. Most Japanese banks are open from 9:00am to 3:00pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public h…

All About Japanese Hanko/Inkan

This article will explain the meaning of "hanko," how to buy and use one. If you are a foreigner who is planning to live in Japan for a while, you will probably have to set up a bank account as well as apply for a phone and public utilities. When signing an application form, you may notice that th…