Ownership (shoyuken)

Ownership is the right to freely use, obtain profit from, and dispose of the relevant property for an indefinite period, subject to certain restrictions (such as restrictions on its use for city planning purposes). Land and buildings are registered in the real estate register or fudosan tokibo. The property address and size, plus the name of the owner, are tracked in this register.

Trust beneficiary interest (shintaku juekiken)

This is an option used by many investors in Japanese real estate. The property is transferred to a trust bank or a trust company as trustee, thereby becoming the registered owner and holding the real estate in trust for beneficiaries of the trust. Trust beneficiary interests can be freely transferred, subject to contractual restrictions.

Shikikin 敷金

This refers to the deposit paid when renting a property.

Reikin 礼金

Literally "gratitude money", a non-refundable amount that is like a gift for the landlord, usually equal to three months' rent.

Chukai Tesuryo 仲介手数料

An 'agency fee' that is non-refundable and equivalent to one and a half months' rent.

Kōshinryō 更新料

A 'renewal fee' that may be charged on renewal of a rental lease.

Futsuuchinshakuken 普通賃借権

A regular lease right under Japanese law. As a basic rule, this type of lease gives the tenant an automatic option to renew the lease when it expires.

Teikichinshakuken 定期賃借権

A 'fixed term' lease right. Unlike a regular lease, this type of lease doesn't give the tenant the right to renew upon expiration.

Chijouken 地上権

This refers to 'superficies'; it is similar to an easement or a leasehold right in common law countries. A superficies gives the person benefitting from the superficies the right to own property (such as trees or a building) which is located on another person’s parcel of land.

Shakuchishakuyahou 借地借家法

The Law on Leasing Land and Buildings. This law regulates the rights and obligations of parties in most leases in Japan.

LDK

This is shorthand for the types of spaces offered in an apartment. 1K refers to a one room apartment with a kitchen. 1DK means a one room apartment with a dining area and kitchen. 1LDK is a one room apartment with living, dining, and kitchen areas. 

Apaato アパート

An abbreviation of the English word "apartment". This is used to denote less modern apartments located in older buildings.  

Mansion マンシォン

This is the English word "mansion" and is another type of apartment. This word is used with respect to more modern properties, but not in the same sense as in English where it refers to a large, luxurious house. It is also often used to refer to condominium apartments (bunjou mansion). Mansions usually have three or more storeys.

Kubunshoyuuhou 区分所有法

The Japanese Condominum Law; the law that contains the basic rights and duties of parties living in a condominium.

Servitude (chiekiken)

A right to use the land of others for certain specific purposes on a non-exclusive basis.

Security interest (tanpoken)

A right created to secure the performance of an obligation, including a mortgage and a pledge.

Units of Measurement

1 Shaku is equal 0.03306m²

1 gō is equal to 0.3306m²

1 jō is equal to 1.653m² (or one tatami mat)

1 tsubo (or bu) is equal to 3.306m² (or two tatami mats)

1 se is equal to 99.17m²

1 chō is equal to 9917m²
 

Read more:

• Obtaining finance in Japan
• Buying property in Japan
• Japan property taxes
• Renting property in Japan