Japan Real Estate
by Nippon Tradings International (NTI)
From Japan Real Estate market fundamentals, with a special focus on investment - through guides, tips, tricks and interviews with industry experts - this podcast is your one-stop-shop for audio content related to one of the world's most exciting (and profitable!) property markets.Find us at http://www.nippontradings.com
Episodes
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Airbnb Listing Makeover: Photos, Reviews and Booking Conversion
Improve your Airbnb listing with a practical approach to photos, guest-focused copy and conversion tracking. Through a live review of a Yokosuka property, this session explores how to define your ideal guest, use AI to identify recurring review themes, disclose access limitations clearly and test...
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Renovating Older Japanese Homes: Costs, Checks and Hidden Problems
Renovating an older Japanese property starts before you buy. Blanka Kobayashi explains how intended use, building condition and hidden damage shape renovation costs—and why a cheap house may not be a bargain. Learn what to check during a walkthrough, why she recommends a 15–20% contingency, and…
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Japan’s 50-Year Mortgages: Lower Payments, More Flexibility?
Japan’s 40- and 50-year mortgages offer lower monthly repayments, but what are the trade-offs? Using a ¥100 million loan at an illustrative 1% interest rate, this talk compares repayment costs, borrowing power, and the choice between paying down debt, investing spare cash, or funding family life....
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Japan’s Business Manager Visa Changes and Alternatives
Japan’s tighter Business Manager visa requirements are reshaping the options for property investors and small business owners. Hiroto Senda of June Advisors Group explains why property ownership does not confer residency, outlines the hurdles facing rental and accommodation businesses, and…
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Japan Property Q&A Panel
Japan property investment, financing and visa questions take centre stage in this summit panel Q&A. The discussion covers rising borrowing costs, Tokyo rental yields versus capital growth, stricter short-term rental regulation and the challenges of buying and renovating rural homes. Panellists…
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Kyoto and Nagano Property Investment: Hotels and Ski Rentals
Kyoto accommodation investments and Nagano ski properties offer different opportunities—and different operating challenges. Chai Kanda and the Shiki Group team discuss family-sized short-term rentals, boutique hotels, monthly rentals and ski-area holiday homes. Learn about non-resident hotel...
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Japan Property Exit Strategies: Who Will Buy From You?
Selling property in Japan starts with understanding who your future buyer will be. This summit presentation explores how location, building age, mortgage eligibility and alternative uses shape your exit options. Through examples ranging from city condos to rural homes and resort properties, learn...
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Condo Mortgages for Foreign Buyers: Financing and Equity Release
Financing Japanese property as a foreign buyer is the focus of this presentation from Yen Loans. Learn how the lender assesses income, assets and property value for purchases, refinancing and equity release. Borrower case studies and audience questions explore pre-relocation purchases, investment...
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Short Term Stays Marketing: Get Booked Without Cutting Prices
Improving short-term rental bookings starts with finding where potential guests drop off—not simply lowering rates. Tracey Northcott of Tokyo Family Stays explains how she tracks Airbnb visibility, clicks and conversions, then uses guest feedback and AI to guide changes to photos, listing copy…
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Cybersecurity for Japan Property Owners and Accommodation Hosts
Protecting property documents, guest communications and business accounts starts with basic digital safeguards. This talk explores cybersecurity for property owners and accommodation hosts in Japan, covering password managers, multi-factor authentication, sharing permissions and email...
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Buying Japan Property Through a Company: KK vs GK
Buying Japanese investment property personally or through a company involves trade-offs in tax planning, financing and ongoing costs. This presentation compares KK and GK structures, explores why ownership decisions matter before purchase, and discusses inheritance planning and business manager...
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Buying a House in Japan: Look Beyond the Price
Buying a house in Japan means weighing more than price, size and distance to the station. Using two new Setagaya homes priced around ¥150 million, this episode explains how to assess land ownership, orientation, road access, neighborhood noise and everyday layout. Learn what to check before a...
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Beyond Buying an Akiya: Responsible Homeownership in Japan
Buying a vacant home in Japan is only the beginning: who will maintain it when you're overseas? Brett Lee, CEO and co-founder of Kintsugi Group, explains why responsible ownership matters more than completing a purchase. Drawing on Akiya Hub's work with buyers and local service providers, he...
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5 Ways to Improve Short Term Rental Revenue
AI is already changing how short-term rentals are managed, but does it actually improve profit? Sana Bhandari from "Symple Host" examines real examples from Japan and across Asia-Pacific to show where AI creates measurable financial impact, where it doesn’t and how operators can apply those…
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Where to Buy Second Hand Kitchens & Bathrooms in Japan?
We talk heavily discounted DIY kitchents, bathroom and other features and appliances for your Japanese property projects, purchase contract intricacies & international banking - also - discounted, early-bird tickets for the Japan real estate summit available only until midnight tonight(!!!), but...
