Mitsubishi Estate has announced plans to offer housing for digital nomads in Japan, aiming to operate a total of 10,000 rental homes by 2030.
The company has reached a licensing agreement with the US-based Blueground Holdings, which is known for its specialized housing services, thus accounting for the first introduction of such options in Japan, VisaGuide.World reports.
According to a report from Nikkei Asia, Mitsubishi Estate will start by subletting and furnishing rental properties, mainly in Tokyo. The homes are designed to meet the needs of internationals looking for stays ranging from one month to a year.
The company aims to simplify the rental process online in English with the help of Blueground’s expertise, using the Blueground reservation system for a smooth experience for its clientele.
Initially it targets central Tokyo areas such as Shibuya and Shinjuku, which attracts international visitors, while the rental prices are anticipated to decrease with a range of 300,000 yen to 500,000 yen per month.
Mitsubishi Estate has been growing its rental housing business, focusing on young internationals and managing 700 homes. The collaboration with Blueground, aims to expand their offerings to a broader age group and reach a total of 10,000 homes by 2030. The plan is expected to bring in sales of 20 billion yen, with an operating profit of 3 billion yen.
Tokyo is among the leading destinations for digital nomads and the first destination for digital nomads in Japan.
At present there are nearly 35 million digital nomads globally, and it’s expected to reach a total of 1 billion by 2035. Therefore, a large number of companies are competing in order to attract digital nomads, especially those in the housing industry.
According to a report from the Japan Times, Akina Shu, who has visited nearly 50 countries as a speaker and ambassador on the digital nomad lifestyle since 2020, has noted growing interest in Japan firsthand.
Everywhere I go, when I tell (digital nomads) I’m from Japan, the country is always on their top-priority list to visit.
The digital nomad visa permits a person to live in a specific country and work legally for a company or clients located abroad.
At present, a large number of countries worldwide offer digital nomad visas aiming to attract a large number of internationals. However, the countries apply different rules when it comes to this issue.