Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya? http://www.japanhomesearch.com/ and http://www.relojapan.com/. We want to help you in Japan!
I am hearing two different voices out there with regard to Japan and the economy. It is going to be interesting tonight when Jesper Koll comes to Nagoya to share with us his thoughts.
Our clients and many of the people I speak to in the foreign community recently have indicated that things have definately picked up in Japan in the last 2 months. For our housing and relocation business this is also true. However, this is supposed to be our busy period of the year anyway, so I am a little skeptical to believe that we are out of the worst yet. But, things definately are better than they were.
Many are saying that after the Obon Holiday shut down, we are really going to see things start to take off again. I was talking to the head of a recruiting company a week ago, and he commented that while some companies have already begun to recruit again, he felt that many will start recruiting in earnest after getting Obon out of the way.
This all sounds great, but on the other hand we have economists pointing out that the rise in the Japanese stock market index is "artificial" or "inflated" and that the steady increase has no justified foundation or basis. I would point out that alot of it would seem to be more confidence that Japan is getting better, this factor alone being one of the big reasons why Japan's economy has shrunk so much in the last 6 months. Too much media gloom! So, maybe this is "artificial confidence" I am not sure, but when you do take a look around there are alot of things that are still not happening; banks are not lending, companies are still cutting expenses and people where they can, companies continue to go under at the highest rate in 6 years, etc. So I can certainly see why some economists would choose to say we are not out of things yet.
So, which is it? We are out of the worst and after Obon things will take off, or we are not out of the worst and after Obon there is going to be another downturn in the stock market..... Hopefully Jesper Koll will shed some light on things tonight, but I suppose only time will tell.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Free International Dialling!
I have just been introduced to a new phone service called "FLAT TALK". Yes, believe it or not, there is now a phone calling service that you can use to call internationally free. Yes, that is right FREE!
What is more, you require no registration, no up front fee, nothing. All you do have to do is dial a local number, for which you will bear the domestic phone calling charges for the length of the call, listen to a 15 second advertisement, and then your call is put through.
The countries are limited, but growing steadily; USA, China, Hong Kong, Canada, Singapore, UK, with the following countries to be added soon; Thailand, Germany, France, Denmark, Ireland, Australia (Sydney only at this stage) and Russia (Moscow only at this stage).
Some countries do restrict calling to landlines.
The dial in numbers are as follows;
Tokyo 03-4530-6868
Chiba 03-670-6868
Nagoya 052-456-6868
Osaka 06-4560-6868
You simply dial in, listen the 15 second advertisement, dial in the country code and number, and you are on a free call!
Websites and phone calling cards with the information are on their way and will be launched soon!
Try out "FLAT TALK" !!
Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya? http://www.japanhomesearch.com/ and http://www.relojapan.com/. We want to help you in Japan!
What is more, you require no registration, no up front fee, nothing. All you do have to do is dial a local number, for which you will bear the domestic phone calling charges for the length of the call, listen to a 15 second advertisement, and then your call is put through.
The countries are limited, but growing steadily; USA, China, Hong Kong, Canada, Singapore, UK, with the following countries to be added soon; Thailand, Germany, France, Denmark, Ireland, Australia (Sydney only at this stage) and Russia (Moscow only at this stage).
Some countries do restrict calling to landlines.
The dial in numbers are as follows;
Tokyo 03-4530-6868
Chiba 03-670-6868
Nagoya 052-456-6868
Osaka 06-4560-6868
You simply dial in, listen the 15 second advertisement, dial in the country code and number, and you are on a free call!
Websites and phone calling cards with the information are on their way and will be launched soon!
Try out "FLAT TALK" !!
Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya? http://www.japanhomesearch.com/ and http://www.relojapan.com/. We want to help you in Japan!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Housing Negotiations in Tokyo
When looking at a property, don't just ask about the rent! Ask about what type of contract the owner is offering!
Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya? http://www.japanhomesearch.com/ and http://www.relojapan.com/. We want to help you in Japan!
Over the past 6-months we have witnessed a large part of the Expat Community relocate back to their home lands and home offices. Our Tokyo Office has been flooded with assisting repatriations out of Japan, and we now have many owners in Tokyo begging for the opportunity to show their properties to potential tenants.
Naturally, the rental prices are falling quickly. On average I would say rental prices for properties over 700,000 yen per month have dropped by 20- 30% compared to when Lehman was still around. Yes, that means that there are savings to be found. At http://www.japanhomesearch.com/ we would be happy to assist you find a new house / apartment at a much discounted price per month. We have helped a number of people; rent of JPY 1,500,000 back to JPY 1,200,000 in a new property, rent of JPY 900,000 back to JPY 700,000 in a similar property, etc. There are moving costs and the costs of renovating the previous property and paying the up front fees for new properties. However, when you are saving 200,000, 300,000 or sometimes up to 500,000 yen per month on rent, the cost of moving into a new property is very quickly recovered. Food for thought!