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Shinjuku Says "NO!" to AirBnb
In this JREP session, we discuss the recently proposed strict limits on short term stay properties in Shinjuku ward, Tokyo. Why did this happen, could it have been prevented, and how to be a good host?
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How to Run an AirBnb in Rural Japan (Part 2)
Our second conversation with Naomi Kai & Hayato Goto, co-authors of "The Rural Japan Hosting Blueprint" - how to vet your management company, find local cleaners and other service providers, deal with neighbors, use the pricing algorithms correctly, and purchase with the right exit strategy in mind.
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Borrowing to Buy as a Business Owner - PLUS - JRE Summit Speakers Presentation Topics Full List!
In this JREP session, we discuss AI & Tech in Japan's real-estate sector, review lending criteria & the evaluation process for business owners applying for mortgages, AND - announce the full list of speakers and topics for the up and coming autumn session of the Japan Real Estate Summit, to be…
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How to Buy & Run a Hospitality Property in the Japanese Countryside - Part 1
The first half of our interview with Naomi Kai & Hayato Goto, co-authors of "The Rural Japan Hosting Blueprint", a book which lays down the foundations for a scalable, profitable hospitality property portfolio in the inaka - what to buy, how to manage it efficiently, how to automate procedures,...
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AkiyaMart No More! Go Mokomoko!
We catch up with Joey & Take, co-founders of "AkiyaMart", on their recent re-branding to "Mokomoko", what's new on the platform, what's in the works - and also about visas, market trends, bars and - colonoscopies(???)
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How to Invest in Japanese Real Estate Properties - Part 2
In this second, "mother of all deep-dives" interview, on the @japanexpertinsights podcast, we talk about...well, everything you should be aware of. Seriously. Do not miss this one!
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What's Hokkaido's Property Market Like?
We speak to Kendall Bharath, a real estate agent and construction project manager based in Asahikawa, Hokkaido - what's the local market like, how do foreigners and Japanese differ in mentality, both at work and when shopping for homes, what should people consider and avoid when purchasing, and...
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How to Rent Out My Holiday Home in Japan when Not in Use?
We speak to two potential buyers, both in the market for a holiday home that they can rent out on AirBnb or similar channels when they're away. What would be the best property for them to purchase? What what should they consider when renting it out?
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What is "Minpaku"?
Our Japan Real Estate Experts Panel (JREP) gets together to discuss the origins of the term "minpaku" (private lodging/ vacation rentals), the definition and use of the word "akiya", and the current interest rates landscape.
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How to Invest in Japan Real Estate Property
In this deep-dive interview on the Japan Expert Insights podcast, we break down the differences between real estate investment in Japan and in other markets, discuss asset classes, dos and dont's, the business environment, common practices, and what buyers should be aware of before pulling the...
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Buy a Holiday Home in Tokyo, or an Investment Condo in Fukuoka?
Two back to back conversations with first-time buyers - one looking for a single family holiday home in or around Tokyo - the other for an investment condo in Fukuoka. We break down costs, listings research, due diligence, purchase procedures and post-settlement management options.
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Snapshot of Kyoto & Osaka's Short Term Stay Property Market
We speak to Chai Kanda, founder & CEO of "Shiki Properties", on the topic of Kyoto & Kansai's hospitality properties market, boutique hotels, & winter resorts - what's happening in the market, what are people buying, and what SHOULDN'T they invest in?
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Resort in Chiba, Near Beach & Golf Course
We speak to a very motivated seller, just about to put his complex on the market, in up-market, picturesque, Chiba prefecture, near world-famous surfing beach Ichinomiya - check out the goods!
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Tokyo VS Kawasaki VS Yokohama - Where Should I Buy?
In this conversation with a foreigner-friendly, bi-lingual realtor based in Tokyo, we analyze Japan's property market from a foreign buyer's perspective, discuss women in the real estate industry in Japan, and do a deep dive on the various areas in and around Tokyo - which are the best to…
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New Regulations for Japan's Short Term Stay Property Market
We got together with JREP members Tracey and Emil for a conversation on current trends and developments, including new regulations and compliance requirements, for Japan's short term stay property operators - how to avoid getting into trouble with the local ward office, who are some of the new...
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AMAZING Nagano Onsen Resort
In this very special episode, we get together with Matt Ketchum from @AkiyazJapan for a look at a very unique property, available for purchase, which will provide the right buyer with a truly unique opportunity - what can be done with such a magnificent property? Who is it right for? What could...
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How to Move to & Start a Real Estate Business in Japan
A conversation with an entrepreneurial young Canadian guy, who's looking to relocate to Japan and start a hospitality management business in the Japanese country side. He has many questions...
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JRE Summit Reviews & survey responses
The JREP crew got together to review your feedback of the JRE summit, which took place in April, in Tokyo and online. What did you like, what didn't you like, and what's going to change in the next events?
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How to (NOT?) Buy a Japanese Holiday Home
We speak to a first time buyer, in the market for a super cheap holiday home - and then to an old "Japan hand" who's bought here for the very first time - and has a cautionary tale to share!
