Japan Real Estate Summit

OCT

4-5

Autumn 2025

Tokyo International Forum

Presents

Learn from Japan's leading foreign real estate experts

The Japan Real Estate Summit is back this fall!

Mark your calendars for October 4–5, 2025 (Saturday & Sunday) in Tokyo for the most anticipated real estate summit in Japan.

This premier Japan Real Estate Conference brings together leading experts, investors, and professionals to explore real estate investment opportunities in Japan, from short-term rentals to luxury and commercial properties.

Join industry leaders such as Ziv Nakajima-Magen, Emil Gorgees, Tracey Northcott, Blanka Kobayashi, Anton Wörmann, Nick Woolsey, Alicia Qin Wang, Chai Kanda, Jacob Rashidi, John Cross, Rose Tipka, and returning favorites Matthew Ketchum, Shu Matsuo Post & Brett Lee, co-founders of akiyahub.com plus CPA Daigo Sato—each bringing valuable insights from years of experience in Japan’s evolving real estate market.

The Japan Real Estate Summit Tokyo highlights the trends transforming the industry today, including digital branding, marketing automation, and innovative investment strategies. Whether you’re an agent, investor, or property enthusiast, this Japan real estate conference offers a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. Explore our Real Estate Professionals page.

Expect more speakers, more topics, and more opportunities to network! Enjoy hands-on workshops, breakout sessions, and private consultations designed to help you succeed in Japan’s dynamic property market.

Early Bird Discount Prices! Grab them now if you are joining us!

Saturday-Sunday, 4-5 October

Tokyo International Forum, 3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
1 minute from Tokyo / Yurakucho Station
CLICK HERE FOR GOOGLE MAP LINK

Event Schedule – Day 1 (Saturday, Oct 4, 2025)

Streaming Room

Oct 4, 2025 (SAT)

10:00 – 10:30

Registration & Kick-off

10:30 – 10:45

Agenda Review & Orientation

10:45 – 11:30

Maximizing Profitability in Short-Term Rentals: Property Traits That Matter

Speaker: Chai Kanda

A masterclass on maximizing short term rental profitability, focusing on key property characteristics that drive returns.

11:30 – 12:15

From Search to Settlement: Real Stories of Buying Homes in Japan

Speaker: Emil Gorgees

Emil will present real case study walkthroughs, showcasing the different journeys different families take as they buy their homes in Japan – from initial searches to financing, costs and decision making.

12:15 – 13:15

Lunch & Free Networking

13:15 – 14:00

Financing Your Japan Investment: Loan Access & Market Updates 2025–26​

Speaker: Alicia Qin Wang

Securing an investment loan, in-person or remotely – 2025-2026 market & Lender Updates.

14:00 – 14:45

Smart Micro-Investments in Hokkaido: How to Buy, Renovate & Operate

Speaker: Jacob Rashidi

Micro-investments for ¥10–20M across Hokkaido – how to buy, setup and run hospitality properties utilizing smart licensing, disciplined renovations, and local community contacts.

14:45 – 15:15

Free Networking

15:15 – 16:00

Pre-Purchase Inspections: Hidden Risks in Japan’s Traditional Homes

Speaker: Ziv Nakajima-Magen
Streaming

Pre-Purchase Structural Inspections & What They Reveal –make sure you know what you’re getting into, when buying into that traditional, charming and affordable holiday home in Japan.

16:00 – 16:45

Experts Q&A Panel 1

Speakers: All experts
Streaming Room

18:30 – 20:30

Gala Dinner

Nearby venue – separate tickets required

Private Room

Oct 4, 2025 (SAT)

11:30 – 12:15

Chai Kanda – Osaka Market Case Studies

13:15 – 14:00

Private Consultations

14:00 – 14:45

Alicia Qin Wang – Financed Investment Case Studies

15:15 – 16:00

Jacob Rashidi – Case Study: Turning an Akiya into a Licensed Stay

Event Schedule – Day 2 (Sunday, Oct 5, 2025)

Streaming Room

Oct 5, 2025 (SUN)

10:00 – 10:15

Registration & Kick-off

10:15 – 11:00 

Psychology of the Guest Experience

Speaker: Rose Tipka

Bridging the gap between what hosts think they deliver and what guests actually experience, with a practical framework.

11:00 – 11:45

Imminent Business Manager Visa Changes

Speaker: Nick Woolsey

What’s coming next and how it impacts property investors & business owners.

11:45 – 12:30

Basic Tax Rules for Property Investment via GK/KK

Speaker: Daigo Sato

Includes corporate structuring and consumption tax refund tips.

12:30 – 13:30

Lunch & Free Networking

13:30 – 14:15

Reviving Japan’s Akiya through Design

Speaker: Anton Wormann

Case studies and walkthroughs of creative renovation projects.

15:30 – 16:15

AkiyaHub Data Insights (12,000 Members)

Speakers: Shu Matsuo Post & Brett Lee

End-to-end purchase journey takeaways, with case study breakdowns & analysis

17:00 – 17:45

Tearful Goodbyes & Photo-Ops

18:00 – 20:00

🎉 The Afterparty!!!

