Japan Real Estate Journal

How Institutional Investors Source Commercial Real Estate Opportunities in Japan

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A Practical Guide to Brokers, Developers, Relationships and Development Acquisitions Introduction For many overseas investors entering Japan’s commercial real estate market, the first challenge is not evaluating an investment opportunity—it is finding one. Unlike some markets where institutional assets are broadly marketed, investment opportunities in Japan often reach investors through multiple acquisition channels. Understanding how … Read more

How to Choose a Commercial Real Estate Broker in Japan

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Choosing the right commercial real estate broker is one of the most important decisions an investor makes before acquiring a property in Japan. For many overseas investors, a broker is the first local professional they meet. The broker may introduce opportunities, explain the market, coordinate communication with sellers and help move a transaction from initial … Read more

How to Choose a Commercial Real Estate Asset Manager in Japan

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Selecting the right commercial real estate asset manager is one of the most important decisions an institutional investor can make when entering the Japanese real estate market. For overseas investors in particular, the asset manager may become far more than an external service provider. The asset manager may effectively become the investor’s local investment platform … Read more

Net Operating Income (NOI) in Commercial Real Estate: A Practical Guide

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Net Operating Income, or NOI, is one of the fundamental concepts in commercial real estate. It appears in acquisition underwriting, valuations, loan discussions, asset management reports, cap-rate calculations and exit analyses. Yet the apparent simplicity of NOI can be misleading. Two investors can look at the same property, use the same rent roll and even … Read more

The Role of Asset Managers in Japan’s Commercial Real Estate Market

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Asset managers play one of the most important roles in Japan’s commercial real estate market. While many investors associate asset management with activities performed after an acquisition, experienced asset managers in Japan are often involved long before a transaction closes. Depending on the investment strategy, an asset manager may help source investment opportunities, structure investments, … Read more

What Does a Property Manager Do?

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Property managers play an essential role in maintaining the operational performance of commercial real estate assets. While asset managers focus on investment performance and strategy, property managers oversee the day-to-day operation of the property itself. Their responsibilities range from tenant communication and maintenance coordination to budgeting, vendor management, and regulatory compliance. This guide explains the … Read more

What Does a Commercial Real Estate Broker Do?

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Commercial real estate brokers play a central role in connecting buyers and sellers, facilitating transactions, and helping market participants identify investment opportunities. Beyond introducing properties, experienced brokers coordinate negotiations, manage transaction processes, and provide valuable market intelligence. Whether representing buyers, sellers, or both parties, brokers help commercial real estate transactions progress efficiently from initial discussions … Read more

What Does a Real Estate Developer Do?

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Real estate developers play a central role in Japan’s commercial real estate market. They identify development opportunities, acquire land, manage the development process, and deliver completed assets to the market. Although every project is different, developers are responsible for transforming land or existing properties into investable real estate. This guide explains the role of commercial … Read more

How Overseas Investors Invest in Japanese Commercial Real Estate

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For many overseas investors, entering Japan’s commercial real estate market involves much more than identifying an attractive property. Successful investments typically require a team of local professionals who understand the market, structure transactions, coordinate due diligence, and manage assets throughout the investment lifecycle. Although every investment is unique, the overall process follows a broadly similar … Read more