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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 t

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