Nearby venue – separate tickets required

Private Room

Oct 5, 2025 (SUN)

10:15 – 11:00

Private Consultations

11:00 – 11:45

The Art of Guest Communication

Speaker: Tracey Northcott

How great communication builds trust, guest loyalty, and profits.

11:45 – 12:30

The 30M JPY Conundrum

Speaker: Nick Woolsey

Exploring options for medium-sized business opportunities.

14:15 – 15:00

Inheritance Tax for Non-Residents

Speaker: Daigo Sato

Understanding cross-border complexities for property owners

14:15 – 15:00

How to work with a Bilingual VA - a practical guide

Speaker: Yuki Kawano

15:30 – 16:15

1-on-1 Problem Solving for Remote Business Management

Speaker: John Cross

Guest Speakers

Alicia Qin Wang

Alicia is a seasoned real estate investor in both the US and Japan. She has been helping foreign investors to acquire great cash flowing investment properties and obtaining loans from Japanese banks, as well as providing creative financing options to help clients purchase properties, identifying investment properties, profitability analysis, loan application & processing, and property management. She holds law degrees from both Japan and the US, and is also a licensed attorney, real estate agent and loan officer in the US.

After a fulfilling career as an international model, Anton made Tokyo his home in 2019, embarking on a mission to transform abandoned Japanese homes, known as ‘Akiya,’ into stunning spaces infused with a harmonious blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design.

Blanka Kobayashi is Director Of Marketing And Public Relations at “Ark Reform” – Tokyo’s leading bi-lingual renovation & repair firm, providing comprehensive interior design, renovations and installations of residential and commercial properties nation-wide.

Chai Kanda

Chai Kanda is a Kyoto-based real estate expert and serial entrepreneur dedicated to helping foreigners invest in and manage traditional Japanese properties. Born in Sydney to an Australian father and Japanese mother, he moved to Japan in 2007. Following a successful professional career, Chai leveraged his deep understanding of Japanese culture to found Shiki Properties in 2014. Today, his company is renowned as one of Kyoto’s most internationally friendly real estate and property management firms. With extensive experience in domestic tourism and strong government connections, Chai is committed to preserving Japan’s architectural heritage while making property investment seamless and profitable for global buyers.

SATO LW Tax Co., a Tokyo‑based tax accounting firm offering services in tax, accounting, payroll outsourcing, corporate secretarial services, inheritance / gift /  international asset planning, and more.

A Tokyo real estate agent who specializes in helping foreign and mixed families find their perfect family home. Emil is an Australian, and has been living in Japan for the past two decades – nine years of which he’s been actively buying, selling and managing real estate properties in the city, on behalf of his own family and a great many happy clients. Emil also acts as a mortgage broker on behalf of his clients.

Jacob Rashidiis Founder of Jacob Management and Co-Founder of Hokkaido Hobby Homes 株式会社. A former Navy SEAL officer, he has lived in Hokkaido since 2009, where he helps foreign clients invest in and manage properties across Japan’s northern frontier. His company blends real estate advisory, property management, vehicle rentals, and luxury tour guiding into a seamless service rooted in omotenashi. A seasoned traveler who has backpacked across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Oceania, Jacob combines a global perspective with deep local expertise — proudly calling himself a “fully Hokkaido man.”Ainomira.

Born in Colorado and raised in Quebec, John runs a back-office support company for property managers in Japan. He’s been in Japan for the better part of the last decade with time split between Tokyo and Fukuoka.

Nick Woolsey, founder of Japan Remotely, is a Japan expert and lifestyle design consultant who helps people move to Japan strategically. Before clients make this life-altering decision, he asks crucial questions like: “Why are you doing this?” and “What will the end result look like?” Having lived across multiple regions of Japan—from rural English teacher to Tokyo salaryman—Nick learned the hard way so you don’t have to. Catch him at the summit to share your story and ask: “How do I move to Japan?”

Shu Matsuo Post is a passionate real estate investor – his journey began in the U.S. in 2018, where he rapidly scaled his portfolio to 19 rental units in just four years. After discovering Japan’s akiya phenomenon & the growing number of abandoned homes, he saw an incredible opportunity. In late 2023, he has purchased his first akiya, and in less than a year, has expanded to six properties in Kanagawa. Now, together with his partner, Brett Lee, a serial founder, entrepreneur and investor who has built and scaled multiple million-dollar companies, they are on a mission to help others unlock the potential of Japan’s hidden real estate gems, via the establishment of the “Akiya Hub” online platform and community.

Australian Tracey Northcott of Enfour, Tokyo Family Stays and Tracey Northcott Consulting, is a serial entrepreneur and multi-preneur based in Tokyo, Japan. She is one of the most successful AirBnB hosts in Tokyo. She also runs Software development company Enfour with her family as well as Tracey Northcott Consulting where she helps other hosts discover the true potential of their STR or AirBnb business maximizing their investment, enjoyment and hospitality standards.

