Founded by Japanese serial entrepreneur Hiroki Kazato and Filipino sales professional and marketer Sheila Baylon, Property Access embodies the power of complementary strengths between two cultures. This cross-cultural real estate platform offers Filipino investors a direct gateway to real estate opportunities in Japan.

Property Access serves as an all-in-one destination for Filipinos eager to explore Japan’s burgeoning property market. From off-market list­ings tailored to individual needs, to comprehensive market intelligence, seamless transactions, and full support through turnover––clients are in capable hands with a dynamic team deeply knowledgeable about the Japanese market.

In this exclusive interview with Bridges, Founder and CEO Hiroki Kazato shares proprietary insights into the Japanese property landscape–– particularly for Filipino investors seeking to expand into global markets. Whether viewing Japan as a strategic addition to your portfolio or considering it as a retirement plan, Property Access is your trusted partner in navigating cross-border real estate transactions.

Read on for an inside look at how Property Access can empower you to kickstart your person­alized investment journey in Japan.

Bridges: Tell me a little bit about Property Access, Hiroki-san. How did you get into the property business?

Hiroki Kazato:Property Access was founded in 2017 with the goal of introducing overseas properties—primarily in Southeast Asia—to Jap­anese investors.

Japanese investors often have conservative preferences for overseas investments, and there’s also a lack of resources available to them in Japa­nese. Property Access bridges this gap and provides Japanese investors with access to overseas real estate opportunities.

We noticed a shift after about four to five years during COVID-19. Many foreign investors began reaching out to us about purchasing Japanese prop­erties. They were looking for information on how to invest in Japan’s real estate market. Since we are licensed in Japan, we utilized our network through a private real estate broker system called REINS, to connect with various listings and facilitate access to Japanese properties for these foreign investors.

What makes the Japanese real es­tate market appealing, especially considering Japan’s unique econom­ic and cultural landscape? Why is Japan an attractive destination for real estate investment, particularly for Filipinos?

Japan’s property prices are relatively affordable compared to other developed countries like Sydney or South Korea. While Japan might be perceived as a shrinking market due to its aging popu­lation, the vacancy rates are surprisingly low and the market remains stable, particularly in terms of rental income. When combined with Japan’s world-class infrastructure, it becomes an attractive investment destination.

For Filipinos, the proximity of Japan adds to its appeal. Additionally, English proficiency among younger Japanese peo­ple is improving, which helps ease com­munication and investment processes. Aside from investments, Japan is becom­ing a popular destination for retirement.

Let’s talk about the yen. The currency has been weak for some time. What are your thoughts on this trend? Will it remain an attractive factor for investors in the coming years?

I believe the yen will remain weak for at least the next three to four years. This situation poses challenges for Japan.

Firstly, Japan’s trade deficit continues to grow—not just in terms of imports and exports but also in digital services where payments for platforms and technologies often flow overseas, particularly to the US. Secondly, major Japanese companies like Toyota, Sony, and Panasonic manufac­ture extensively in other countries, which means their earnings don’t always flow back to Japan.

Additionally, Japan’s monetary policy contributes to the weak yen. The US Federal Reserve prioritizes a strong dollar, while Japan’s central bank faces constraints in raising interest rates due to its national deficit. As a result, the yen’s depreciation is likely to continue, which makes Japan a favorable mar­ket for international investors looking for opportunities.

What’s the profile of a typical Filipi­no investor in the Japanese real estate market? Are they more likely to be in­stitutional or retail investors, and what are their main objectives—investment or secondary homes?

Most Filipino investors are business owners or senior executives, often from industries such as real estate, tourism, and retail. Around half of the transactions we handle are for secondary homes rather than rental income.

The short flight time from the Philip­pines makes Japan an ideal destination for weekend getaways or longer stays. Many of these investors look for properties in central Tokyo as second homes. The rest are interested in income-generating assets like hotels, mixed-use buildings, or prop­erties for Airbnb. With Japan’s tourism rebounding, these types of investments offer significant potential for rental in­come growth.

What challenges do foreign inves­tors, particularly Filipinos, face when purchasing property in Japan? How does Property Access help overcome these hurdles?

The biggest challenge is the language barrier. All legal documents, contracts, and titles are in Japanese—written in kanji or katakana—which can be difficult to navigate. Transaction customs also differ in Japan compared to other countries. For instance, the same agent can represent both the buyer and the seller, which can pose negotiation complexities.

At Property Access, we address these challenges by providing full translation services for all documents into English, Korean, and Chinese. Most of our team is bilingual, and we guide clients through the unique transaction process in Japan.

Another difference is the lack of escrow services in Japan, which can make foreign investors cautious. To minimize risks and ensure a smooth and secure transaction, we offer solutions such as acting as the buyer on behalf of our clients. Our property management services also help maintain a long-term relationship with clients beyond the ini­tial purchase.

On average, how long does it take for an investor to go from expressing in­terest in a property to officially holding the title?

The process typically takes about one to two months. If the investor is paying in cash, it’s even faster, but if they require bank financing, it takes longer. For foreign investors, we recommend setting up a Jap­anese corporation to access local loans, as Japanese banks often prioritize corporate borrowers. Setting up a corporation takes about two weeks, and loan assessments take an additional one to two weeks.

Which areas or types of properties offer the most promising opportunities for Filipino investors?

Central Tokyo—specifically Minato, Chiyoda, and Shibuya—remains a top choice for high-end properties with strong demand and appreciation potential.

Areas like Osaka and Fukuoka are ex­cellent options for rental income. Osaka is hosting the World Expo in 2025 and developing an integrated resort with a casino, making it a hub for tourism and business. Fukuoka, on the other hand, is a gateway for international travelers, especially from South Korea. Both cities offer properties at 60–80% of Tokyo pric­es, with higher rental yields.

Finally, Kumamoto is emerging as a hotspot due to the establishment of a large semiconductor facility by TSMC. This development is driving population growth and increasing demand for residential and retail properties.