Japan’s minpaku market falling below expectations

A year has passed since the introduction of new regulations covering short-term letting or Airbnb-style rentals in Japan. Take-up has been slow with just 6,438 registered properties across the greater Tokyo area, which includes Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama prefectures. Before the new law was introduced in June 2018, there were 16,000 properties listed on Airbnb's website in Tokyo’s 23 wards alone.

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What does a concierge do?

A concierge is considered a value-add to a residential building and something developers will provide in higher-end properties in Japan. It is important to understand that concierges in Japan may not offer the same type of services that may be standard in other countries.

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Tokyo Apartment Sales in June 2019

Ebisu Garden Terrace

The following is a selection of apartments that were reported to have sold in central Tokyo during the month of June 2019:

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Toho Twin Tower to be redeveloped



On June 25, film studio Toho announced plans to redevelop the Toho Twin Tower building in Yurakucho, Tokyo. Construction giant Takenaka Corporation will be in charge of planning and construction. 

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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. 

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Rosenka land values increase for 4th year in a row

Kyoto's Minami-za Kabuki Theatre

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.

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Nagoya’s 2 billion Yen lure for luxury hotels

In an effort to attract luxury hotel brands, Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City governments are both considering offering subsidies that will total up to 2 billion Yen (approx. 18.5 million USD). 

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