Edogawa-ku a no-go zone in event of major flood
The wording on a flood hazard map issued by Edogawa Ward in Tokyo has created a stir with the ward essentially telling residents to get out of town in the event of major flooding.
Rosenka land values increase for 4th year in a row
The rosenka land values for 2019 were announced by the National Tax Agency on July 1. Nationwide, land values increased by 1.3%. This is the fourth year in a row to record a year-on-year increase. The rate of growth has also expanded, following 0.7% in 2018, 0.4% in 2017 and 0.2% in 2016. This is the first time to see four years of consecutive growth since 1992.
New housing starts forecast to drop a third by 2030
The Nomura Research Institute is forecasting a significant drop in new housing starts across Japan by 2030.
Kyoto’s office shortage is getting dire
Kyoto’s shortage of office space is becoming critical as vacancy rates drop below 1%. With a booming tourist industry, developers have been focusing on building hotels, leaving very little supply of new offices.
Buying a mountain in Japan
Generally speaking, whether you are Japanese or a foreigner, it is possible to buy and own mountainside forest in Japan.
70% of Japan is forest. According to the Forestry Agency, 40% of that is national forest, with the remaining 60% owned by private individuals and companies.
Owner of abandoned hotel on Lake Towada sued by government
The Japanese government has sued the owner of a derelict hotel in Aomori Prefecture to demolish the building and return the state-owned land. The Towada Kanko Hotel sits on the shores of Lake Towada. It was founded in 1950 before closing in 2012. The owner filed for bankruptcy in 2014.