Chateau Mita to be demolished

The Chateau Mita apartment building in Mita, Minato-ku, is going to be demolished in March. The reason for demolition and reconstruction is because the 48 year old building was deteriorating. Reconstruction negotiations with the residents began in 2004.

During the 1960s and 1970s, several "Chateau" apartments were built in Tokyo. They were all developed by Kurokawa Kensetsu. Many of the "Chateau" series of vintage apartments are valued higher than other lesser apartments of the same age.Read more


Historic Niigata ryokan declares bankruptcy

The Kihachiya Ryokan in Sado City, Niigata, has entered into bankruptcy proceedings and may be forced to sell their hotel. According to Teikoku Databank, Kihachiya Ryokan has debts of 560 million Yen.Read more


Former Olympus president transferred private real estate holdings to family

The Tower & Parks Denenchofu Mizonoguchi is a 32-storey condominium built in 2006. Apartments in this building are priced at around 614,000 Yen/sqm (722 USD/sqft).

Former Olympus president Tsuyoshi Kikukawa transferred two of his privately held apartments to his family members in November 2011.

The transfer took place immediately following the announcement of the concealed corporate losses. It is thought that he transferred his property ownership in anticipation of civil prosecution.

According to the real estate title documents, Kikukawa owned two apartments in a 32-storey residential building in Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki City. He jointly owned a 110sqm apartment on the 30th floor with his son who currently resides in the UK, and fully owned a 105sqm apartment on the 28th floor. His ownership of both apartments were transferred to relatives on November 17th.Read more


Mitsui starts construction of 53-storey residential tower in Tsukishima

Mitsui Fudosan announced that they have started construction of the Tsukishima 1 Chome 3, 4, 5 Redevelopment Project on February 20, 2012. The large complex will include a 53-storey, 703 unit residential tower and a smaller 12-storey, 44 unit residence. The name of the condominium is "Capital Gate Place".

Shimizu Corporation is in charge of construction and completion is scheduled for summer of 2015. The high-rise tower will be constructed using vibration-control (seishin) earthquake-resistant construction with dampers. There will also be backup generators that can supply necessary power for up to three days in the event of a power shortage.Read more


Moves to restrict land purchases by foreigners near Camp Schwab

Japan's Minister of Defense, Naoki Tanaka, is pressuring the government to introduce legislation that will restrict the purchase of land by foreign corporations and individuals in the Henoko area in Naga City, Okinawa. Henoko is home to Camp Schwab and is the proposed site of a new US Military air base, which will replace the Futenma Airfield in Naha.Read more


[Foreclosed] Japanese Castle in Hokkaido

*NO LONGER AVAILABLE*

Bidding started from 16,663,000 Yen

This foreclosed property in Akabira City is a replica of a traditional Japanese castle. The 6-storey reinforced concrete structure was originally called 'Tokugawa Castle" and was a doll museum. It was owned by the only festival doll manufacturer and supplier in Hokkaido, and the company used the space to display and sell their wares. The doll company still seems to be operating, but they have not used this building for the past five years. It has not been maintained during recent years and has some broken windows and roof damage.Read more


Foreclosures set to increase as more borrowers report difficulty making mortgage payments

The number of home-owners in Japan who are falling behind in mortgage payments and relinquishing their homes are increasing. According to the Fudosan Keibai Ryutsu Association (FKR), the number of foreclosed properties in 2010 was 51,746. This was a decrease of 7,000 from 2009, but is still at a high level.Read more