Housing Japan Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tokyo’s Luxury Real Estate Market

As Housing Japan marks its 25th anniversary, the company stands as Tokyo’s leading luxury real estate agency for international clients and foreign investors. What began as a solution to poor service has evolved into a comprehensive real estate powerhouse that continues to shape how international buyers experience Tokyo’s property market.

From Problem to Solution: The Housing Japan Story

The company’s origin story reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that still drives it today. Co-founder Joe Rigby’s frustrating experience with a local property agency sparked the initial idea. After a particularly disappointing morning viewing apartments, his chance meeting with Mitsuo Hashimoto through a colleague set everything in motion. Within just one year, they transformed their shared vision into a thriving business.

“I needed a problem solving for me but that didn’t happen. So I ended up sort of solving that problem for myself and out of that we created this business,” Rigby reflects on those early days. This problem-solving approach became the foundation of Housing Japan’s business philosophy.

The two founders were remarkably young when they started – Hashimoto at 27 and Rigby at 29. Working initially as a two-person team handling every aspect of the business, they’ve grown the company into a major force in Tokyo’s luxury real estate sector.

Building Beyond Boundaries

Housing Japan’s growth trajectory shows how listening to clients creates new opportunities. What started as a leasing business quickly expanded when clients began asking about purchasing properties. This led to property management services, then financing solutions, and eventually full-scale development projects.

Hashimoto describes their approach as creating “a one-stop-shop” for international clients, though he’s quick to clarify they choose their services carefully. The company identified gaps in Tokyo’s market by looking at successful overseas models and adapting them for Japan. This included introducing ultra-luxury properties in the $10-30 million range – something Tokyo hadn’t really seen before.

Landmark Projects That Defined Success

Two projects particularly showcase Housing Japan’s innovative approach. The Akasaka Gravitas stands out as a near-perfect development where everything aligned, from finding an excellent piece of land at the right price to working with talented architects and even managing to remove unsightly power lines from the street.

The Breeze Minami Aoyama project proved even more transformative for the company. Following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, when selling land became nearly impossible, Housing Japan pivoted to building and furnishing luxury houses instead. This project, born from necessity, launched their entire development business and established their “think, innovate and create” philosophy.

“After the Tohoku earthquake, in 2011, us trying just to sell the land didn’t work. Which is crazy if you think about it now, because it was some of the best land in Tokyo,” Hashimoto recalls. The houses they built have since proven to be excellent investments, with some now being resold at significant gains.

Exclusive Ultra-Luxury Developments on the Horizon

Building on their success in creating Tokyo’s ultra-luxury market, Housing Japan has announced plans for six new super-exclusive properties over the next three years. These developments will set new standards for luxury living in Tokyo.

These properties will occupy some of Tokyo’s most coveted addresses, the kinds of locations where land rarely becomes available and development opportunities are once-in-a-generation events. Each residence will showcase Housing Japan’s signature approach of combining international luxury standards with Japanese craftsmanship and attention to detail.

The developments show continued work on Housing Japan’s previous luxury projects. They’re designed for ultra-high-net-worth individuals who want more than just a home in Tokyo, they want a statement property that reflects their success while providing absolute privacy and world-class amenities. Features will include multi-level garages, large entertainment spaces, and being designed by renowned architects.

This ambitious development pipeline demonstrates Housing Japan’s confidence in Tokyo’s ultra-luxury market and their unique position to deliver properties that meet the expectations of global elite buyers. By controlling every aspect from land acquisition through design, construction, and finishing, they ensure these residences will stand among the finest homes available anywhere in Asia.

Pioneering International Investment in Tokyo

Housing Japan essentially created the market for international real estate investment in Tokyo. Twenty-five years ago, the concept of non-Japanese buyers purchasing Tokyo properties was virtually unknown. Today, it’s becoming mainstream, with Housing Japan leading the way.

The company’s success stems from understanding both international expectations and local market dynamics. They’ve built hundreds of property management relationships, developed financing solutions for foreign buyers, and created luxury furnished apartments that meet international standards. Each service addresses specific challenges that international clients face when entering Tokyo’s property market.

Looking Forward: The Next Quarter Century

As Housing Japan looks ahead, the founders see enormous potential in Tokyo’s international real estate sector. Despite being one of the world’s largest cities, Tokyo remains relatively untapped by foreign investors compared to other major global capitals.

“Tokyo is one of the biggest cities in the world, but in many ways the least invested in for foreign, international investors. Our 25 years in the real estate space here stands us in great stead to be THE main player in this area of activity,” Hashimoto notes with confidence.

The company plans to continue its organic growth strategy, building on the strong brand they’ve established in luxury real estate for international clients. While the founders remain deeply engaged in the business today, they’re already preparing for the next generation of leadership to carry Housing Japan forward.

A Legacy of Innovation and Service

What makes Housing Japan unique isn’t just their longevity or success, it’s their consistent ability to identify and solve problems for international clients. From navigating complex financing arrangements to managing properties across Tokyo, they’ve built comprehensive solutions that make Tokyo real estate accessible to global investors.

Their development projects now set the standard for luxury properties in Tokyo, incorporating international design sensibilities while respecting local traditions. The company’s portfolio includes some of Tokyo’s most exclusive addresses, from waterfront towers to garden residences in prime central locations.

As Housing Japan enters its next chapter, the company that started with two young entrepreneurs solving a simple problem has become the definitive gateway for international investment in Tokyo’s luxury real estate market. Their 25-year journey proves that understanding client needs, thinking creatively, and maintaining high standards creates lasting success in one of the world’s most dynamic property markets.

For international buyers and investors looking to enter Tokyo’s luxury real estate market, Housing Japan’s quarter-century of experience, innovative approach, and comprehensive services make them the natural choice for navigating this exciting investment landscape.