split-screen architectural shot showing the view from inside two luxury Japanese homes. Left Side: Looking out a large window at a deep snowy winter landscape in Niigata, with a warm cozy interior. Right Side: Looking out a large window at a bright turquoise Okinawa ocean and white beach,
Services — Ayako Yamaguchi | Owner's Representative, Japan
Services

Cross-Border Property Management in Japan

Tax-integrated ownership support for international investors in Niigata and Okinawa.

We Don't Just Buy. We Build & Manage.

Most real estate agents in Japan are transactional. They sell a property, hand over the keys, and disappear — leaving owners to deal with the hardest parts alone: renovation, tax compliance, and ongoing operations.

My service is different.

I act as your Owner's Representative, providing a single point of accountability throughout the entire lifecycle of your investment. Together with a dedicated Tokyo-based Certified Tax Accountant (Zeirishi), I deliver an integrated ownership framework for assets in Niigata (Snow) and Okinawa (Sun).

This is not brokerage support. It is long-term asset management.

The Three Pillars

01

Acquisition & Feasibility

We do not just view properties. We analyze them.

  • Local Market Knowledge: Firsthand insight into property conditions, neighborhood dynamics, and regulatory requirements in Niigata and Okinawa — information that is not available in English online.
  • Tax Structuring (Pre-Acquisition): Before any contract is signed, your appointed Zeirishi advises on the optimal ownership structure (individual vs. corporate) to manage withholding and long-term inheritance exposure.
  • Total Entry Cost Mapping: A complete financial roadmap covering acquisition taxes, renovation budgets, compliance costs, and holding expenses.

Outcome: You understand exactly what you are buying — and why.

02

Renovation & Project Management

Turning undervalued assets into durable value.

  • Team Assembly: Selection and management of architects, carpenters, engineers, and seasonal maintenance teams — on time and on budget.
  • Kominka Restoration: Specialized oversight for traditional farmhouse renovations, balancing authenticity with modern seismic, insulation, and safety standards.
  • Remote Oversight: Weekly video updates and milestone reporting. You never need to be on-site to stay informed.

Outcome: Your project progresses predictably, without micromanagement.

03

Asset Operations

The missing layer for most foreign owners.

  • Tax Compliance: Your appointed Certified Tax Accountant (Zeirishi) manages annual filings, tax payments, and statutory reporting.
  • Cloud-Based Administration: Centralized handling of utilities, insurance, and official correspondence, accessible via a secure cloud folder.
  • Commercial Operations: Setup and coordination of Airbnb / hotel operations, including Minpaku licensing where applicable.

Outcome: You remain informed — not involved.

How We Work

1

Introductory Call — Free

A 15-minute video call to get to know each other. You tell me about your goals. I give you an honest first impression of whether Japan fits your plan. No commitment. No pressure.


Book your free introductory call →
2

Communication — Email & WhatsApp

If we are a good fit, we continue the conversation via email or WhatsApp. I answer your questions, share relevant market information, and help you prepare before committing any capital.

3

Project Begins

Once appointed as your Owner's Representative, I source on- and off-market assets, coordinate execution across all parties, and transition into long-term management — ensuring compliance, continuity, and performance from day one.


View a live Case Study of our 2026 Snow & Sun approach →

Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees. You know exactly what you are paying for — and when. My fee is paid by you, not by contractors or agents. My loyalty is to you.

After the free introductory call, all work is paid.

Introductory Call
15 minutes · Video call · Get to know each other
Free
Advisory Hour
60 minutes via video call, email, or WhatsApp. Regulations, tax, zoning, market conditions.
Property Research Report
Listing review, zoning check, local condition report. Written summary within 5 business days.
Document Translation & Explanation
Translation and explanation of one Japanese document: listings, government letters, tax notices, contracts.
Phone Call on Your Behalf
I call a local agent, builder, or government office and report back with a written summary.
Niigata City Area
Property inspection. Photos, video, written condition report.
Other Niigatau
Day trip. Property inspection + area report. Photos, video, written summary.
Sado Island
Requires ferry. Property inspection + area report. Photos, video, written summary. Travel costs included.
Okinawa
Requires flight + accommodation. Quoted separately per trip.
On request
Other Locations in Japan
Locations outside Niigata and Okinawa are handled on a case-by-case basis. Contact me for a quote.
On request
Project Management
Renovation oversight, builder coordination, site visits, weekly updates.
From 5%
Monthly Asset Management
Utilities, insurance, compliance, cloud-based reporting.

All prices include consumption tax (10%). My primary service areas are Niigata Prefecture and Okinawa. Locations outside these areas are handled on a case-by-case basis. Tax advisory services (Zeirishi) are contracted separately. Site visit fees include travel costs, photos, video, and a written report. Project management percentage is based on total renovation/construction cost and is discussed before work begins.

Tax Partner

Masaaki Shiina

Masaaki Shiina

Certified Tax Accountant (Zeirishi) · Tokyo

Based in Tokyo, Masaaki Shiina specializes in real estate taxation and corporate structuring. He oversees the technical compliance for our clients, ensuring that all acquisition and operational structures meet Japanese legal standards.

Role: Corporate Structuring, Tax Filing, Inheritance Planning.
Office: Chiyoda-ku & Tachikawa, Tokyo.

Common Questions

How are fees structured?

Fees are transparent and role-based. Advisory and site visits are fixed prices. Project management is a percentage of renovation cost, discussed before work begins. Tax and asset management services are contracted separately with the appointed Certified Tax Accountant on a monthly or annual basis.

How do you keep me updated if I live overseas?

We create a dedicated, secure Shared Cloud Folder for your asset. You have 24/7 access to updated photos, renovation videos, and inspection reports from anywhere in the world. We also schedule regular Google Meet sessions to review progress and discuss next steps together.

Can you manage large-scale renovations in rural areas?

Yes. Finding reliable carpenters and architects in "snow country" or remote islands can be difficult for overseas buyers. We have an established network of trusted local craftsmen. We manage the entire bid, design, and build process to ensure quality control and budget adherence.

Can you support Airbnb or short-term rentals?

We do not handle daily operations like guest check-ins, cleaning, or restocking supplies. Our focus is on long-term asset management — maintenance, renovation oversight, and compliance. If you wish to run an Airbnb, we can introduce you to specialized local operating companies for the daily tasks.

Start With a Conversation

A 15-minute call. No commitment. Just an honest conversation about whether Japan fits your plan.

Book Your Free Introductory Call

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