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The Dark Side of Japan’s Special Zone Minpaku: Osaka’s Struggle with Regulation, Displacement, and Foreign Ownershi

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As Osaka’s Deregulated Minpaku Booms, Residents Are Forced Out—Is Japan Trading Its Cities for Short-Term Gains?

Introduction

Japan’s post-COVID tourism recovery has been dramatic. With a record 36.87 million foreign visitors in 2024 and a national goal of 60 million by 2030, the demand for lodging has skyrocketed. To meet that demand, Japan introduced Special Zone Minpaku—a deregulated short-term rental scheme allowed only in government-designated areas.

But as the number of these properties explodes—particularly in Osaka, where over 90% of Special Zone Minpaku facilities are concentrated—so do the complaints, legal concerns, and social frictions. What began as a creative hospitality solution is now raising urgent questions about housing stability, governance, and even immigration abuse.

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Tokyo Property Prices, Foreign Capital, and the Policy Void: What the Experts Are Saying

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Freedom, Fairness, and the Future of Japanese Real Estate

A Deep Dive into the PIVOT Debate between Norihiko Sasaki and Tomohiro Makino

Introduction: Japan at a Tipping Point

As residential property prices in Tokyo and other major cities surge to historic highs, a fundamental question has entered public discourse: Should Japan begin to regulate foreign ownership of its real estate?

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No Residency, No License: What Japan’s New Driver Rules Mean for Foreign Home Seekers

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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.

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Chiyoda Ward Moves to Curb Speculative Buying: A New Era for Tokyo Condos?

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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.

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Chestnuts Hakuba: A Five-Star Alpine Retreat with Income Potential in Japan’s Premier Ski Resort

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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.

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Invest in Japan’s Alpine Paradise: Affordable Ski Home Opportunity in Hakuba Village

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Discover a Tranquil Alpine Retreat in Hakuba（白馬） – Ideal for Private Use or Investment

Nestled in the heart of Japan’s renowned Northern Alps, Hakuba has long been a favorite among international skiers, snowboarders, and nature lovers. With its world-class powder snow, charming alpine villages, and growing infrastructure, the region is rapidly becoming a hotspot for real estate investment—particularly for those seeking a peaceful second home or a well-located vacation rental.

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Tokyo Becomes World’s Leading Real Estate Market in Q1 2025

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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.

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Tokyo Bay Area Condo Market: Record Listings, Rising Prices—Is This the Peak?

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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.

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Snow, Money, and Sovereignty: Why Japan Must Rethink Foreign Land Ownership

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Niseko’s Resort Boom at a Crossroads: Global Opportunity, Local Strain, and National Security

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?

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Exclusive Tokyo Residence – Sophisticated 2BR Home in a Landmark Tower

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Introducing a Rare Opportunity for Elegant Waterfront Living

Discover an exclusive residence in the heart of Tokyo’s bay area.
Park Tower Kachidoki South offers a rare combination of sophisticated urban design, sweeping Tokyo Bay views, and world-class amenities.
This newly completed 2LDK + WIC + SIC residence (2 Bedrooms + Walk-In Closet + Shoes-In Closet) spans 88.17 square meters (approx. 948 sq.ft.) of interior space, complemented by a spacious 18.24 square meter balcony (approx. 196 sq.ft.) and an additional trunk room of 1.42 sqm (approx. 15.3 sq.ft.).

Located on the 38th floor of one of Tokyo’s most prestigious residential towers, this high-floor residence offers an unparalleled waterfront lifestyle for discerning buyers.

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