Practical advice for overseas owners of Japanese real estate. Tax compliance, property management tips, and industry insights.
Three similar-sounding Japanese roles that overseas property owners constantly confuse — tax representative (納税管理人), domestic manager (国内管理人), and domestic contact (国内連絡先). Here's exactly what each one does, when it's legally required, and which you actually need.
Read articleJapanese tax offices, banks, and utilities still communicate by physical mail — in Japanese. Compare the four ways to handle it from abroad: Japan Post forwarding, a friend's address, a virtual mailbox, or a property-specialist mail service.
Read articleOverseas heirs of Japanese property face new mandatory registration rules and a 6× tax risk for neglected houses. Compare your four realistic options — sell, rent, keep, or give it up — with costs, deadlines, and the one thing you cannot do: nothing.
Read articleEvery non-resident owner of Japanese property is required to appoint a tax representative. Compare the 5 realistic options — a friend, a tax accountant, a scrivener, a rental management company, or a specialist service — by cost, coverage, and long-term reliability.
Read articleNeed to renovate or repair your Japanese property while living abroad? Learn how to find reliable contractors, get accurate quotes, manage projects remotely, and handle payment without a Japanese bank account.
Read articleA practical guide to capital gains tax (譲渡所得税) in Japan for non-resident sellers. Learn the applicable rates, withholding rules, filing requirements, and how tax treaties may reduce your liability.
Read articleInheriting or leaving Japanese property involves some of the highest inheritance tax rates in the world. This guide explains who is liable, how the tax is calculated, key exemptions, and what steps to take when a family member passes away.
Read articleA complete guide for foreign nationals buying real estate in Japan. Covers ownership rights, required documents, the purchase process, taxes, and the ongoing obligations that begin the moment you become an owner.
Read articleIf a Japanese real estate transaction crosses the resident / non-resident boundary, FEFTA (外為法) requires a report to the Minister of Finance within 20 days. Here's what triggers it, who must file, and why missing the deadline can haunt your property years later.
Read articleStarting April 2026, Japan's revised condominium law introduces a domestic manager (国内管理人) system for overseas owners. Here's what it means for you.
Read articleA comprehensive guide to investing in minpaku (short-term rental) property in Japan. Covers legal requirements, permit types, location analysis, revenue potential, and risks for foreign investors.
Read articleJapan now has 9 million vacant houses — and a wave of new rules for their owners. The 2026 guide to buying an akiya: the 6× property tax trap, mandatory inheritance registration, Kyoto's new vacant-home tax, realistic renovation costs, and how to manage one from overseas.
Read articleLeaving a Japanese property unattended can lead to tax penalties, legal issues, and significant financial loss. Here are the 5 biggest risks every overseas owner should know.
Read articleJapanese government agencies and service providers rely on physical mail. Learn how to manage your Japanese mail from overseas without missing critical deadlines.
Read articleIf you own property in Japan but live overseas, you are legally required to appoint a tax representative. Learn what a 納税管理人 does, why it matters, and how to set one up.
Read articleA practical guide for non-resident owners on managing property taxes, mail, maintenance, and compliance from abroad.
Read articleA comprehensive guide to property taxes in Japan for non-resident owners. Fixed asset tax, city planning tax, deadlines, and how to stay compliant from overseas.
Read articleWe handle tax representation and mail so you can focus on what matters.
