Corporate HQ relocations to Tokyo hit decade high
In the first half of 2025, 200 companies relocated their headquarters from regional areas to the greater Tokyo area, according to the Teikoku Databank. This represents a 30% increase from the first half of last year and is the highest figure seen in the past decade. If this pace continues throughout the second half, 2025 could mark the first year since 1990 with more than 400 incoming corporate relocations.Read more
Waldorf Astoria Residences to make Asia Pacific debut in Tokyo
Mitsui Fudosan has revealed that the upper floors of its new skyscraper in Nihonbashi will house the Waldorf Astoria Residence Tokyo Nihonbashi, marking the debut of the Waldorf Astoria-branded residences in Asia Pacific and adding to a new trend of ultra-luxury branded rental apartments in Tokyo. Opening is scheduled for the autumn of 2027.Read more
Toyota to convert recent acquisition into set-up office
Toyota Fudosan, the real estate subsidiary of the car manufacturer, is converting a recently-acquired building in Shibuya into a set-up office. Operations are expected to start in January 2026.Read more
Tokyo also looking at tightening minpaku regulations
The tide may be turning for Japan’s short-term ‘minpaku’ operators. Following in Osaka’s lead, 22 out of Tokyo’s 23 wards are preparing to introduce stricter rules on minpaku accommodations. This comes amidst a growing backlash from residents concerned about noise and garbage. Once promoted as a solution to provide accommodation options with a lower overhead for operators, the industry is now facing regulatory shift that could hit real estate investors.Read more
Osaka City looks to end ‘special minpaku’ licensing applications in 2026
Osaka City is home to the most relaxed minpaku (short-term letting) rules in Japan, but with growing complaints, now appears to be making moves to stop accepting new applications from mid-2026. The city has almost 6,700 registered Special Zone Minpaku accommodations as of July 2025, a 22% increase from the end of 2024.Read more
Japan's land prices see highest rate of growth since 1991
Standard Land Prices were announced on September 16, and the nationwide average increased for the 4th year in a row with 1.5% growth in 2025. Residential land values increased by 1.0% and commercial land by 2.8%, both recording the highest rate of growth since 1991.Read more
Hokkaido village plans land purchase to block megasolar project near protected wetlands
A village near Kushiro, Hokkaido, is acquiring a 7.5 hectare land parcel adjoining the Kushiro Shitsugen National Park in an effort to block a proposed megasolar project that could damage the ecosystem of the protected wetlands. The wetlands are home to more than 600 species of plants and the rare red-crowned crane. Over the past decade, a number of solar farms have been built around the wetlands, drawing concern and criticism over their potential environmental impact.Read more