Tokyo may sell air rights above expressways
In order to speed up the redevelopment of ageing buildings which may be at risk of causing damage in a major earthquake, the air rights above highways may be sold to be used on neighboring sites.
The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation, Akihiro Ota, has expressed his desire to see this enacted as soon as possible.Read more
MLIT White Paper on home ownership
On July 2, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) released their 2012 White Paper. The theme of the report explored the living situations and demographics of Japan's younger generation.
Home Ownership
Home ownership rates in Japan shrunk between 1983 and 1998, but began to pick up in 2008. The average rate across all age groups is around 60%.Read more
Last chance to save the Jonas Residence
Demolition of the historic Jonas Residence has been pushed back to October as the current owner is prepared to sell the house and land for 360 million Yen (approximately 3.6 million USD) if a buyer can be found.
Developer Anabuki Kosan purchased the waterfront property earlier this year and plan to tear it down and replace it with a 10-storey apartment building.Read more
Asakusa's Ryounkaku Tower to be revived
Asakusa's Ryounkaku Tower is going to make a reappearance as a new theatre under construction will feature a facade replicating the original historic tower.
The Maruhan Shochiku Rokku Tower is scheduled to open in December 2014. At 48 meters tall, it will be 4 meters shorter than the original tower.
The Ryounkaku was a 12-storey octagonal tower built in 1890. It was designed by British engineer William Kinnimond Burton, who spent most of his career in Japan. The first 10 floors were brick, while the top observation floors were wood.Read more