The rise in consumerism

The rise in consumerism in today’s society is true, because owning something is a symbol of wealth, so people buy things to achieve their desires. In terms of the cost, the system of mass production and mass consumption keep commodity prices down.

Firstly, in my opinion, humans’ innate desire to obtain something has never changed over the years, but since the industrial revolution, people can easily buy things they want, because many things can be made by machinery, which machines produce many things in reasonable prices. The face value of one product becomes cheaper, but in return, people become greedy to purchase things more, which cost a lot of money.

In addition, the statement above might give the impression that people don’t place importance on things, but the current meaning of “importance on things” is different from the one in the past. For example, people throw away an old-style television even though it is still working well, because they want the latest model, and consider brand, design and function as well. People prioritise their desire, which is the new way of their placing importance on things. To fulfil their desire, they spend a lot of money, and their satisfaction is the number one priority.

In conclusion, materialism allows people to consume many things, so they value their desire and motivation more, which is another meaning of the importance of goods and services. The price of things is lower nowadays, but when people spend their money on various matters, that costs a lot of money.

司法書士堀明子 – HORIakiko –
司法書士 / ビジネスコンサルタント / ライフ・コーチ
Shiho-shoshi Lawyer / Business consultant / Life coach
Email:　horiakiko@lawhelp4u.com
Tel: +81-(0)3-3249-1536 https://lawhelp4u.com/blog/

Thinking about the future business opportunity in the real estate market in Japan.

Buildings in Japan gradually depreciate over time. Their depreciation rates vary between the types of structures and properties. In Japan, the lifespan of a building is statutorily determined by the Ministry of Finance, and residential buildings in Japan normally last between 20 and 47 years (Japanese only; https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/document?lawid=340M50000040015), which is relatively much shorter than the ones in the Western countries. Many detached residential properties are demolished and redeveloped at a suitable time. However, exceeding the statutory lifespan of a building doesn’t mean a building is not suitable for living. In particular, apartment blocks built in the 1990’s and 2000’s can be remodelled and refurbished.

Renovation and refurbishment of those apartments and housings not only contributes to making a property a home, but is also vital for a healthy and happy life. Additionally, the price of a renovating a property is generally lower than that of building a new one.

In the case that the purpose of buying real property is residential, the property would be for their family and business environment. In the case of an investment option, it is a possible scenario that an investor wants to gain rental income by renting the purchased property and profit on its sale by anticipating further price increases.

Finding real property is time consuming, because there are many suitable properties. In addition, there are many steps based on unique Japanese business customs, especially regarding real property procedures. Supporting international clients would be a business opportunity for an estate agent.

司法書士堀明子 – HORIakiko –

司法書士 / ビジネスコンサルタント / ライフ・コーチ

Shiho-shoshi Lawyer / Business consultant / Life coach

Email:　horiakiko@lawhelp4u.com Tel: +81-(0)3-3249-1536 https://lawhelp4u.com/english/how-to-buy-a-property-in-japan/

Select the activities of your business.

In many countries, it used to be the case that, if a company did not list a business activity in its company registration documents, it could not carry out that activity, thus, companies put in everything that they might do. In Japan, the company registration is still conducted in this way. So, when considering a company’s business activities, the owner of the company should select the activities of their business.

More recently in Japan, the Commercial Registration Act allows companies to register one specific business activity, such as trading, restaurant business and travel business along with any other lawful activities and/or all business incidental to or related to the preceding activities. However, in many cases that, especially immigration matters are involved in, certified copies of certificates on the Legal Affairs Bureau register should be submitted to other Bureaus, and an officer at the Bureau might point out something insufficient for their purpose. The company in Japan still normally has many business activities listed in its articles of incorporation.

Some companies use model articles provided from the Legal Affairs Bureau, but narrow business activities may cause further amendments, additional work and extra cost. You can go down the DIY option, but that is not without its risks. A good expert will be aware of the technical issues and what potentially could go wrong. Professionals are likely to save you money in the long term, because we can deal with things quickly and efficiently.

司法書士堀明子 – HORIakiko –

司法書士 / ビジネスコンサルタント / ライフ・コーチ

Shiho-shoshi Lawyer / Business consultant / Life coach

Email:　horiakiko@lawhelp4u.com

Tel: +81-(0)3-3249-1536 https://lawhelp4u.com/english/legal-advice-for-business-in-japan/

Learning never ends.

It has been said that what distinguishes humans from other animals is the long period of childhood development, in which we can learn and develop our intelligence.

It’s said that dogs and cats are fully grown at a year or 18 months and fully adult by two years old, so they can only learn a small number of necessary behaviours.

For many people, learning is a life-long experience, both academic learning and gaining practical skills, so that learning never ends.

We should not throw our lives away and do every effort to live. Life is hard to live, but Earth is still turning, the sun is still shining, the grass is still growing, so life goes on.

How do I choose an estate agent?

When considering real property transaction, it is critical to identify a good estate agent. Initially, it is wise to have a personal recommendation, such as family, friends and colleagues. if there is someone reliable with enough knowledge about real property, it is useful to ask that person, too. In addition, collecting information from the internet is also effective nowadays.

In Japan, as to an estate agent’s license, there are two types of licenses: one is the license approved by the prefecture governor and the other is the license approved by The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).

The license approved by the prefecture governor is issued when the estate agent runs its business in one prefecture only. On the contrary, the license approved by MLIT is issued when they run its real property business across several prefectures.

There are brackets and numbers on their license number, which indicates the length of their working history. The license should be renewed every 5 years. When it is one in brackets, it means the agent has been running their business less than 5 years.

When a purchase agreement is formed, the brokerage fee for an estate agent is generally the sale price multiplied by 3% plus JPN 60,000 plus consumption tax of 10 %, but it might be negotiable.