MAGAZINE

One of the more unexpected challenges faced by foreign nationals moving into rental properties in Japan is navigating the local rules surrounding waste disposal. Unlike many other countries, Japan enforces highly specific waste separation and collection guidelines...

In Japan’s rental market, terms like “free internet” or “Wi-Fi included” are frequently highlighted as major selling points—especially in listings targeting students, single professionals, and international tenants. The appeal is clear: eliminating monthly internet...

In Japanese multi-unit housing, one of the most common neighborhood complaints involves noise. Everyday sounds—such as footsteps, conversations, television volume, or the use of household appliances—may seem trivial to the occupant but can easily be perceived as...

For those renting a residence in Japan for the first time, the initial challenge is often uncertainty—“Where do I begin?” With an overwhelming volume of property listings online, each offering different conditions and features, determining which factors truly matter...

In Japan, rental property information is readily available through online platforms and real estate agencies. However, photographs and floor plans alone rarely tell the full story. To accurately assess a residence and its surroundings, a personal viewing—referred to...

When renting a property in Japan, one of the foremost considerations is the expected rent. Interestingly, even with identical floor plans and similar square footage, rental prices can vary dramatically—sometimes by over ¥20,000—depending on the neighborhood and the...

When leasing a residential property in Japan, it is common to find that the lease agreement specifies a term of two years. In urban settings, particularly within apartment complexes and condominiums, two-year contracts are considered the standard. These often include...

When renting a property in Japan, one may notice that listings are often categorized as either “for single occupants” or “for families.” On real estate websites and through agency listings, units such as 1K or 1DK are typically designated for single residents, while...

When searching for a rental property in Japan, many prospective tenants understandably focus first on the monthly rent. As a clear and straightforward benchmark, rent often serves as the primary reference point for budgeting. However, once daily life begins, it’s not...

In Japan, residential lease agreements are most commonly structured with a two-year term. Upon expiration of this period, tenants typically face a renewal phase. At the time of renewal, changes may occur in rent or contractual terms, and tenants may also be required...

In Japan, prospective tenants must undergo a tenant screening process before securing a lease. Even after submitting an application, the lease cannot proceed unless the applicant is approved. For first-time renters or foreign nationals, the screening process can often...

In Japan, housing costs represent a significant portion of one's monthly expenses. As a result, room sharing—where multiple individuals cohabit a single rental property and split rent and utility costs—has become an increasingly attractive option for those looking to...

When renting a property in Japan, most tenants focus heavily on initial expenses and monthly rent. However, one often-overlooked aspect of the rental process is the cost incurred at the end of the lease. Many residents are surprised by unexpectedly high charges for...

When moving into a rental property, most tenants focus on layout, amenities, cleanliness, and contract terms. In the excitement of settling in—unpacking boxes and preparing for daily life—it’s easy to overlook one crucial step: documenting the condition of the unit...

In Japan’s rental properties, plumbing issues such as leaky faucets, clogged toilets, slow drains, or malfunctioning water heaters can happen to anyone. When such problems arise, tenants often find themselves uncertain about key questions: Who is responsible for the...