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The Nikkei Shimbun reported that East Japan Railway Co. (JR East) and Itochu Corp. announced on December 23rd that they have begun discussions toward a management integration of their respective condominium-development subsidiaries. The structure of the integration has yet to be determined. Leveraging JR East-owned land and other assets, the companies aim to develop properties near train stations, primarily in the Greater Tokyo Area. JR East President Yoichi Kise (second from

On December 22nd, the Real Estate Economic Institute released its November 2025 report on market trends for brand-new condominiums in the Greater Tokyo Area (GTA). Photo by John on Unsplash On the same day, the Real Estate Information Network System Promotion Center published data on the usage of the Designated Distribution System (REINS), providing an overview of existing condo market activity. November 2025 Newly Built Condominium Market The number of newly built condomini

Average asking rents for rental housing rise year on year in November across multiple major urban areas, according to an AtHome survey of Japan’s rental market. AtHome is a dominant Japan-based property portal strong in residential leasing listings.  Subscribing agents upload their listings to AtHome and data presented below is an averaged aggregate of advertised rents. In nine of the thirteen surveyed metro areas across Japan, rents increase across all floor-area categories

Tokyo overtook New York to rank second globally for the first time in the Global Power City Index 2025, a yearly benchmark of global urban competitiveness, according to a report released on December 17th by the Mori Memorial Foundation’s Institute for Urban Strategies. Ranking graphic courtesy of the Mori Memorial Foundation. The Global Power City Index, compiled annually since 2008, evaluates 48 major cities worldwide across six categories - economy, research and development

On December 16th, Japan’s Ministry of Justice announced that individuals acquiring real estate - such as land or buildings - will be required to disclose their nationality according to the Nikkei Shimbun. The information will be collected at the time of ownership transfer registration, including sales and inheritances, enabling the government to better track the nationalities of property owners. Photo by 潇 文 on Unsplash   Following a public comment period, the ministry plans

On December 15th, the Nikkei Shimbun released its 2025 winter bonus survey, showing that the average bonus paid per employee rose 6.40% from a year earlier to ¥1,029,808, exceeding ¥1 million for the first time since the Nikkei began their survey. Bonus payouts set a new record for the third consecutive year. Construction and defense-related industries led the gains, while auto and steel sectors lagged due to the impact of U.S. tariff policies. Photo by Cullen Cedric on Unsp

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is accepting entries for its Abandoned (Akiya) House Renovation Contest 2025, an initiative aimed at promoting the reuse of unused residential properties as community assets. Applications are open through December 19, 2025. Following an initial screening, shortlisted entries will advance to a public judging event on February 17, 2026, when winners will be announced. Renovated abandoned home entranceway courtesy of Onoya.   Onoya is unrelated 

On December 5, NHK World Japan reported that analysts are predicting 2026 real wages are unlikely to rise much. Reporter Yuko Fukushima spoke with Kumano Hideo, Executive Chief at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute in the segment below. NHK World does not allow their YouTube videos to be embedded on third party sites, so click here  or the above screengrab to watch the segment on YouTube. Key Topics Covered Household spending in Japan fell 3% in October as consumers cut back on

On December 10th, the East Japan Real Estate Information Network (REINS) released their November 2025 market trend report for the Greater Tokyo Area (GTA) existing property sector. The GTA consists of Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama prefectures.  All figures are presented as averages to illustrate trends and in no way offer price guarantees.  Real estate is a hyper-local venture so always consult a licensed realtor for your property specific needs. Existing condo transacti

Kenbiya Incorporated, operator of the real estate investment platforms Kenbiya and LIFULL HOME’S Real Estate Investment, released its November 2025 edition of their Income-Producing Property Market Trends Monthly Report on December 4th. Kenbiya focuses primarily on income earning properties in residential property spaces. The monthly report analyzes data submitted to Kenbiya for three categories of residential investment properties nationwide - strata-title condos, wood-frame

On December 8 th , Tokyo Kantei released its November 2025 survey of average prices for newly built, wood-frame single-family homes in major metropolitan areas. The analysis covers freehold properties with land areas between 100 and 300 square meters, located within a 30-minute walk or a 20-minute bus ride from the nearest station. AI image created by Google Gemini Nano Banana using the prompt “Create a detached home construction site in Japan. Make the house modern, not trad

Mohamed El-Erian, Allianz chief economist and former PIMCO CEO, joined CNBC Closing Bell on December 5 th  to break down why U.S. bond yields are moving and why the shift has little to do with speculation over the next Fed Chair. He says the recent rise in Treasury yields is more likely tied to expectations that the Bank of Japan may raise rates this month, a move that could draw Japanese capital back home and push U.S. yields higher. When the Fed cuts rates and the BOJ hikes

Tokyu Plaza Ginza was renamed GinzaNovo on December 1, 2025. To mark the rebranding and the facility’s first Christmas under the new name, a seasonal event titled “Kaleidoscope of Joy: GinzaNovo × Ribbonesia” will be held. GinzaNovo, formerly Tokyu Plaza Ginza, updated exterior CG rendering courtesy of press release linked at the bottom of this article. According to the press release linked at the bottom of this article, the name GinzaNovo incorporates the Latin term Novo, me

On November 27 th , FJ Next Holdings released its Most Desired Neighborhoods to Live In 2025: Single Residents’ Rankings survey results The company conducted an online survey from October 20 to 28th, targeting 1,600 unmarried men and women in their 20s and 30s who live alone in the Greater Tokyo Area (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba prefectures). Inokashira Park near Kichijoji station; photo by note thanun  on Unsplash When asked where they would most like to live now, Ki

Cleverly Home, which operates a nationwide housing franchise under the Shinshowa Group , will begin using its custom-built model homes as short-term rental accommodations from January 2026. With advance reservations for model-home tours now the norm, the company says it has become easier to manage scheduling between daytime viewings and overnight stays. Hero image provided by Cleverly Home model house short-term rental stay information page, found here in Japanese only . The

On December 2nd, the Nikkei Shimbun reported that Shinano Railway, based in Ueda, Nagano Prefecture, announced it will operate special rapid trains on the Kita-Shinano Line (Nagano–Myoko Kogen) during the upcoming ski season. The line normally runs 17 trains per day in each direction, including local services and fee-based rapid trains. From January 1 to February 28, 2026, three additional rapid trains will be added daily in both directions. 　 Mount Myoko from the north-east,

Daiwa House Industry has opened the model room for Premist Tower Funabashi, a major condominium project in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture, developed with Tokyo Tatemono and Keisei Electric Railway. Exterior arial CG rendering graphic courtesy of the Premist Tower Funabashi developer website . The high-rise will connect directly to Funabashi Station via a pedestrian deck and sit amid a cluster of retail facilities, making it one of the rare new-build condominiums so close to the