“It felt like no one was watching me. That’s what gave me the greatest sense of relief.”

Said Ms. A, a wealthy investor from Thailand in her 30s, who relocated to Setagaya Ward in Tokyo in 2022.

Known as a “global nomad,” she runs multiple businesses across Southeast Asia and has bases in cities like Bangkok, Singapore, and Dubai.

What made her intentionally choose Japan and decide to settle down in a residential area of Tokyo?

It wasn’t about returns. What truly mattered to her was the sense of peace and safety.

■ A Quality of Life Chosen After Seeing the World

“Bangkok is vibrant and exciting, but every time I stepped outside, I felt a certain tension—people’s eyes, traffic noise, security presence, sense of distance, which had become my norm.”

She had visited Japan a few times as a traveler,and what left a lasting impression was the overwhelming sense of being “treated with care, surrounded by quiet, and respected.”

• No one raises their voice on the train

• You can enjoy quiet time alone in a café

• A woman can walk safely at night

• Parks are always clean, and children can play safely and freely

“Right or wrong are two keywords in purchasing property overseas. But in Japan, buying a home gradually helps restore your inner balance.”

■ What Made Her Choose Setagaya?

A detached home in the Fukazawa area of Setagaya is the final decision after touring luxury apartments in Minato and Shibuya. 

Because it was the place where she felt the true essence of living.

• Surrounded by greenery with fresh air in the morning

• Warm, lived-in feel in a wealthy neighborhood

• Less than 15 minutes by car to international schools

• Just 30 minutes to central Tokyo, yet at night all she hears are the sounds of birds

“It wasn’t about luxury—I needed to see whether it truly fit my life. What I needed now wasn’t a busy city center, but a neighborhood that brings peace to my emotions.”

■ A Realization of the Changing Values Among the Wealthy

Ms. A says that after relocating to Japan, what changed most was “how I use my time—and how I connect with myself.”

• Each morning, she stretches on the balcony while taking in the seasonal atmosphere

• She attends tea ceremony or flower arrangement classes weekly

• She is meticulous about choosing ingredients, water, and even the seasonings.

• Her spending has shifted from efficiency to meaning

“The more wealth you accumulate, the more you come to see that money alone doesn’t bring true fulfillment. I believe Japan is one of the rare places where I can realize this truth.”

■ Japan, Not as an Investment, But as a Base.

The property she purchased is a relatively new detached house, priced at approximately 250 million yen. Maintenance and taxes are not a significant burden. She plans to bring her mother and younger sister to Tokyo in the future.

“Rather than focusing on its real estate value, I see it as a place where I can find peace in my life.”

Moreover, Japanese real estate is governed by clear laws and contracts, making the process smooth even for foreigners. According to Ms. A, who owns multiple properties overseas, Japan is “one of the few countries where you can truly feel secure owning real estate.”

■ Summary — True wealth means feeling safe and at peace.

What Ms. A found in Tokyo was not just a luxury home or a successful investment.

It was a life where she could feel safe, breathe quietly, and live without worrying about being watched.

“What I realized after achieving success is how profoundly a quiet home can affect one’s life. I feel like I’ve finally learned what it truly means to live.”

That sense of tranquility has become the most reliable asset supporting her life.