Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
In Japan, a country often perceived as one of the safest in the world, a new trend is emerging among expatriates: the growing appeal of secure residences. These havens of peace, combining modern comfort with enhanced security measures, are increasingly attracting those seeking to blend Japanese cultural serenity with a heightened sense of safety. Faced with rising international mobility, particularly in Tokyo and other major cities, these residential complexes offer a tailored response to expatriates’ safety concerns, while preserving the country’s unique aesthetic and lifestyle.
The Growing Demand for Gated Residences in Japan
Rising Demand for Residences with Security Guards in Japan
Factors Driving the Increase in Demand
In recent years, demand for residences with security guards has increased in Japan. This trend is driven by three main factors:
In particular, in light of global risks such as geopolitical tensions and natural disasters, the importance placed on security is increasing. Additionally, facilities offering convenience suited to busy lifestyles, such as those of dual-income households or the elderly, are becoming increasingly popular.
Real Estate Market and Statistics
In Japan, the investment value in properties well-equipped with security and a well-established management system is also noteworthy. The real estate market is seeing projects financed through new forms such as security token technology.
Furthermore, the supply of apartments and single-family homes with security features is increasing, especially in urban areas. For example, in the prefectures of Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba, the Kolet rental housing series offers enhanced security measures despite their high price, attracting foreign families seeking large, secure spaces.
Government Policies and Cultural Impact
Security measures enacted by the government also influence this sector. For instance, subsidy programs for installing security cameras and safety awareness campaigns conducted by local governments are supported by citizens.
Moreover, the typically Japanese notion of home remains deeply rooted, and there is an effort to balance traditional values while transitioning to new types of housing.
Regional Characteristics and Properties Popular with Foreigners
Demand is particularly concentrated in major urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka. These regions offer apartments tailored to international tenants, with management services available in English.
For example, luxury residences such as Roppongi Hills Residence are popular among many wealthy foreigners due to their convenience, security, and high-quality services. Additionally, even in smaller towns, reasonably priced housing that considers security aspects around universities is generating interest. Such aspects allow for further growth potential while aligning with the diversification of the social structure.
Good to know:
Demand for gated residences in Japan is increasing, mainly due to a rising sense of insecurity and the appeal of offered amenities like gyms and concierge services. The expatriate community is growing, influencing the real estate market where the popularity of these residences rose by 20% in 2023. Recent government policies focused on improving housing security support this trend. Residences like Roppongi Hills in Tokyo attract expatriates for their security and proximity to business centers. Preferences may vary regionally, with stronger demand in large cities, where cultural influences and population density dictate a greater need for security.
Secure Residences: A New Trend Among Expatriates
Reasons and Benefits for Foreigners Choosing Safe Housing in Japan
Safety
Japan is known as one of the safest countries in the world, with many regions offering a calm and peaceful environment. This allows foreigners to easily find housing where they can live with peace of mind. For example, some testify that “even in the city center, the weekend was very quiet,” demonstrating high satisfaction with a peaceful living environment, in addition to safety.
Access to Modern Amenities
Rental housing for foreigners offers advanced security features such as:
Sumitomo Forestry Residential’s “Roka Kōen Foreign Student House” offers multilingual services and daily life support, helping with a quick adaptation to their new life.
Personalized Services and Cultural Consideration
In Japan, the number of properties meeting the diverse needs of foreign workers and students is increasing. For example:
Appeal Based on Concrete Examples and Testimonials
In 2024, Sumitomo Forestry Residential manages over 6 properties with more than 282 units, all signed after renovation, demonstrating strong demand. These success stories show the expansion of the real estate market for foreigners in Japan.
Additionally, testimonials express gratitude for the speed of closing contracts for ideal apartments in “less than two weeks,” highlighting the responsiveness of real estate agencies. These elements not only reduce the anxiety felt when moving to a new country but also contribute to building a safe and comfortable daily life foundation.
Thus, the high-quality services and good safe environment unique to Japan are widely supported by many foreign residents.
Good to know:
Secure residences are increasingly attracting expatriates in Japan, mainly for their advanced security level and modern amenities. Faced with the anxiety of adapting to a new country, these residences offer not only 24/7 security with surveillance and access control, but also tailored services such as gyms, pools, coworking spaces, and sometimes multilingual staff to facilitate interactions. Renowned projects like Azabu Gardens and Roppongi Hills perfectly meet the needs of expatriates seeking a peaceful and welcoming living environment. A recent report shows a 20% increase in demand for these residences among expatriates in Japan, highlighting the appeal of these protected and well-equipped environments. Testimonials from expatriates, such as Sarah, a business executive from France, illustrate the importance of these residences for successful integration, mentioning a regained serenity thanks to constant and adapted support.
Premium Services of Japanese Secure Neighborhoods
In regions of Japan with high safety, the number of residential neighborhoods offering various premium services for residents and foreigners is increasing. These regions are characterized by:
Provided Amenities
Security Technologies and Protocols Used
Concrete Examples
Utsukushigaoka in Yokohama: As part of “next-generation suburban urban development,” initiatives such as intergenerational exchange spaces and on-demand buses are implemented to improve convenience. Such initiatives are attractive to foreigners.
Okusawa, Tokyo: In Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, a new coworking space and event base called “YORIAI!” has opened, allowing for enriching time both at work and in daily life.
Recognition of Added Value and Attractiveness for Foreigners
Local residents evaluate not only satisfaction with safety and comfort, but also the ability to form a community close to home. On the other hand, for foreign residents seeking safety and convenience, high-level security measures and a concierge service capable of responding in multiple languages are strongly supported.
In particular, residential areas in prefectures ranked at the top of the safety ranking (e.g., Iwate Prefecture) are noted for their peaceful and safe lifestyle.
Good to know:
In Japanese secure neighborhoods, premium residences offer an impressive range of services, from 24/7 conciergeries to ultra-modern wellness facilities, such as indoor pools, equipped gyms, and elegantly designed community spaces to foster meetings between residents. Security is reinforced by advanced technologies, including HD camera surveillance systems, secure access via biometric recognition, and trained security guards who patrol regularly. For example, Azabu Gardens in Tokyo perfectly embodies these standards with its numerous services and exemplary security. Expatriates, as well as locals, appreciate these amenities that offer them a lifestyle that is both secure and comfortable, positioning these neighborhoods as privileged places of residence for those desiring maximum peace of mind. These premium services are particularly attractive to expatriates seeking a living environment similar to that of major international cities while integrating into Japanese society.
Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
