Scandal-hit site in Gotanda sold by rightful owner

Real estate developer Asahi Kasei Realty & Residence Corporation has emerged as the successful buyer of a scandal-hit property near Tokyo’s Gotanda Station. 

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Local market report: Daikanyama (2019)

Daikanyama is as fashionable and trendy as Omotesando, but with a more laidback vibe on weekends. Sitting in a prime position between Ebisu and Shibuya Stations, it is a great place for a lucky few to call home. It is extremely difficult to find suitable homes and apartments on the market in this neighborhood due to a naturally limited inventory (a lot of the neighborhood is low-density), while many of the residents tightly hold onto their homes for the long-term. 

Let’s take a look at the current real estate market conditions.

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150+ year old tea house discovered in Kyoto backyard

Left: A current image of the tea house (via the Kyoto Shimbun). Right: An early photograph of the tea house supplied by Okubo's great-grandchild.

A tea house that once belonged to Okubo Toshimichi (1830-1878) has narrowly escaped demolition in Kyoto. The owner has temporarily suspended demolition while the tea house is carefully dismantled and stored. Due to its historical significance, Kyoto City is considering potential ways to relocate and reconstruct it.

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Abandoned hotel in Okinawa to finally be demolished

Demolition has started on an abandoned hotel and local eyesore adjacent to Okinawa’s Nakagusuku Castle that has been sitting idle for almost five decades. In a rare move for privately-owned property, the prefecture has taken charge of demolition due to the need for a careful investigation for any historic artifacts and to avoid harm to protected wildlife. Demolition is expected to be completed by March 2020, after which the land will be converted back to parkland. 

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New apartment supply in Tokyo drops 40% and hits 27-yr low

The total supply of new apartments released for sale across greater Tokyo in April saw a year-on-year drop of 39.3% to just 1,421 apartments. This is the lowest supply seen for the month of April since 1992. The reason for the low supply is due to both developers putting their efforts towards selling current inventory, along with an expectation of low buyer turnout during the 10-day Golden Week holiday. 

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Heritage-listed merchant house in Kyoto up for sale

The heritage-listed Watanabe Residence in Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture, is listed for sale for 25,800,000 Yen (approx. 235,000 USD), leaving locals concerned about its fate. The 150-year old merchant house is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property.

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