If you own property in Japan and you don’t live there, you are legally required to have a domestic point of contact registered on your behalf. Someone in Japan whose name and address sits on file with the government.
This has been the law since April 2024. Most foreign buyers ignored it because it wasn’t really enforced. Agents let it slide. The paperwork went through anyway.
That’s not happening with us anymore.
Japan is actively tightening enforcement around foreign-owned property. Nationality disclosure is now mandatory at registration. FEFTA reporting has expanded to cover all buyers. The government is building the infrastructure to track exactly who owns what and whether they’re complying.
The domestic point of contact requirement was always part of that picture. It’s just being taken seriously now.
Your POC can be anyone with a Japanese address. A friend. Your property manager. Your agent. If you don’t have someone, that’s what we’re here for. Our Essentials plan covers it and much more ( Property tax payment, Utility setup and payment, Home owners setup and payment) at $1,965/year.
The POC is just a reachable domestic contact, someone the government can chase down if you disappear. They’re not liable for your taxes, not responsible for paying anything, not a tax accountant. Just a name and address on file that says “if you can’t reach the owner, call this person.”
We’re not offering this as an upsell. We’re telling you it’s non-negotiable. We will not walk a client through a purchase without this box checked. The days of checking NONE are unfortunately over.
Get someone on file before you close. If that someone is us that’s great.
Ready to buy a house?: Book a call here
Browse opportunities yourself: Check out current listings at Nipponhomes.com
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This content is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects my personal opinions and experience. I am not a licensed financial advisor, tax advisor, or attorney. Readers should conduct their own due diligence and consult qualified professionals before making any investment decisions.
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Our team
Meet the founders.
Derek has been working in the Airbnb space for the past 10+ years and recently purchased a home in Japan. He is excited to bring this investment opportunity to others in the States & abroad.
Nick has a passion for adventure and has always dreamed of owning a property in Japan. His dreams finally came true when Derek brought him in on a deal of a lifetime in Hokkaido, Japan - one of Nick's favorite places on Earth.