ONE WARNING; There is something you need to be aware of in doing this!! Large savings can be found, but there is a trade off involved in many cases. There is a high potential that you will be asked to sign a fixed term contract.
In Japan residential rental properties are generally offered under one of two types of contract. One is a "Ordinary Contract" (普通契約）and the other is a "Fixed Contract" (定期借家契約）. Ordinary contracts are typically 2-years in length and often automatically renew, or sometimes you pay a 1-month renewal fee. Ordinary contracts very much protect the tenant under Japanese Real Estate Law and once a tenant is in the property, owners often have not even a leg to stand on. This is therefore the contract you want to be signing if you are a corporate company signing for your expat tenant in Japan.
The second kind of contract is the "Fixed Term" contract. This is virtually no different to the ordinary contract during the term of the contract, but the big difference is that once the term is up, the contract does not renew. A new contract needs to be signed. Effectively, this means that as the contract finishes, unless the owner wishes to sign a new contract, the tenant doesn't have a foot to stand on. If the owner says "no" to a new contract, they can demand you leave the property.
So, what are owners doing these days in Tokyo. Well, they are offering you 200,000- 500,000 yen off the monthly rent for a "fixed term". ie. they are asking you to sign "Fixed Term Contracts", which means when the 2 or 3 years is up, they can renegotiate with you on a new contract. The tenant is pretty well protected under real estate law for the ordinary contract, so it is difficult to do for this type of contract. However, fixed term contracts are just that. You need a new contract to continue living in the property, and owners have every right to negotiate with you when this happens. They also have every right to say no to a new contract if you don't agree to their terms. Yes, in 2 or 3 years time, they may come back and ask you to pay the extra 200,000- 500,000 yen or more! Just beware!
Owners mayn't be willing to discount rent so much if you are looking to sign an ordinary contract, so the moral of the story is;
When looking at a property, don't just ask about the rent! Ask about what type of contract the owner is offering!
Rental housing in Tokyo or Nagoya? Serviced Apartments in Nagoya? Relocation in Tokyo and Nagoya? Car / Furniture Leasing and Purchase in Tokyo or Nagoya? http://www.japanhomesearch.com/ and http://www.relojapan.com/. We want to help you in Japan!
Over the past 6-months we have witnessed a large part of the Expat Community relocate back to their home lands and home offices. Our Tokyo Office has been flooded with assisting repatriations out of Japan, and we now have many owners in Tokyo begging for the opportunity to show their properties to potential tenants.
Naturally, the rental prices are falling quickly. On average I would say rental prices for properties over 700,000 yen per month have dropped by 20- 30% compared to when Lehman was still around. Yes, that means that there are savings to be found. At http://www.japanhomesearch.com/ we would be happy to assist you find a new house / apartment at a much discounted price per month. We have helped a number of people; rent of JPY 1,500,000 back to JPY 1,200,000 in a new property, rent of JPY 900,000 back to JPY 700,000 in a similar property, etc. There are moving costs and the costs of renovating the previous property and paying the up front fees for new properties. However, when you are saving 200,000, 300,000 or sometimes up to 500,000 yen per month on rent, the cost of moving into a new property is very quickly recovered. Food for thought!
ONE WARNING; There is something you need to be aware of in doing this!! Large savings can be found, but there is a trade off involved in many cases. There is a high potential that you will be asked to sign a fixed term contract.
In Japan residential rental properties are generally offered under one of two types of contract. One is a "Ordinary Contract" (普通契約）and the other is a "Fixed Contract" (定期借家契約）. Ordinary contracts are typically 2-years in length and often automatically renew, or sometimes you pay a 1-month renewal fee. Ordinary contracts very much protect the tenant under Japanese Real Estate Law and once a tenant is in the property, owners often have not even a leg to stand on. This is therefore the contract you want to be signing if you are a corporate company signing for your expat tenant in Japan.
The second kind of contract is the "Fixed Term" contract. This is virtually no different to the ordinary contract during the term of the contract, but the big difference is that once the term is up, the contract does not renew. A new contract needs to be signed. Effectively, this means that as the contract finishes, unless the owner wishes to sign a new contract, the tenant doesn't have a foot to stand on. If the owner says "no" to a new contract, they can demand you leave the property.
So, what are owners doing these days in Tokyo. Well, they are offering you 200,000- 500,000 yen off the monthly rent for a "fixed term". ie. they are asking you to sign "Fixed Term Contracts", which means when the 2 or 3 years is up, they can renegotiate with you on a new contract. The tenant is pretty well protected under real estate law for the ordinary contract, so it is difficult to do for this type of contract. However, fixed term contracts are just that. You need a new contract to continue living in the property, and owners have every right to negotiate with you when this happens. They also have every right to say no to a new contract if you don't agree to their terms. Yes, in 2 or 3 years time, they may come back and ask you to pay the extra 200,000- 500,000 yen or more! Just beware!
