According to a survey by a private housing information site, about 40% of foreign respondents said they felt discriminated against or treated unfairly when looking for a home or signing a contract simply because of their nationality.
Instagram video that became a hot topic
Joshua Thomson, a British national who was born and raised in Japan and speaks Japanese fluently, has posted a video about his experience of being rejected by a real estate agent.
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| Joshua Thompson explains his experience of finding a home in Japan |
Mr Thompson said he was very upset by the story of the real estate agent who kept saying "foreigners are not allowed". But he added that he wanted to change the situation by adding humor to the story.
The video has been viewed over 2.7 million times and has been met with comments from people who have had similar experiences.
One comment read, "I was rejected even though I work for a major Japanese company as a permanent resident," while another said, "I've lived in Japan for over 20 years and I've always been rejected."
Rejection even if there is a Japanese guarantor
The video also had a comment from a 36-year-old Spanish man. He came to Japan six years ago and works as a university lecturer. In January 2023, he emailed a real estate agency to show him a condominium in Hyogo Prefecture.
However, he was told that even if he had a Japanese guarantor, a foreigner could not reside in the condominium.
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| Man Discriminated Against in Housing Search in Japan |
"I was taken aback," he confessed. "There were no questions about salary or job, and they didn't know anything about me, but I felt like I was rejected simply because of my nationality."
He asked the local attorney's office to investigate the matter, but was told they could do nothing and he dropped the case.
“I am disappointed that there are real estate companies that refuse to accept foreigners, and I am also disappointed with the government’s response,” he added.
Real Estate Companies: The Reality of Japan
NHK contacted the real estate company about this matter, and the manager said there was no intention of rejecting foreigners.
The manager said the employee who originally responded to the email had already left the company and that it may have been a misunderstanding as it was a very busy time.
“Honestly, there are other real estate companies that do not accept foreigners, and that seems to be the reality in Japan,” the manager added.
Concerns of property owners and management companies
Behind the reluctance of property owners and management companies to rent to foreigners is concern about trouble.
According to a 2022 survey by an industry group, 52.7% of property owners said they had experienced trouble while renting to foreigners. The most common problems were not following trash separation methods and noise complaints.
Expert: “Word of mouth spreads even without direct experience”
Masao Ogino, executive director of the Japan Rental Housing Management Association, a public interest incorporated foundation, is well-versed in the foreign rental market. According to Ogino, there are many negative rumors about foreign rentals, and even if they have not experienced it themselves, there are landlords and companies who worry after hearing about troubles from others.
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| Masao Ogino (Executive Director, Japan Rental Housing Management Association, Public Interest Incorporated) |
An empty room that no one uses
A landlord who owns properties in three prefectures, including Shizuoka, tells of a time late last year when Southeast Asian tenants vacated their rooms.
He said the room he had rented had suffered extensive damage and he was busy dealing with the situation.
He estimated it would cost 650,000 yen (about $4,180) to clean up the mess.
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| The landlord confessed that he would suffer a huge loss due to repair costs. |
One landlord who goes by the name Shaolin Wuha online has taken to detailing the precautions for foreign tenants when they move in. He wants them to adopt the “Japanese way of life.”
He plans to provide cleaning supplies and pesticides and teach them how to use them.
He thinks he wants to continue renting to foreigners.
"If we can accept foreigners on good terms, the vacancy period will be shortened and we will be able to continue the rental business."
Win-Win Solution
Gong Yiqun, an employee of a company that runs a housing information site in Tokyo, is originally from Shanghai. Gong has lived in Japan since he was five and has had a hard time finding a place to live.
Mr. Gong created a real estate agency search site based on his own experience. This site allows people, including foreigners, who have difficulty finding a home to easily search for real estate agencies. There are about 4,400 real estate agencies, mainly in urban areas, accepting foreign customers.
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| Mr. Gong Ik-kun, who runs FRIENDLY DOOR, a search site for the socially disadvantaged |
A real estate agency in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, listed on its website, is actively hiring foreign workers, believing they will add value to its business.
Mr. Gong went to meet them.
A Chinese employee emphasized that the company has fewer problems because it explains important information to customers in their native language.
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| Mr. Gong Yi-kun (right) with his manager and Chinese staff |
One employee said that when writing a contract, they explain in detail Japanese etiquette, such as how to separate trash and take off shoes indoors.
Mr. Gong said he hopes the network will expand nationwide to help expats find homes.
"We will definitely seize business opportunities while reducing risks, and I believe that is a win-win for everyone," said Gong.
"If Japanese real estate companies become friendly to everyone, including foreigners, our services will become unnecessary, and that is our biggest goal."