Property Management Hints and Tips from Japan

Delivering Japanese Real Estate Information and More!

Living in Japan Real Estate Investment

Hazard Map and Real Estate Investment

投稿日:2019-10-30 更新日:

Japan is a hazard vulnerable zone. Every year, Japan gets hit by numerous natural disasters such as earthquakes, cyclones, typhoons, floods, and even volcanic eruptions. Depending on the area, the destruction of natural disasters can be more severe than that of other area.

Hazard Map by Japan Government

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has published a map showing area that are under the risk of floods, mudslides, and tsunami. This map also shows at what level the area is at risk of the above natural disasters.

Below are maps showing areas near Tokyo that are under the risk of floods. The color red refers to higher risk compare to orange and yellow.

We can see that Edogawa Ward, Katsushika Ward and Adachi Ward are mainly covered in red and orange.

       

You can access the hazard map HERE.

This map is available for all area in Japan and you can search by inserting an address.

 

Typhoon Hagibis Taking a Toll in Kanto Region

So, how does this relate to real estate investment?

This has been mentioned many times in my past blog, but again, when buying a real estate, location is crucial.

Besides railway station and the distance from the station, the risk of being affected by natural disasters is also one factor that cannot be neglected.

Typhoon Hagibis that hit the Kanto region of Japan on October 12th, 2019, was one of the most devastating typhoons in the past years.

Heavy rain was observed in the Kanto region. Hakone marked a new national record with a total rainfall of 922.5mm in 24 hours.

The extremely intensive rainfall took a toll in Kanto Region.

The Tama River in Setagaya Ward of Tokyo overflowed and flooded at least 40 houses and leaving several under power outage and suspension of water supply.

High Rise Residential Buildings Affected

Futagotamagawa in Setagaya Ward and Musashikosugi in Kawasaki, were newly redeveloped area with high rise residential complexes that are popular among young couples and families with mid to high income.

In Typhoon Hagibis, the undergound electric switchboard in these high rise residential complexes were flooded triggering power outage and malfunction to elevators. The backflow from drainage pipies due to overflow of the Tama River cut off water supply to the buildings. Residents were trapped with no power and water supply.

Who’s at fault?

Japanese criticizes developers who involved in developing the area and the high rise buildings. Futagotamagawa and Musashikosugi are low-lying areas that are prompt to floods in case of river overflow.

In fact, when looking at old landscape maps, Futagotamagawa and Musashikosugi are full of water channels conntecting to the Tama River.

Below is a comparison of Futagotamawa between 1896 – 1909 and present.

Residential area was set miles behind the Tama River. People from the past have already realized the danger of living around the river and built their homes far away from the risk zone.

Left: 1896-1909 Right: present

You can access the above map HERE.

Price of Real Estate at Musashikosugi

High rise residential buildings in Musashikosugi

 

Musashikosugi has been featuring by media as one of the most desirable cities to live in. Real estate price has also been accelerating as a result of the redevelopment and reconstruction of infrastructure.

However, after Typhoon Hagibis, it is predicted that the price will remain the same or even drop for a while.

Ownership of a high rise residential complex used to be a symbol of wealth, however, many reconsider their decision when purchasing a property after this natural disaster.

 

For more information, please visit our home page at

-Living in Japan, Real Estate Investment
-, ,

執筆者:


comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CAPTCHA


関連記事

OYO Life – New Style of Renting in Japan

Renting a room in Japan could be time-consuming and frustrating sometimes. The rental process of room-searching to actually moving-in could take as long as a month in most cases. To make the rental process more convenient, OYO Life has launched its business in Japan in 2019. Hassle-free Rental OYO Life provides furnished-rooms with a hassle-free rental process. As some of you may have already known, OYO Life was first established in India in 2013 and later in China in 2017. Up to date, OYO Life is operating 450,000 units around the world including Japan. While conditions might differ among countries, in …

Civil law amendment in 120 years! How does the new law affect rental in real estate?

Civil law in Japan was amended for the first time in 120 years and the new regulations have come to effect on April 1st 2020 (with exclusion). New regulations apply to all lease agreements ‘’signed’’ after the effective date. Keep in mind that ‘’signing date’’ and ‘’starting date’’ of a lease is different. Even if your lease starts after April 1st, if you sign your name on March 31st, the new regulations do not apply Let’s look at the changes that the amendments made in the rental market! Below are the most frequent asked questions. Will there be more or …

Convenience Store in Japan No Longer Open 24 Hours

Japan is well known for its convenient lifestyle. You can find over 50,000 convenience stores across Japan that operate 24 hours a day and 365 days days a year. Since the first convenience store established in 1974, it has become an essential existence in everyday life. The distance to a convenience store is often used as an appealing point in rental apartment advertisement. While convenience stores are already concentrated in Tokyo, many people prefer to have one within a couple minutes by foot. More Than Just Groceries Besides groceries and basic medications, you can find ATM and printing service in Japan’s …

Harajuku Station Renovation

Harajuku station, the symbol of youth culture and one of the most visited landmarks in Tokyo, has fulfilled its duty on March 21st, 2020. Oldest wooden structured railway station in Tokyo I am sure a most of you are familiar with this station as it is one of the most visited tourist spots in Tokyo area. Harajuku station is the oldest wooden structured railway station in Tokyo, built in 1924. Since then, it has been serving approximately 70 thousand passengers each day on the JR Yamanote Line. While many related Harajuku to youth culture and latest trends, Harajuku station actually …

Types of Fees Involved in Selling a Property in Japan

Many investors purchased properties in Japan with the anticipation of an optimistic growth in the real estate market driven by 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. With a few months left to 2020 Olympics, investors are curious about the value of their properties. Today, I am going to introduce the expenses that comes along with property selling in Japan. Brokerage Fee This is a fee paid to the broker who conducts the selling process on behalf of the owner. The maximum amount is stated by the real estate brokerage act. For transactions over 4,000,000JPY, the fee is as below. Final sale price …