First-of-its-kind tax would bring in nearly one billion yen, but government says it’s not about the money.
Housing
Dilapidated outbuilding at the SoraHouse contains some surprise items that could tell a story or two.
The announcement suggests you can print your own futuristic home sphere for the price of a car!
A breakdown of search result data by one Japanese apartment hunting company reveals a big surprise.
Expert dishes on important factors that are leading young people to shun living in certain areas of the capital in favor of other suburban centers.
Not having enough money to pay rent each month isn’t their biggest problem is securing permanent housing, though.
While they might look appealing to visitors, according to residents, these suburbs can be hell to live in.
Real estate company creates a “Let’s Enjoy Bikini Size!“ video that shows off more than just their rooms.
If you love anime and you’re looking for affordable housing in Tokyo, your search may be over.
Chinese officials are set to discuss ways to stimulate the country’s sputtering housing market during its Central Economic WorkingConference later this month, according to Chinese state media.
Seeing as how the entire English-language RocketNews24 team is composed of people who at some point moved to Japan, we’re pretty big proponents of living here. One unpleasant part of the package, though, it that since you can’t claim the whole country as your residence, living in Japan means finding an apartment in Japan, which is generally agreed upon as one of the least enjoyable parts of the expat experience.
Why? For the following four reasons.
As you may have heard, the population of Japan is getting older and smaller. While other (smarter) people have debated the problems and complexities of this issue, we do know one thing: It’s left a lot of prefectures without many young people. Some places are celebrating when the community has even a single wedding, but Tsuwano in Shimane Prefecture thinks they’ve hit upon an idea for injecting some new, young blood into their town. They’re giving houses away for (kind of) free! Of course, there are a few stipulations…
If you’re looking for a pricey vacation home for the end of summer, we’ve checked out what $5 million can get you in real estate around the world. Our friends at Point2Homes helped us find everything from a tiny apartment in Monte Carlo to a 16,000-square-foot mansion in Qatar. Needless to say, $5 million should get you pretty far no matter what city you live in.
There was a point in time when you could turn on the TV at any time of day and find at least three home remodeling shows playing. I personally had no idea why they were so freaking popular…but I think I’m finally starting to get it after seeing these photos.
One ambitious Japanese man, named Makoto, bought an old, junked-out house with rotten floorboards, clogged pipes, and filled with trash for 1,950,000 yen–about US$19,500–and over the course of six months turned into one of the most beautiful homes I’ve ever seen. And I’m not the only one who thinks so. Japanese Internet users were amazed by the transformation–and you will be too!
Some Japanese apartments are incredibly sparse. In the most extreme cases, your lease gets you four walls, a kitchen sink, bathroom, and that’s it. Oh, you want lighting fixtures, a stove, and air conditioning? Sorry, you’ll have to purchase all that on your own.
As a result, savvy apartment hunters are always on the lookout for properties that include some of these amenities. And while it’s incredibly convenient to find a place that already comes with ceiling lamps, it still can’t match the thrill some animal lovers in Japan experience when they find a new pad that comes with a cat.
Housing in Tokyo is notoriously cramped, but this is ridiculous! With a total of 7.2 ㎡ (77.8 square feet) per floor (that’s smaller than the inside of Japan’s famously crowded train carriages), this towering five-story house packs a lot of rooms into a petite frame. So if you’ve ever fancied living in a tiny triangle, now’s your chance because this baby is on sale now!


















How much is Amazon Japan’s lowest-rated currency calculator worth in yen?
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
We go looking for a monkey mommy like Punch with Amazon Japan’s ultra low-rated orangutang plushy
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Dedicate your savings to your oshi of choice with this new buildable offertory box
We asked our Japanese team of writers how they deal with seasonal allergies in Japan
Starbucks x Peanuts collaboration brings Joe Kind Snoopy to Japan with exclusive drinks and goods
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
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
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
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
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
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
We go looking for a monkey mommy like Punch with Amazon Japan’s ultra low-rated orangutang plushy
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Dedicate your savings to your oshi of choice with this new buildable offertory box
We asked our Japanese team of writers how they deal with seasonal allergies in Japan
Starbucks x Peanuts collaboration brings Joe Kind Snoopy to Japan with exclusive drinks and goods
Japan’s budget chain restaurant Saizeriya might just be the perfect first date location
Peko-chan Milky Time Cafe opens in Chiba and we go to check out all of the pastries and merch
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Japanese gravure idol strips down, plays drums to anime hits【Videos】
Are Japanese convenience store sandwiches scamming us with their fillings?
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Beautiful Japanese sightseeing train will be unforgettable way to travel country’s north island