Rose Tipka is a homeschooling mom of 6, best selling author, and Vacation Rental Expert, founder of “Your Family’s Place”, a vacation rental company nestled in Ohio’s Amish country focused on multi-generational, pet-friendly, large homes, and the mom behind “Hosting In the Motherhood”.

Ziv Nakajima-Magen and his partner, Chikako, have co-founded and been operating Nippon Tradings International (NTI) since 2011 – a firm specializing in assisting foreigners research, source, acquire and manage real estate property anywhere in Japan, with a focus on investment properties and holiday homes. He is also co-founder and COO of Nippon Bridge, assisting non-resident foreigners conducting other business in and relocating to Japan.

Highlights from Summit Spring 2025

Sponsors of the JREP Summit

Innovacious Favicon

Innovacious

Innovacious.com provides Website Redesign and completely done-for-you AI-Powered Content Creation including weekly blog posts, weekly social media posts and weekly newsletters, for busy business owners — including attendees and speakers at this summit like the amazing Tracey Northcott, for example.

👉 Get a free personalized audit of your website delivered to you in less than 60 minutes: Request Your Audit

(If you’re in real estate and curious how this plays out in your world, explore how we support Real Estate Professionals here)

Axolotl Capital

Axolotl Capital - provides one stop service for international investors: sourcing off-market investment properties, profitability analysis, getting loans to purchase, and property management.

Hokkaido Hobby Homes

Hokkaido Hobby Homes has been helping turn small, cold houses into warm, legal, guest-loved stays, for over 15 years. Their promise - you can own or co-own a property in Hokkaido, renovate only what matters, and license it for short or medium term stays - for less than 20 mil JPY. Their goal - to provide guests with the opportunity to build meaningful connections with their local community, and experience the true spirit of Japanese hospitality.

Japan Remotely

Japan Remotely empowers individuals to realize their dream of moving to Japan through personalized guidance and expertise. With the mission to help you relocate to Japan on your terms, we provide comprehensive consultation on life passions, viable business models in the Japanese market, and navigate the complex visa landscape alongside Japan's evolving legal requirements. Whether you're an entrepreneur, remote worker, or seeking a fresh start, Japan Remotely makes your Japanese relocation journey clear and achievable. Moving to Japan, Made Possible!

Mailmate

If you are going to operate in Japan, you are going to receive Japanese mail. MailMate is a mail and bill-pay service helping home-owners and airbnb operators receive and manage their Japanese mail from abroad. We receive, scan, and upload your mail and paper bills online so you can manage it from anywhere.

RealEstate.jp

Presented by https://realestate.jp/ – helping foreigners buy their perfect home in Tokyo.

Sato

SATO LW Tax Co., a Tokyo‑based tax accounting firm offering services in tax, accounting, payroll outsourcing, corporate secretarial services, inheritance/gift/international asset planning, and more.

Shiki Properties

Shiki Properties - https://shikiproperties.com/ - are Kyoto’s premier licensed STR management and brokerage firm, helping international and domestic buyers for over 10 years with property selection, purchase, and management.

FAQs

Who is this summit for?

The Japan Real Estate Summit is for anyone interested in buying, selling, maintaining, renovating, or managing property in Japan. It’s also for anyone who wants to learn more about Japan’s real estate investment opportunities and hear what’s happening in the market directly from our diverse panel of experts.

Our panel members are all experienced professionals in their respective fields, bringing together a wealth of knowledge and real-world insight. They represent everything from property purchase and short-term rentals to Akiya ownership, complete renovations, and even tax and legal matters—making this Japan real estate conference one of the most well-rounded events in the industry.

Yes, of course! There are Q&A sessions at the end of each presentation, and we also have breakout sessions where smaller groups can connect directly with panel members. It’s a great way to get more personal insights during the real estate summit in Tokyo and discuss your ideas freely.

The Japan Real Estate Summit has been held twice a year since 2022. This year’s Autumn Summit at the excellent Tokyo Forum in the heart of the city marks our 6th event! Each one keeps growing, with more sessions and even more Japan real estate investment opportunities to explore.

That’s easy — and the after-summit feedback always proves it! Attendees, many of whom return year after year, walk away with practical knowledge, meaningful connections, and lasting friendships with like-minded individuals. The Japan Real Estate Summit in Tokyo is truly a special event. Come and see for yourself!

The Japan Real Estate Summit Autumn 2025

Date: Sat-Sun, 4-5 October – 10am-6pm

Venue: Tokyo International Forum, 3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (1 minute from Tokyo / Yurakucho Station)

Tickets:

In-person – Full weekend (Sat AND Sun) – 15,000 JPY
In-person – One day only (Sat OR Sun) – 8,000
JPY Streaming/Online (Both days) – 8,000 JPY

Early Bird Discount Prices! Grab them now if you are joining us!
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