
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
How much money do you need to live in your own apartment in Japan?【Survey】
This Tokyo apartment complex lets you paint your room, offers community BBQ and camping gear
Tokyo’s newest viral dessert is like a Japanese parfait inside a bread bun [Taste test]
Starbucks Japan opens new store inside historic seaside quarantine station near Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever gacha capsule toys, featuring iconic menu items as plush coffee charms
7-Eleven Japan now offering baked-in-store pizza by the slice with two very different topping sets
7-Eleven Japan adds new cold soup smoothies to its convenience store drinks range
New Studio Ghibli washi tape adds anime flair to Japanese stationery
Godiva Japan gets into the shaved ice scene with two luxurious frozen desserts this summer
Japan’s foreign resident population hits record high as Japanese population hits record low
New service lets Tokyo tourists display their faces on giant screen at Japan’s busiest intersection
Studio Ghibli releases new Spirited Away earrings featuring mysterious anime bathhouse character
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Kyoto receives more foreign tourists than ever before, but fewer visitors say they’ll return
Pokémon Card Stores requiring facial recognition scans for entry in Japan in latest anti-scalper move
Family Mart’s new Famima flagship in Tokyo has a hidden gem that most visitors miss
Starbucks Japan unveils exclusive new Frappuccinos limited to three regional areas
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
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