Whether you’re renting your first apartment or buying a home in Japan, navigating the legal side of the process can feel overwhelming — especially when everything is in Japanese and involves unfamiliar paperwork.
That’s why working with the right professionals is just as important as finding the right property.
In this post, we’ll introduce two key experts who play essential roles in Japanese real estate transactions. Whether you’re searching for rental apartments in Kobe 🏠 or planning to purchase a home anywhere in Japan, knowing who these professionals are (and what they do) can help you feel more confident and avoid costly mistakes.
🧑💼 1. Licensed Real Estate Agent (Takken-shi / 宅建士 たっけんし)
When you visit a real estate agency in Japan, you’ll often hear the term Takken-shi (宅建士・たっけんし). This is a certified professional who plays a legal role in every property sale or rental.
Their responsibilities include:
- Explaining the legal and technical details of the property
- Checking ownership rights, zoning laws, and restrictions
- Preparing the Important Matters Explanation Document
(Japanese: 重要事項説明書 / じゅうようじこうせつめいしょ) - Making sure you understand your rights and risks before signing a contract
⚠️ Important: Only a licensed Takken-shi can legally explain and deliver this document. If someone tries to explain important details without showing their license, you can (and should) ask for confirmation.
💡 Tip: By law, every real estate company in Japan must employ at least one Takken-shi. So if you’re viewing properties in Kobe, Miki, or Amagasaki, make sure the agency has a licensed expert available.
2. Judicial Scrivener (Shiho-shoshi / 司法書士 しほうしょし)
Once you’ve signed a contract to buy a home or transfer ownership, you’ll likely meet a Shiho-shoshi (司Once you’ve signed a purchase contract or agreed to transfer ownership, you’ll likely meet a Shiho-shoshi (司法書士・しほうしょし). They are legal specialists in real estate registration.
Their role is to:
- Verify the identity of all parties involved
- Legally register the property under the new owner’s name
- Ensure that the process follows Japanese law and protects all parties
This step is essential when buying property, but Shiho-shoshi may also be involved in complex rental cases — for example, company housing, inherited property, or shared ownership situations.
✅ A good Shiho-shoshi gives you peace of mind. They act as a neutral third party, ensuring the transaction is safe, fair, and properly recorded.
🏡 Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for housing in Kobe, or planning to invest in property anywhere in Japan, don’t just compare floor plans and rental prices. Make sure you also understand who is guiding you through the process:
- The Takken-shi (宅建士) protects your rights during contract signing.
- The Shiho-shoshi (司法書士) ensures ownership and registration are secure.
In Part 2 of this series, we’ll introduce more professionals you may encounter — including tax specialists, surveyors, and notaries that support Japanese real estate deals.
Whether you’re renting, buying, or just researching, knowing these roles will make your journey smoother and safer. 🏠✨🏠✨
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