何處是桃園，答案是日本
2024年，我們有幸幫助許多外國人在日本開始新生活。這是一段令人難以置信的、有益的經歷，無數的邂逅為我們的工作帶來了快樂和意義。
同時，我也意識到日本在有效接待更多外國人方面還有很長的路要走。
回顧過去的一年，我們總結了我們在日本房地產市場面臨的一些主要挑戰。我希望這些資訊能對那些考慮長期前往日本工作、學習或長期度假的人有所幫助。
房地產仲介
特別是在農村地區，大多數房地產仲介不會說英語。因此，他們經常拒絕與沒有翻譯的外國客戶打交道。這會造成嚴重的溝通障礙並使交易變得複雜。
司法書士
房地產經紀人通常會將賣方使用其首選的司法文書代理人作為交易條件。不幸的是，許多專業人士不僅缺乏英語技能，而且不熟悉買家是外國人時所需的程序。這常常會導致不必要的複雜情況。與精通國際交易的司法書士合作至關重要。
銀行帳戶
如果沒有居留卡，就無法開設日本的銀行帳戶。雖然可以在便利商店支付水電費，但擁有日本銀行帳戶對於支付其他費用（如稅金和某些水電費）是必要的。許多帳單不能用信用卡支付，所以您需要有人代表您管理這些付款。
火災和地震保險
同樣，如果沒有日本銀行帳戶，您就無法直接購買火災或地震保險。您需要一位代表來簽署保險合約並代表您處理付款。
與社區融合
購買房屋也意味著成為社區的一部分。在國外，當你有需要的時候，通常是當地社區會給你支持。建立良好的關係並找到與當地社區互動的方式是為自己創造舒適和溫馨的環境的關鍵。
展望明年，我們期待更多的外國人來到日本。我希望你們在日本度過的時光將成為你們一生中最珍貴、最難忘的篇章之一。
我們的泰國分公司Shojin Thai同樣於2025年開始營運。
www.shojinjapan.com
www.shojinthai.com
Last year, we were fortunate to help many foreigners start their new lives in Japan. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience, with countless encounters that have brought both joy and purpose to our work. At the same time, I’ve come to realize that Japan still has a long way to go in preparing to welcome more foreigners effectively.
As I reflect on the past year, I’ve summarized some of the key challenges we faced in the Japanese real estate market. I hope this information will be helpful for those considering a long-term move to Japan for work, study, or an extended vacation.
Real Estate Agencies
Particularly in rural areas, most real estate agencies do not speak English. As a result, they often refuse to deal with foreign clients without an interpreter. This creates a significant communication barrier and can complicate transactions.
Judicial Scriveners
Real estate brokers often make it a condition of the transaction that sellers use their preferred judicial scrivener. Unfortunately, many of these professionals not only lack English skills but are also unfamiliar with the procedures required when the buyer is a foreign national. This often leads to unnecessary complications. It’s essential to work with a judicial scrivener who is well-versed in international transactions.
Bank Accounts
Without a residence card, you cannot open a Japanese bank account. While utility bills can be paid at convenience stores, having a Japanese bank account is necessary for paying other expenses, such as taxes and certain utilities. Many bills cannot be paid with a credit card, so you would need someone to act on your behalf to manage these payments.
Fire and Earthquake Insurance
Similarly, you cannot directly sign up for fire or earthquake insurance without a Japanese bank account. You will need a representative to sign the insurance contracts and handle the payments on your behalf.
Integration with the Community
Buying a home also means becoming part of a community. In a foreign country, it’s often the local community that supports you in times of need. Building good relationships and finding ways to engage with the local community will be key to creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for yourself.
As I look forward to next year, we anticipate welcoming even more foreigners to Japan. I hope that your time in Japan will become one of the most cherished and memorable chapters of your life.