Tensions rise over minpaku conversions
Short-term rental conversions are becoming a growing source of tension in Japan’s multi-family sector, with some landlords attempting to illegally force out long-term tenants to make way for profitable short-term guests. At the same time, neighbors are increasingly raising complaints about noise, security, and trash issues. In Osaka City, where ‘minpaku’ (short-term letting) rules are the most relaxed in the country, resident backlash is starting to gain momentum, with city officials now considering launching a project team to introduce countermeasures.Read more
Office vacancy rates shrink while Marunouchi’s rents reach record high
The office vacancy rate in central Tokyo’s five business districts reached a 57-month low, dropping to 3.56% in May, according to office brokerage Miki Shoji. For existing buildings, the vacancy rate was 3.20%, the lowest level since August 2020. In just the span of a month, 15,000 tsubo (49,575 square meters) of office space was taken off the market either by leasing activity.Read more
Japan nationwide ‘rosenka’ land values increase for 4th year in a row
The ‘rosenka’ or roadside land values across Japan increased by an average of 2.7% in 2025, expanding on a 2.3% increase in 2024 and a 1.5% increase in 2023. This is the fourth year in a row to see an increase and the highest rate seen since 2010 when the National Tax Office updated its reporting method.Read more
Multi-family value add project in Tokyo leads to 35% increase in rent
Developer Tokyu Land Corporation has completed a value-add project for a multi-family asset in Tokyo’s Edogawa ward that has boosted the rent on new leases by an average of 35%.Read more
Landlord develops foreign student-only rental apartment building
Foreign students in Japan can often have a hard time finding rental housing due to discrimination and a leasing system that favors local and established residents. With the foreign student population increasing, and the inventory of foreign student-friendly housing remaining low, one landlord has stepped in to build and operate exclusively foreigner-only rental apartments.Read more
Redevelopment plans announced for Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa
On June 6, Seibu Real Estate released details on the redevelopment plans for the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa on the western side of Shinagawa Station in Tokyo. This is a joint venture involving Seibu, Tokyu Land Corporation, the Urban Renaissance Agency, and the Takanawa 3 Chome Shinagawa Station Front Town Redevelopment Committee.Read more
Meguro ward to relax building height limits
Tokyo’s Meguro ward is considering relaxing building height limits to encourage developers to build more energy-efficient housing. Typically, discussions over height regulations have revolved around a building’s impact on sunlight and the surrounding environment. This time, however, it relates more to the building’s interior environment.Read more