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A word from our President: Insights and Recommendations from a Dedicated Japanese Real Estate Investor and Broker
This is Hideo Niimi; President of Newborn Honsya and Rising Sun Properties. Please allow me to share a part of my journey with you.
As a third-generation real estate professional in Nagoya, my work is more than just a business – it's a family legacy that began with my grandfather's resilience and vision. After World War II, he opened a humble restaurant amid Nagoya's ruins, believing deeply that “food and a place to call home are fundamental to people’s lives.” His commitment to these essentials became the foundation of our family’s livelihood. From those early days in 1949, through countless economic crises and the turbulent “lost 30 years” of Japan’s economy, our family business faced near collapse many times, yet we’ve held on and proudly marked our 75th anniversary.
When I took over the business in the late 1990s, we were drowning in debt. My path was filled with uncertainty, yet I was determined to keep the dream alive. I learned to remodel old apartments myself, revitalizing these spaces with my own hands, step by step. I had no training in architecture or construction, but driven by necessity and hope, I taught myself through trial and error, transforming rundown properties into valuable assets. Gradually, the debts cleared, and our company, once on the brink, stands strong today.
With a stable foundation, I shifted my focus to new real estate opportunities. In Tokyo, I invested in high-value properties just before the 2020 Olympics. I took risks, betting on Tokyo’s rising market, and against all odds, I managed to resell with a substantial gain, even during the unpredictable times of the pandemic.
As my experience deepened, I began receiving more inquiries from foreign friends and investors, often interested in high-rise condos near Tokyo’s main train stations. While I understand the allure, my journey taught me that careful planning and genuine local insight are essential. Japan's real estate market, especially in regional cities, offers something unique: dependable, stable investments with better long-term value. Today, I balance high-value investments with income-generating properties, guided by a steadfast commitment to sustainable growth.
The Japanese real estate market is unlike any other, and our transaction process is heavily regulated to protect consumers. For anyone new to Japan’s market, finding a trusted local agent is crucial. Real estate here isn’t just an asset; it’s a piece of life, a place of belonging. To those considering Japanese real estate, my heartfelt advice is to explore the area firsthand, feel its essence, and, if it resonates with you, make it part of your journey.
Japan’s regional cities hold their value and heart even in changing times. This book is not just a guide but an invitation to discover a Japan where tradition and modernity coexist. I hope to share the richness of Japan with you, a place where many find peace, belonging, and inspiration.