Driving in Japan Now Requires Proof of Residence – What It Means for Foreign Residents and Property Buyers
Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) will implement stricter rules for converting foreign driver’s licenses into Japanese licenses (commonly called gaimen kirikae) starting October 1, 2025. This move is aimed at improving road safety and ensuring that foreign drivers fully understand Japanese traffic regulations.
No More Flipping: Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward Bans Resales for 5 Years
Introduction: The First of Its Kind
On July 18, 2025, Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward took a groundbreaking step in Japan’s real estate policy: it formally requested cooperation from the Real Estate Companies Association of Japan to curb speculative condominium transactions. This marks the first time a Japanese local government has directly asked the real estate industry to limit short-term resale activity due to housing price inflation and supply pressure.
An exclusive luxury chalet in the heart of Hakuba—just minutes from ski lifts, with sweeping mountain views and proven rental income
Discover Chestnuts Hakuba—A Refined Investment in Japan’s Mountain Paradise
Tucked away in the heart of Hakuba Village, Chestnuts Hakuba is a rare gem—combining architectural elegance, panoramic views of the Japanese Alps, and immediate access to world-class skiing and year-round tourism. Now offered at JPY 500,000,000 (~USD 3.33M @150/USD), this two-story luxury cottage presents a unique opportunity for discerning investors and alpine lifestyle seekers alike.
The Hidden Threat of Illegal Short-Term Rentals in Tokyo: A Growing Risk to Communities and Investors
Based on reporting by The Sankei Shimbun (June 24, 2025)
Tokyo is facing a serious and growing problem: illegal short-term rentals operating under the radar of authorities. According to a June 24 article by The Sankei Shimbun, violations of Japan’s lodging laws are rampant in the capital, with properties being used as “minpaku” (private lodgings) without proper registration, or exceeding the legal 180-day cap for annual use.
Before diving into market trends, it is important to understand the source of our data: REINS, or the Real Estate Information Network System.
REINS is Japan’s national multiple listing service, administered by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). Accessible only to licensed agents, it is the most authoritative database for tracking real estate listings, contract prices, and transaction volume across the country.
If you are familiar with the U.S. MLS or the UK Land Registry, REINS serves a similar role—offering professionals reliable, near-real-time insights into Japan’s property market. But our REINS totally sucks.
In a city of nearly 700,000 condominiums, there are only 38 units that meet the following three conditions:
Located above the 40th floor
Feature an interior area of over 300 m²
Are available as privately owned freehold properties
This places the residence in the top 0.005% of all condominiums in Tokyo by size, elevation, and ownership status.
Tokyo Leads Global Real Estate Investment as Japan Posts Record-High Q1 Inflows
Japan’s real estate market achieved a historic milestone in the first quarter of 2025. According to Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), total real estate investment in Japan exceeded JPY 2 trillion for the first time ever in a single quarter, reaching JPY 2.095 trillion (USD 13.7 billion). This surge was largely driven by robust foreign capital inflows and a series of large-scale deals, with Tokyo ranking as the world’s most invested city, ahead of New York and Dallas–Fort Worth.
Tokyo’s office market is entering a new strategic phase, marked by a dual trend of concentrated supply and resilient demand. According to Mori Building’s latest report, more than 70–90% of all new office buildings supplied in Tokyo’s 23 wards through 2029 will be large-scale projects—defined as buildings with over 100,000 square meters of total floor space. This signals a sharp focus on premium-grade developments as construction costs continue to rise and tenants seek higher standards.
Tokyo Bay Area Condo Market: Listings Surge, Prices Rise – But How Long Can the Bubble Hold? (April 2025 Report)
The April 2025 data update for the Tokyo Bay Area condominium market reveals a striking contrast: a historic spike in listings, declining transaction volume, and yet record-high prices. This paradox highlights the fragile balance in what is now widely considered a bubble market in central Tokyo.
Once a quiet Hokkaido ski town known only to local enthusiasts, Niseko has transformed into one of Asia’s premier resort investment destinations. World-class powder snow, a thriving international community, and rising tourism demand have propelled its real estate market into global focus.
But as the resort continues to evolve, recent events—including the bankruptcy of a major China-backed development—raise important questions: How sustainable is Niseko’s growth? Can Japan maintain economic openness while protecting national security and social balance?