A Tokyo-listed REIT sponsored by property giant Mitsui Fudosan has acquired a portfolio of three hotels in Japan for JPY 3.1 billion ($21.2 million). The J-REIT picked up the three-asset portfolio’s highest-valued property, the 128-room Smile Hotel Okinawa Naha, the 97-room Smile Hotel Matsuyama on Shikoku, and the 106-room Smile Hotel Nishi-Akashi west of Kobe.

Denso, a major Japanese auto parts manufacturer and supplier to Toyota, will invest ¥500 billion ($3.3 billion) in the semiconductor business by 2030. This investment will support research and development, capital expenditure, and acquisitions to develop high-performance chips for automobiles. Denso aims to secure a stable supply chain for semiconductor materials through strategic alliances.

Joby Aviation collaborates with ANA Holdings and Nomura Real Estate to develop vertiport infrastructure for Japan's electric air taxi service. They plan design, location, operation, and financing for these hubs across metropolitan areas like Tokyo, aiming for broader urban coverage. The all-electric air taxi promises high-speed, low-noise, and emission-free travel for a pilot and four passengers.

Abandoned properties have taken the limelight recently for their affordability and countryside location. One couple from Alaska, fascinated by the beauty of traditional Japanese timber work and craftsmanship, had dreamt of using their home-building skills to restore an old, traditional kominka style (large stand-alone) home for a place to settle in for retirement. Ideally, they wanted to find an akiya or abandoned property for no more than about USD$20K, but weren’t sure if their plan was realistic. Given their background, their retirement dream is very much achievable.