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Everyone loves free stuff... and cats!
Shu Matsuo Post & Brett Lee's presentation at the Japan Real Estate Summit, Spring 2026 The autumn session will take place on 17-18th October, 2026 - subscribe & watch this space for the official announcement, early-bird discounted tickets registration, and list of speakers for the next event!
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Buy Smart: The Fundamentals of Choosing the Right Home in Tokyo
Emil Gorgees' presentation at the Japan Real Estate Summit, Spring 2026 The autumn session will take place on 17-18th October, 2026 - subscribe & watch this space for the official announcement, early-bird discounted tickets registration, and list of speakers for the next event!
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2026 Update - Non-Residents Can Now Finance Condo Units
Alicia Qin Wang's presentation at the Japan Real Estate Summit, Spring 2026 The autumn session will take place on 17-18th October, 2026 - subscribe & watch this space for the official announcement, early-bird discounted tickets registration, and list of speakers for the next event!
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Avoid Tax Unknown Unknowns in Japan
Ben Tanaka's presentation at the Japan Real Estate Summit, Spring 2026 The autumn session will take place on 17-18th October, 2026 - subscribe & watch this space for the official announcement, early-bird discounted tickets registration, and list of speakers for the next event!
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Japan Real Estate Property AI Analyzer Demo
Ziv Nakajima-Magen demonstrates a new AI powered property analyzer system. The autumn session of the JRE summit will take place on 17-18th October, 2026 - subscribe & watch this space for the official announcement, early-bird discounted tickets registration, and list of speakers for the next event!
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Deal Dynamics
Cultural expectations and operational realities shape cross-border property transactions in Japan. Through real-world scenarios - including documentation, payment, logistics, and investment timelines - this session reveals where friction occurs and how aligning expectations helps deals close...
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Due Diligence or Disaster
What Every Minpaku Investor Must Understand Before Buying in Japan. The autumn session will take place on 17-18th October, 2026 - subscribe & watch this space for the official announcement, early-bird discounted tickets registration, and list of speakers for the next event!
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Japan Real Estate Experts Panel 2 - JRE Summit, Spring 2026
All summit speakers joined two open Q&A sessions - last summit day session here. The autumn session will take place on 17-18th October, 2026 - subscribe & watch this space for the official announcement, early-bird discounted tickets registration, and list of speakers for the next event!
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Japan Real Estate Experts Panel 1 - JRE Summit, Spring 2026
All summit speakers joined two open Q&A sessions - first summit day session here. The autumn session will take place on 17-18th October, 2026 - subscribe & watch this space for the official announcement, early-bird discounted tickets registration, and list of speakers for the next event!
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Creating Value
How to make something out of (close to) nothing, with strategic property acquisition & management, and away from familiar, routine distribution models. The autumn session will take place on 17-18th October, 2026 - subscribe & watch this space for the official announcement, early-bird discounted...
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Beyond Investment & Incorporation – the Yen Loans Offer
Mark & Wyatt break down "Yen Loans" financing product for non-resident buyers – finance your holiday home, AirBnb property, or leverage your existing portfolio for any project, real-estate related or otherwise. The autumn session will take place on 17-18th October, 2026 - subscribe & watch this...
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Beyond Short Term Stays: Scaling into 10–20 Room Boutique Hotels
As the STR market matures, the next frontier is the 10–20 room boutique hotel—blending guesthouse intimacy with professional hotel features. This session provides a "boots on the ground" guide to navigating this transition, drawing on active knockdown-rebuild and remodeling projects in Kyoto. The...
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How to Plan for a Successful Renovation in Japan?
The dos and don'ts of renovations in Japan. Blanka shares the 2026 Japanese playbook to help you ensure your projects are done on time and budget. The autumn session will take place on 17-18th October, 2026 - subscribe & watch this space for the official announcement, early-bird discounted…
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How to Buy a Holiday Condo in Japan?
We speak to an Hawaiian couple who are about to buy a holiday condo in one of Japan's major cities - here's what they need to know.
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Multi-Unit Investment strategy & Hybrid Hokkaido Holiday Homes
Two back to back conversations - one with a Canadian investor interested in multi-unit building investments, and one with a couple looking for a holiday home in Hokkaido that they can also rent out for short-term stays. We review the best strategies they should be following.
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First time Investors - Buying a Holiday Home in Hokkaido
Two back to back conversations with first time buyers in Japan - one wanting to invest in a tier 1 or 2 city - the others looking for a holiday condo in snowy Hokkaido - here's what they should be thinking about!
About this show
From Japan Real Estate market fundamentals, with a special focus on investment - through guides, tips, tricks and interviews with industry experts - this podcast is your one-stop-shop for audio content related to one of the world's most exciting (and profitable!) property markets.Find us at http://www.nippontradings.com
Hosted by
Nippon Tradings International (NTI)