![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sms-bridges.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Magazine-Property-Access-photo-1.jpg\")
Property Access serves as an all-in-one destination for Filipinos eager to explore Japan\u2019s burgeoning property market. From off-market list\u00adings tailored to individual needs, to comprehensive market intelligence, seamless transactions, and full support through turnover\u2013\u2013clients are in capable hands with a dynamic team deeply knowledgeable about the Japanese market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this exclusive interview with Bridges, Founder and CEO Hiroki Kazato shares proprietary insights into the Japanese property landscape\u2013\u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read on for an inside look at how Property Access can empower you to kickstart your person\u00adalized investment journey in Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bridges<\/strong>: Tell me a little bit about Property Access, Hiroki-san. How did you get into the property business?<\/h3>\n\n\n\nHiroki Kazato<\/strong>:Property Access was founded in 2017 with the goal of introducing overseas properties\u2014primarily in Southeast Asia\u2014to Jap\u00adanese investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\nJapanese investors often have conservative preferences for overseas investments, and there\u2019s also a lack of resources available to them in Japa\u00adnese. Property Access bridges this gap and provides Japanese investors with access to overseas real estate opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\nJapanese investors often have conservative preferences for overseas investments, and there\u2019s also a lack of resources available to them in Japa\u00adnese. Property Access bridges this gap and provides Japanese investors with access to overseas real estate opportunities.<\/p>Hiroki Kazato<\/strong>, co-founder of Property Access<\/mark><\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWe noticed a shift after about four to five years during COVID-19. Many foreign investors began reaching out to us about purchasing Japanese prop\u00aderties. They were looking for information on how to invest in Japan\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What makes the Japanese real es\u00adtate market appealing, especially considering Japan\u2019s unique econom\u00adic and cultural landscape? Why is Japan an attractive destination for real estate investment, particularly for Filipinos?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Japan\u2019s 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 popu\u00adlation, the vacancy rates are surprisingly low and the market remains stable, particularly in terms of rental income. When combined with Japan\u2019s world-class infrastructure, it becomes an attractive investment destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Filipinos, the proximity of Japan adds to its appeal. Additionally, English proficiency among younger Japanese peo\u00adple is improving, which helps ease com\u00admunication and investment processes. Aside from investments, Japan is becom\u00ading a popular destination for retirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sms-bridges.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Magazine-Property-Access-photo-2.jpg\")
All images courtesy of Property Access<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s 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?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
I believe the yen will remain weak for at least the next three to four years. This situation poses challenges for Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Firstly, Japan\u2019s trade deficit continues to grow\u2014not 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 manufac\u00adture extensively in other countries, which means their earnings don\u2019t always flow back to Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, Japan\u2019s monetary policy contributes to the weak yen. The US Federal Reserve prioritizes a strong dollar, while Japan\u2019s central bank faces constraints in raising interest rates due to its national deficit. As a result, the yen\u2019s depreciation is likely to continue, which makes Japan a favorable mar\u00adket for international investors looking for opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s the profile of a typical Filipi\u00adno investor in the Japanese real estate market? Are they more likely to be in\u00adstitutional or retail investors, and what are their main objectives\u2014investment or secondary homes?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The short flight time from the Philip\u00adpines 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 prop\u00aderties for Airbnb. With Japan\u2019s tourism rebounding, these types of investments offer significant potential for rental in\u00adcome growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Japanese investors often have conservative preferences for overseas investments, and there\u2019s also a lack of resources available to them in Japa\u00adnese. Property Access bridges this gap and provides Japanese investors with access to overseas real estate opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Japanese investors often have conservative preferences for overseas investments, and there\u2019s also a lack of resources available to them in Japa\u00adnese. Property Access bridges this gap and provides Japanese investors with access to overseas real estate opportunities.<\/p>Hiroki Kazato<\/strong>, co-founder of Property Access<\/mark><\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n We noticed a shift after about four to five years during COVID-19. Many foreign investors began reaching out to us about purchasing Japanese prop\u00aderties. They were looking for information on how to invest in Japan\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Japan\u2019s 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 popu\u00adlation, the vacancy rates are surprisingly low and the market remains stable, particularly in terms of rental income. When combined with Japan\u2019s world-class infrastructure, it becomes an attractive investment destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For Filipinos, the proximity of Japan adds to its appeal. Additionally, English proficiency among younger Japanese peo\u00adple is improving, which helps ease com\u00admunication and investment processes. Aside from investments, Japan is becom\u00ading a popular destination for retirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I believe the yen will remain weak for at least the next three to four years. This situation poses challenges for Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Firstly, Japan\u2019s trade deficit continues to grow\u2014not 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 manufac\u00adture extensively in other countries, which means their earnings don\u2019t always flow back to Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, Japan\u2019s monetary policy contributes to the weak yen. The US Federal Reserve prioritizes a strong dollar, while Japan\u2019s central bank faces constraints in raising interest rates due to its national deficit. As a result, the yen\u2019s depreciation is likely to continue, which makes Japan a favorable mar\u00adket for international investors looking for opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The short flight time from the Philip\u00adpines 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 prop\u00aderties for Airbnb. With Japan\u2019s tourism rebounding, these types of investments offer significant potential for rental in\u00adcome growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat makes the Japanese real es\u00adtate market appealing, especially considering Japan\u2019s unique econom\u00adic and cultural landscape? Why is Japan an attractive destination for real estate investment, particularly for Filipinos?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s 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?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s the profile of a typical Filipi\u00adno investor in the Japanese real estate market? Are they more likely to be in\u00adstitutional or retail investors, and what are their main objectives\u2014investment or secondary homes?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n