The Global Phoenix - Issue 4 The Global Phoenix - Issue 4 | Page 31

4. What are the housing options for expatriate workers?
Tokyo’s selection of apartments far outnumbers the supply of houses.
Apartments have been built with the expatriate market in mind, thereby
satisfying Western tastes. They are spacious. In lieu of a garden,
many have large balconies, spacious kitchens with modern Western
appliances, advanced security systems, playrooms, family rooms, dens
or offices and accommodation for household help. Western apartments
tend to be substantially more expensive than the typically smaller
Japanese apartments. Although there are many houses available within
the Yamanote circular line, they are smaller, more expensive and have
very little to no outdoor/garden space.
After the strong earthquake that struck Japan in 2011, many expats
left the country and many properties became vacant. As a result, the
market dropped. However, compared to the rent prices 2-3 years
ago, the rents have increased. Security deposits and utilities remain
unchanged. Property values in Tokyo have risen about 5-10% in the last
six months across the city, particularly in the Azabu and Hiroo districts.
Although there is a general upward trend in the city rent prices, the
Sakurashinmachi, Komazawa and Yoyogi Uehara areas have stayed the
same. Activities have been shifting towards the Toranomon area, which
could become the most sought-after neighbourhood for expats in the
future.
For long-term assignments, fixed-term leases of 2-3 years are
becoming more popular for expats.
For short-term assignments, serviced apartment availability is very tight
regardless of room types.
5. What about international schooling?
There are over 30 international schools for expat families to choose
from, catering for levels: Kindergarten / Elementary / Junior-High /
High School.
6. From your experience, what are the biggest challenges for
western expats relocating to Japan?
Language is the biggest challenge for individuals relocating to Japan.
Then there are numerous small differences in everyday life. For
example: a taxi door opens automatically, most homes have a shoes-
off rule, you cannot use a mobile phone to talk in a train carriage, the
super-busy rush-hour traffic compounded by overpopulation, etc. But
still, the biggest challenge is the language barrier!
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