Owners mayn't be willing to discount rent so much if you are looking to sign an ordinary contract, so the moral of the story is;
When looking at a property, don't just ask about the rent! Ask about what type of contract the owner is offering!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
"Tokaname Yaki"- Cera Mall!
CERA MALL is a Tokoname Pottery Wholesale Industry Park. It is a comprehensive pottery-ceramics shopping zone, which is the largest in scale and variety on Chita Peninsula for ceramics. Within the premises are a few small cafes, a nice park for kids and lots of freee parking where people can leisurely shop in a cozy environment.
99 Kamisunahara, Kanayama-Aza
Tokoname City, Aichi
0569-43-7125
The ceramics on sale range from top-of-the-range handcrafted masterpieces, through to 3 for 100 yen type pricing for slightly defected or older items. The items available also range from cups, sauces and plates right through to umbrella stands, large pots for outside gardening and even decorations for Christmas and the New Year (obviously depending on the season).
I am not a great shopper at any time of the year, but this is one of the places I really enjoy wandering around. I especially enjoy the bargains available on alot of rice bowls, plates (small and large) and it is a common place to go to pick up an omiyage to take back to New Zealand for my family. I have also introduced newly wed couples to Cera Mall on many occasions, as it really is a great place to fit out your kitchen if you don't have one yet..... cheaply, but nicely!
If you have a little time on your hands, this is a perfect place to visit before or after the beach in Utsumi, or some of the fish markets in the south of Chita Peninsula.
If you are stuck for directions, please see the below!
This is a overall map showing the location on Chita Peninsula;
This is a more detailed map;
This is the google map;
Happy shopping!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Jesper Koll in Nagoya
It is not so often that you get to have dinner with one of Japan's leading economists. So, join us on July 16th to welcome Jesper Koll to Nagoya! Details below.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan Presents:
***********************************************************************
"Japan - from Kamikaze Capitalism to Smartpower Dynamism"
JESPER KOLL, PRESIDENT AND CEO, TANTALLON RESEARCH JAPAN
DATE: Thursday, July 16, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
VENUE: The Westin Nagoya 1F Chambord
COST: Members: 5,000 yen, guests: 6,000 yen
REGISTRATION AND CANCELLATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, July 14
HOST: Business Program Committee - Chubu
***********************************************************************
EVENT OVERVIEW:
Japan has what it takes to emerge a winner from the global crisis a
powerful technology base, low financial leverage, huge savings and a
diligent labor force that can easily compete with almost any global
competitor.
Against this, a massive fiscal deficit, very adverse demographics and
fragmented policy making threaten to ensnare Japan in domestic stagnation.
Which force will win? Where are the industries and companies that will take
the lead? What strategies will the new political leadership promote? Will
the Yen ever stop rising? How can your company benefit from the emerging
global economic order and Japan's force in it?
Over the past decade, Jesper Koll has been consistently ranked as one of the
top Japan strategists. He has written two books in Japanese, "Towards a New
Japanese Golden Age" and "The End of Heisei Deflation." He has been a member
of several government advisory panels, including the MoF council on global
capital flows and PM Koizumi's ad-hoc group of private sector experts.
<>
Jesper is the President and CEO of our new Tokyo office, Tantallon Research
Japan KK.
Jesper has been researching and investing in Japan since becoming a resident
in 1986. For the past eight years he was the Chief Economist of Merrill
Lynch Japan. Prior to that, he had worked for the Tiger Fund. He was also
the head of research for JP Morgan in Tokyo (1994-1998) and the chief
economist of SG Warburg (1989-1994). His analysis and insights have earned
him a spot on several Japanese government advisory committees. He is also
one of the few non-Japanese members of the Keizai Doyukai, the Japan
Association of Corporate Executives.
He has a masters degree from SAIS The Johns Hopkins University and was a
research fellow at both Tokyo University and Kyoto University. He is a
graduate of the Lester B.Pearsn College of the Pacific.
TO REGISTER:
Contact Noriko Kato
052-229-1525, or nkato@accj.or.jp
Or fax to: ACCJ Chubu Office: 0052-222-8272
"Japan - from Kamikaze Capitalism to Smartpower Dynamism" on July 16th.
See you there!
