Office vacancy rates in February - Miki Shoji

According to Miki Shoji's Tokyo Office Report, the average office vacancy rate in Tokyo's central five wards (Chiyoda, Chuo, Minato, Shinjuku and Shibuya) in February was 8.57% - up 0.01 points from the previous month but 0.58 points lower than February 2012.

Three new office buildings were completed in February, but due to their relatively high occupancy rates the new supply had only a minor effect on the total vacancy rate.Read more

by Zoe Ward

Inspections of pre-1981 buildings far from complete

As part of an effort to assess the earthquake-resistance of older buildings in Tokyo, the City announced on March 4 that only 6.8% of rental-only residential buildings and 17.1% of condominiums built prior to 1981 to the old earthquake codes (called kyu-taishin) have been inspected.Read more

by Zoe Ward

Local residents delay construction in Asakusa

Local residents and parent-teacher-association members in Asakusa, opposed to plans for a new 13-storey condominium, have delayed the construction after protesting outside the building site. As trucks carrying construction equipment neared the site on the morning of March 1, they were met by 30 protestors blocking the entrance. The police soon arrived to assess the situation.Read more

by Zoe Ward

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

by Zoe Ward

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

by Zoe Ward

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

by Zoe Ward

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

by Zoe Ward