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Who Pays for Key Replacement in a Japanese Rental? An Owner's Guide to the MLIT Rule

Japan's kagi kōkan-dai (key replacement fee) charged at move-in is a uniquely Japanese cost that trips up many landlords and tenants alike. This guide explains MLIT's landlord-pays principle, why tenants end up paying in practice, typical costs by lock type in USD terms, and how to handle lost keys and move-out disputes as a rental property owner.

TK vs NK: Comparing Japan’s Two Small-Lot Real Estate Partnership Structures Under the Specified Joint Enterprise Act

A comparison of Japan’s two main small-lot property vehicles — the silent partnership (TK) and the voluntary partnership (NK) — covering how each works, their advantages and drawbacks, and how to choose between them from the standpoint of the Real Estate Specified Joint Enterprise Act, tax planning, and risk management.

What Is a Shintaku-Guchi Kōza? A Japan Guide to the Trust Account That Protects Family Trust Assets

A shintaku-guchi kōza is Japan’s dedicated bank account for a family trust, keeping assets protected even if the trustee dies or goes bankrupt. Here is an expert guide to how it differs from a trust-purpose account, plus the requirements, procedure, and cost of opening one.

What Is the Important Matters Explanation When Buying a Condominium? A Complete Guide to 13 Key Points to Check

A real estate professional explains the 13 key points to check in the important matters explanation before buying a condominium. Covers registration details, management bylaws, repair reserve funds, contract cancellation conditions, and mortgage precautions.

COLUMNGlossary

Japan Foreclosure Property Auctions: Real Costs and Deadlines

Should you buy a foreclosed property in Japan? By law, the minimum bid is 80% of the court's appraised sale-standard price, and if the former occupant refuses to leave, your legal tool for eviction — the writ of possession — must be filed within six months of paying the purchase price. This guide breaks down the real yen (and approximate USD) costs of a holdout eviction and the taxes due after you win the auction, sourced entirely from Japan's Civil Execution Act, the courts, and the National Tax Agency.