The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan Presents:
***********************************************************************
"Japan - from Kamikaze Capitalism to Smartpower Dynamism"
JESPER KOLL, PRESIDENT AND CEO, TANTALLON RESEARCH JAPAN
DATE: Thursday, July 16, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
VENUE: The Westin Nagoya 1F Chambord
COST: Members: 5,000 yen, guests: 6,000 yen
REGISTRATION AND CANCELLATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, July 14
HOST: Business Program Committee - Chubu
***********************************************************************
EVENT OVERVIEW:
Japan has what it takes to emerge a winner from the global crisis a
powerful technology base, low financial leverage, huge savings and a
diligent labor force that can easily compete with almost any global
competitor.
Against this, a massive fiscal deficit, very adverse demographics and
fragmented policy making threaten to ensnare Japan in domestic stagnation.
Which force will win? Where are the industries and companies that will take
the lead? What strategies will the new political leadership promote? Will
the Yen ever stop rising? How can your company benefit from the emerging
global economic order and Japan's force in it?
Over the past decade, Jesper Koll has been consistently ranked as one of the
top Japan strategists. He has written two books in Japanese, "Towards a New
Japanese Golden Age" and "The End of Heisei Deflation." He has been a member
of several government advisory panels, including the MoF council on global
capital flows and PM Koizumi's ad-hoc group of private sector experts.
<
Jesper is the President and CEO of our new Tokyo office, Tantallon Research
Japan KK.
Jesper has been researching and investing in Japan since becoming a resident
in 1986. For the past eight years he was the Chief Economist of Merrill
Lynch Japan. Prior to that, he had worked for the Tiger Fund. He was also
the head of research for JP Morgan in Tokyo (1994-1998) and the chief
economist of SG Warburg (1989-1994). His analysis and insights have earned
him a spot on several Japanese government advisory committees. He is also
one of the few non-Japanese members of the Keizai Doyukai, the Japan
Association of Corporate Executives.
He has a masters degree from SAIS The Johns Hopkins University and was a
research fellow at both Tokyo University and Kyoto University. He is a
graduate of the Lester B.Pearsn College of the Pacific.
TO REGISTER:
Contact Noriko Kato
052-229-1525, or nkato@accj.or.jp
Or fax to: ACCJ Chubu Office: 0052-222-8272
"Japan - from Kamikaze Capitalism to Smartpower Dynamism" on July 16th.
See you there!
Friday, June 26, 2009
"Habitat Japan"- Free Reading!!
There are plenty of books out their on where to go in Japan, what to do, how to eat and what to choose, how to get a traditional experience and how to get a hold of the Japanese language and culture. Go to Maruzen and there is a huge selection to choose from.
However, there are very few books that cover the mental aspects of preparing yourself for time in Japan, and getting the best out of your experience. We felt that something was missing in this context, and have spent 2 years putting together "Habitat Japan" to guide foreigners in Japan on how to have a great time here.
With each chapter written by a different Japan Guru, you get a fantastic insight into what experiences await you in Japan and how to deal with them best.
Download your free copy on http://www.japaninfoswap.com/
Things Are Picking Up in Japan
There is a definate surge in confidence in the Japanese economy, and word on the street tells us the worst is over.
At a chamber of commerce meeting earlier this week, members of the financial industry, small business owners, government representatives and even companies in the recruiting and HR services industry noticed a definate pick up in business during June. Hotels have also indicated better results in June, so it does really appear that demand is going to return for goods and services to a reasonable level of where things were before.
For us at H&R Group also, we have seen the return of inbound housing and relocation clients at a quite significant pitch in June. June has probably been the most positive month we have experienced since things hit the wall in October / November of last year.
There are a couple of areas of concern, for which only the future can tell;
- What is going to happen to globalization? Have companies reached their peak with globalization and are now going to back to a more locally driven model? ie. Are all managers going to be locally hired now, or will Expats continue to come to Japan?
- What is going to drive the relocation industry into the future? Price or quality of service? It definately looks like price has been the driver in a globalized economy and world, but it will be interesting where this takes us if local HR departments and offices begin to take more power back from the global model.
Have a nice weekend!
At a chamber of commerce meeting earlier this week, members of the financial industry, small business owners, government representatives and even companies in the recruiting and HR services industry noticed a definate pick up in business during June. Hotels have also indicated better results in June, so it does really appear that demand is going to return for goods and services to a reasonable level of where things were before.
For us at H&R Group also, we have seen the return of inbound housing and relocation clients at a quite significant pitch in June. June has probably been the most positive month we have experienced since things hit the wall in October / November of last year.
There are a couple of areas of concern, for which only the future can tell;
- What is going to happen to globalization? Have companies reached their peak with globalization and are now going to back to a more locally driven model? ie. Are all managers going to be locally hired now, or will Expats continue to come to Japan?
- What is going to drive the relocation industry into the future? Price or quality of service? It definately looks like price has been the driver in a globalized economy and world, but it will be interesting where this takes us if local HR departments and offices begin to take more power back from the global model.
Have a nice weekend!
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