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The Nikkei Shimbun published on February 24th an article highlighting a growing concentration of short-term condominium resales in central Tokyo, adding to concerns that speculative trading may be distorting prices in some of the capital’s most expensive neighborhoods. According to a private-sector survey cited in the report, resale activity was notably higher in the city center. In 2025, roughly 5% of units in condominiums less than five years old in Chiyoda Ward were listed

After decades characterized by falling prices, ultra-low yields, and subdued growth, Japan is navigating a markedly different economic environment. Inflation has re-emerged, interest rates are shifting, and structural reforms are beginning to influence market behavior. In this Bloomberg Wall Street Week episode released on February 21st, Apollo Global Management’s Marc Rowan, Japan Exchange Group’s Hiromi Yamaji, and Brookings Institution’s Mireya Solís explore how Japan’s ma

The Japan Housing Finance Organization (JHF) on Feb. 20 released the results of its Survey on the Conditions of Mortgage Borrowers (January 2026 survey), showing that variable-rate mortgages continue to dominate while expectations of rising interest rates intensify. The survey targeted individuals aged 20 to 70 who took out housing loans between April and September 2025, gathering 1,237 valid responses. Photo by PJH on Unsplash The most common borrowing rate range was 0.5% t

New condominium supply in the Greater Tokyo Area rose modestly in January 2026, while prices continued their upward trend and contract rates remained subdued according to the latest survey released by the Real Estate Economic Institute on February 19th. Photo by Cem Ersozlu on Unsplash The survey covers Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba prefectures, collectively referred to as the Greater Tokyo Area. Sales Increase for First Time in Four Months A total of 628 new condominiu

Japan’s tourism surge reached record levels in 2025, with arrivals exceeding 40 million. A weaker yen has boosted international travel and pushed visitor flows into regional destinations like Nozawa Onsen. While demand is rising, so are signs of crowding, higher prices, and infrastructure strain. Patrick Falk reports from Nozawa Onsen for Al Jazeera. Key Points Nozawa Onsen is depicted under strain from heavy crowds and long queues The village’s mix of traditional ryokan, ski