Moe Oshikiri designs second apartment building in Meguro

Japanese magazine model and hosiery designer, Moe Oshikiri, has lent her design skills to a new condominium in Meguro-ku. The complex was developed by Veritas Investment and completed on February 23rd.Read more


Landlord ordered to demolish apartment building

A 69-year old landlord in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, has been ordered to demolish his apartment building after it was found to be have been built to insufficient earthquake-resistance standards.Read more


Buildings in Minato-ku to be designated as tsunami-evacuation points

Selected buildings in Tokyo's Minato ward will be soon be designated as tsunami-evacuation points. Negotiations are underway between the local city council and 16 companies who own buildings of 10-storeys or higher. Approximately 36.5 million Yen has been set aside in the City's budget.

Several commercial and residential buildings in Arakawa-ku and Koto-ku have already received designations. While Arakawa-ku provided some assistance with the purchase of emergency supplies and rations, Minato-ku will provide all necessary supplies to the co-operating buildings. They are also considering providing assistance with any upgrades to building security so that they may be accessible to evacuees in an emergency situation.Read more


Mitsubishi Jisho is bringing luxury back with new 'Grand' series

The Parkhouse Grand Minamiaoyama Takagicho

Mitsubishi Jisho Residence announced on February 18 that they will be introducing a new series of condominiums targeting the high-end of the market. Called "The Parkhouse Grand" series, they will provide an additional level of luxury to their existing "The Parkhouse" series. Read more


Tokyo company offers cat-rental along with apartment

One association in Tokyo has taken the concept of pet-friendly apartments to the next level by offering rental apartments that include a cat as part of their lease terms.Read more


Redevelopment planned for Shibuya city office

Moves are underway to rebuild the Shibuya City Office buildings after it was discovered that they would be at risk of falling over in an earthquake that produced a shindo level of upper-6 (read about the Japanese seismic intensity scale here).

At a press conference held on February 12, Shibuya ward mayor, Toshitake Kuwahara, announced that they hope to decide on a budget for the project during the 2014 financial year. The buildings are currently below the maximum allowable building size for the site, so the local council hopes that the availability of additional space will help to reduce their own redevelopment costs.Read more


Tokyo's apartment market summary for 2012

The following is a summary of findings from the Real Estate Economic Institute's report on the apartment market in greater Tokyo in 2012:

  • 45,602 new apartments hit the market in 2012, an increase of 2.5% from 2011. This is far below the record of 95,635 new units that were available in 2000. Read more