Tokyo facing office space shortage in prime buildings

Office vacancy rates in central Tokyo’s business districts continue to shrink with Jones Lang Lasalle reporting almost no vacancies in the main office buildings in the Marunouchi district. After reaching a high of 9.43% in mid-2012, vacancy rates in Tokyo’s central five business districts were down to 3.03% last month - a level last seen in April 2008.

It’s not just Marunouchi that is suffering from a dire shortage in available office space, with prime high-rise buildings in Nihonbashi, Shinjuku and Shibuya also seeing demand outstrip supply. Tenant demand is being supported by improved business earnings and company growth, resulting in a need for larger office space to accommodate growing staff numbers.Read more