
There’s a huge variety of fees that need to be paid when renting a new apartment in Japan. In addition to an advance payment of your first month’s rent, there’s insurance, the security deposit, the realtor’s fee, and the dreaded “key money,” basically a sign-up cost that you pay to the landlord for the privilege of being allowed to start giving him money on a monthly basis.
Add it all up, and you’ll probably find yourself out several months’ worth of rent before spending the first night in your new home. But there’s a nice upside if you chose to go through one unique realtor, because while you’ll still have some fees to pay, you’ll also get a nice housewarming present in the form of several hundred dollars’ worth of anime merchandise.
Differentiating yourself and picking a target market are dependable strategies for succeeding in business. Tokyo-based real estate agency Nyanpochi has done both by tailoring its services to anime fans, and in a way that goes beyond just decorating its website with cute illustrations.
▼ Of course, it’s done that too with its mascot catgirls Pochi, Mike, and Maro.
When singing a lease for a new apartment, a realtor’s fee equal to one month’s rent is pretty standard, although in some cases that might be knocked down to half a month’s rent. What makes Nyanpochi a great place for apartment-hunting otaku is that the company will also give you points redeemable for your choice of merchandise from anime interior retailer Curtain Damashii. Depending on the exact property, the voucher will be equal to either half a month’s or a full month’s rent, which means you could possible end up receiving more in anime goodies than you’re paying in realtor’s fees.
So what kind of stuff can you get from Curtain Damashii? Well, since the company’s name means “Curtain Spirit,” of course you can find curtains, from series such as Puella Magi Madoka Magica…
…Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?/Danmachi…
…and Sword Art Online.
Fujoshi, on the other hand, might be more tempted by these Token Rambu and Black Butler drapes.
Or, if you’re more into games than anime, you could adorn your walls with art from RPG-master Falcom’s Kiseki series, which made its English-language debut under the title Trails in the Sky.
Curtain Damashii also sells anime-themed pillow covers, bedsheets, and shower curtains, and yes, for those who never plan on having non-otaku guests over, some of them contain a half-naked anime girl frolicking on the beach, soaking in a hot spring, or sitting on a toilet (we kid you not). On the other hand, Curtain Damashii’s catalogue contains enough tastefully reserved options to fully cover all the windows in your new place.
Because hey, even if you’re too strapped for cash to go out and have fun after just moving to a new apartment, at least Nyanpochi will help surround you with artwork to admire while you settle in.
Related; Nyanpochi, Curtain Damashii
Source: IT Media
Top image: Nyanpochi
Insert images: Nyanpochi (1, 2), Curtain Damashii (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) (edited by RocketNews24)










Four things to hate about looking for an apartment in Japan as a foreigner
Japan apartment hunting – Can you find cheaper rent by avoiding the peak spring moving season?
What to do if you want to lower your apartment rent or avoid paying key money in Japan
This Tokyo apartment complex lets you paint your room, offers community BBQ and camping gear
How much money do you need to live in your own apartment in Japan?【Survey】
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Ramen restaurant in top Tokyo tourist neighborhood skips price gouging, but how does it taste?
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Fake police phone scam also highlights dumb stereotype about how foreigners speak Japanese[Video]
A secluded British mansion in Chiba is a hidden holy land for afternoon tea lovers
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
Haunted hospital near Mt Fuji re-opens after renovation at Fuji-Q Highland, and it’s terrifying
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
These apartments are crazy-small even by Tokyo standards, and super-popular with young people
Japan has a cat real estate agency, where every apartment lets you and your kitty live together!
If you have an apartment in Japan, your “fire disaster insurance” may also be toilet insurance
Neighbors Kamikitazawa introduces us to the cool side of shared Tokyo apartment rentals
How much money do you need for a studio apartment in downtown Tokyo?
This Tokyo apartment building uses feng shui in its design to make for very lucky living spaces
Tokyo’s famous capsule apartments now take month-long reservations from foreign travelers
The pros and cons of living in a share house in Tokyo instead of an apartment
Anime’s top 10 gross but compelling series, as chosen by fans