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!
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Today
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Japan’s Mocchurin donuts declared too popular to exist by creator Mister Donut, will disappear soon
Japan’s new pettably fuzzy cat-shaped earbud chargers meow to let you know their status[Video]
Studio Ghibli mini towels add anime flair to a Japanese cultural tradition
Studio Ghibli combines anime and craftsmanship in new Totoro and Jiji Gobelin tapestry bags
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Why you shouldn’t feel guilty about using manga for studying and the top series for learning
Weekly
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store- Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
- Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio- Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Starbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]
Monthly
- Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style- Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Yearly
- 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
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
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】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
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Japan’s new pettably fuzzy cat-shaped earbud chargers meow to let you know their status[Video]
Studio Ghibli mini towels add anime flair to a Japanese cultural tradition
Studio Ghibli combines anime and craftsmanship in new Totoro and Jiji Gobelin tapestry bags
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Why you shouldn’t feel guilty about using manga for studying and the top series for learning
Japan’s Pokémon mailboxes saved from removal with last-minute extension on final day
We try out the joys of Japan’s kakuuchi wine vending machine
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Japanese convenience store coffees are now bigger than ever, thanks to the new “Deka Drink” trend
Mt Fuji installs new emergency shelters ahead of the 2026 climbing season
The adorable, delicious joy of the Totoro cream puff gift box[Taste test]
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Japanese theme park adding Immersive Death Game with a “bomb collar” you have to wear
Krispy Kreme Japan releases new fruit doughnuts…that taste better cold
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