Two days of insight on buying, owning and investing in Japan
Join us in Tokyo for two intensive days of insight into buying, owning, and investing in real estate in Japan. Presented by RealEstate.jp, The Japan Real Estate Summit brings together leading professionals, investors, and industry experts to share practical knowledge, real-world strategies, and on-the-ground experience.
Whether you’re exploring your first property in Japan, expanding an investment portfolio, or navigating renovation, financing, short-term rentals, or long-term living, this summit is designed to give you clarity and confidence.
What to Expect
- Expert talks and panel discussions from top voices in Japanese real estate
- Actionable guidance on purchasing, renovating, financing, and managing property
- Insights into akiya (vacant homes), family stays, rentals, and retirement planning
- Opportunities to connect with trusted service providers and fellow investors
- Networking in an international, English-friendly environment
Who Should Attend
- Foreign buyers and investors interested in Japan
- Current property owners seeking better returns or smoother operations
- Entrepreneurs, expats, and future residents planning a move to Japan
- Anyone curious about how Japan’s real estate market really works
With speakers from RealEstate.jp, Ark Reform, Nippon Tradings International, Tokyo Family Stays and more, this is your chance to learn directly from people doing the work every day.
🌸 Spring 2026 in Tokyo is the perfect time to level up your Japan real estate journey.
Join us in April. Secure your spot for the Summit now.
Saturday-Sunday, 18-19 April
Pullman Tokyo Tamachi, 9th Floor
〒108-0023 Tokyo, 3 Chome−1−21 Shibaura Minato
CLICK HERE FOR GOOGLE MAP LINK
Event Schedule – Day 1 (Saturday, Apr 18, 2026)
Main Room
Apr 18, 2025 (SAT)
10:00 – 10:30
Registration & Kick-off
10:30 – 10:45
Agenda Review & Orientation
10:45 – 11:30
Buy Smart: The Fundamentals of Choosing the Right Home in Tokyo
Speaker: Emil Gorgees
Before you sign a contract, understand what really matters. This session covers budgeting, location strategy, property type decisions, and long term planning so you can choose a home in Tokyo with clarity and confidence.
11:30 – 12:15
Brett Lee & Shu Matsuo Post
Speaker: Brett Lee & Shu Matsuo Post
Everyone loves free stuff… and cats. A breakdown of buyer focused resources and data insights for 2026 from the AkiyaHub team, and a case study on what ‘free’ really means in Japanese real estate.
12:15 – 13:15
Lunch & Free Time
13:15 – 14:00
2026 Update - Non-Residents Can Now Finance Condo Units
Speaker: Alicia Qin Wang
Alicia will share new non-resident loan options, now available not only for entire buildings, but for condominium apartments too.
14:00 – 14:45
How to Plan Ahead for a Successful Renovation Project
Speaker: Blanka Kobayashi
The dos and don’ts of renovations in Japan. Blanka shares the 2026 Japanese playbook to help you ensure your projects are done on time and budget.
14:45 – 15:15
Free Time
15:15 – 16:00
Beyond Short Term Stays: Scaling into 10–20 Room Boutique Hotels
Speaker: Chai Kanda
As the STR market matures, the next frontier is the 10–20 room boutique hotel—blending guesthouse intimacy with professional hotel features. This session provides a “boots on the ground” guide to navigating this transition, drawing on active knockdown-rebuild and remodeling projects in Kyoto.
16:00 – 16:45
The Use Case for AI in Real Estate Businesses
Speakers: Brittany Arthur
18:00 – 20:00
Gala Dinner (separate tickets required)
Breakout Room
Apr 18, 2025 (SAT)
11:30 – 12:15
Private Consultations
13:15 – 14:00
Borrow Smart: Home Loan Strategy for Foreign Residents in Japan
Speaker: Emil Gorgees
Designed for foreign residents living and working in Japan, this session explains how home loans work, who qualifies, how much you can borrow, and what to expect from pre approval through settlement. Clear, practical guidance using real examples.
14:00 – 14:45
Alicia Qin Wang – Investment Loans Case Studies
15:15 – 16:00
Private Consultations
15:15 – 16:00
Ski Investments Case Studies + Navigating Kyoto Regulations & Compliance
Ben Howard & Yi Zhang (Shiki Properties)
Event Schedule – Day 2 (Sunday, Apr 19, 2026)
Main Room
Apr 19, 2026 (SUN)
10:00 – 10:15
Registration & Kick-off
10:15 – 11:00
Beyond Investment & Incorporation – the Yen Loans Offer
Speaker: Mark Drabkin
Mark will break down “Yen Loans” financing product for non-resident buyers – finance your holiday home, AirBnb property, or leverage your existing portfolio for any project, real-estate related or otherwise.
11:00 – 11:45
Creating Value
11:45 – 12:30
Due Diligence or Disaster
12:30 – 13:30
Lunch & Free Time
13:30 – 14:15
Avoid Tax Unknown Unknowns in Japan
15:00 – 15:30
Free Time
15:30 – 16:15
Deal Dynamics
16:15 – 17:00
Experts Q&A Panel
17:00 – 17:45
Tearful Goodbyes & Photo-Ops
18:00 – 20:00
🎉 The Afterparty!!!
Breakout Room
Apr 19, 2026 (SUN)
10:15 – 11:00
Private Consultations
11:00 – 11:45
Mark Drabkin
11:45 – 12:30
Ziv Nakajima-Magen
13:30 – 15:00
The Minpaku Risk Lab™ - A Hands-On Due Diligence Workshop Minpaku rewards structure — and punishes assumption.
15:30 – 16:15
Private Consultations
Guest Speakers
Alicia Qin Wang
Managing Partner
Axolotl Capital
Blanka Kobayashi
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Ark Reform
Chai Kanda
Founder & CEO
Shiki Properties
Emil Gorgees
Founder & CEO
RealEstate.jp
Ben Tanaka
Founder
Retire Japan
Matt Ketchum
Founder
Akiyaz
Brett Lee & Shu Matsuo Post
Founders
Akiya Hub
Tracey Northcott
Founder
Tokyo Family Stays
Mark Drabkin
Founder
YEN LOANS
Ziv Nakajima-Magen
Co-Founder
Nippon Tradings International
Highlights from Summit Spring 2025
Our event sponsors support the 2026 JRES
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.
Who are the panel members?
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.
Can I ask questions during the summit?
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.
How long have these summits been going on?
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.
What benefits do people really take away from the summit?
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 Spring 2026
Date: Sat-Sun, 18-19 April – 10am-6pm
Venue: Pullman Tokyo Tamachi
〒108-0023 Tokyo, 3 Chome−1−21 Shibaura Minato