Use this email template at your own risk! I take no responsibility for the results of its use. Keep in mind that it’s possible this method could actually hurt your chances of buying the property—especially if it is misused. This template is made available for FREE. I suggest that you find proper representation in Japan, though I understand it can be both difficult to find and often expensive. Brokerages specializing in foreign buyers can charge $4,000-$10,000 USD (or more!) for consulting and/or translation services...... Here is a list of these brokerages.

If your budget is higher, say above $200,000 USD, it is possible that a local Japanese brokerage will take you on as a client (opposed to the strategy outlined below 👇). The higher your budget, the more receptive they will be to working with you. Bring the budget up, and you may even find that they can suddenly speak english! But the same logic will apply to higher budgets - contact them in Japanese and get rid of their objections 👇

The logic behind this template is:

Japanese real estate agents do not usually want to work with foreign buyers. They are often seen as a nuisance and would rather wait for a Japanese buyer. So, what you need to do is present yourself as a high-quality buyer.

You’re going to give the listing agent two reasons to work with you:

• You are a cash buyer. Just like in many other real estate markets around the world, cash buyers are preferred.

• You are offering the listing agent the opportunity to increase their commission by representing both the seller AND the buyer (you). This means the listing agent will receive commission from both the seller and you. This requires you to be comfortable with having the listing agent "double-end" or "two-hands" the listing. This is known as 両手取引 (ryōte torihiki), a legal practice in Japan. This is often the only way a Japanese real estate agent will work with you, especially on lower-priced properties. The commission on lower-priced properties in Japan can be very low, so agents are reluctant to put in much effort. You need to make them understand that you won’t be a hassle for them.

The goal of the template below is to convey this message. There is an English translation at the bottom so you can see what it says. Feel free to change the wording as you wish. If it were me, I would first email it to the listing office or the listing agent, or both. If they have the Line app, send it to them on Line as well. Keep sending the letter until they respond. The other option is to send the letter once and then find representation in Japan if it doesn’t work. At least then, you won’t run the risk of upsetting the listing agent by harassing them.

Note: The Subject: or 件名: line at the top of the email is meant to be used as the subject line of the email.

⚠️ Make sure you have the translation function turned OFF or set to Japanese in your web browser so that you can see and copy/paste the Japanese version of the email template.

⚠️ Attention! ⚠️

件名: [⚠️Insert Property Name or Property ID Here⚠️]についてのお問い合わせ

ご担当者様[⚠️Replace this whole with the realtor's name if you want - followed by honorific "san" 👉 (さん)⚠️]

初めまして。私の名前は[⚠️Insert Your Name Here⚠️]です。現在、[⚠️Insert Property Name or Property ID Here⚠️]に興味を持っております。私は本気で購入を検討している現金買いの購入希望者です。物件購入に向けて迅速に行動する準備が整っています。

外国人の購入希望者に対する懸念があることを理解しておりますが、以下の点についてご安心いただければ幸いです。

言語の問題について：私はGoogle翻訳などのツールを利用して、必要なやり取りや書類を正確に翻訳します。

信頼性について：取引に対する真剣さを示すため、合意後すぐに大きな手付金をお支払いする用意があります。これにより、売主様や貴社に対するリスクを軽減します。

準備状況について：私は現金での購入を予定しており、迅速に取引を進めることが可能です。日本の不動産購入プロセスにも対応する準備ができております。

税金および法的要件について：私は日本で不動産を購入するための税金および法的要件を十分に理解し、責任を持って対応します。

また、今回の取引において、貴社が売主様と買主の両方を代表していただき、売主様と買主の両方から手数料を受け取る形（両手取引）にしていただけるようお願い申し上げます。この取り決めにより、取引の両側で貴社の努力に対して適切な報酬が支払われることを確信しております。

もし可能であれば、以下の情報をご提供いただけますと幸いです：

物件の追加写真やビデオ（内装、外装、周辺環境など）。

物件に関する詳細情報や資料。

物件の主要な問題点に関するリスト（構造的な問題、アクセスに関する問題、所有権に関する問題、既知の漏水問題、配管や電気に関する問題など）。

ご対応いただける場合、どのように進めるべきかご教示いただけますと幸いです。ご不明点や追加情報が必要であれば、ぜひお知らせください。迅速に対応いたします。

お忙しいところ恐れ入りますが、ご検討のほどよろしくお願い申し上げます。

敬具

[⚠️Insert Your Name Here⚠️]

[⚠️Insert Your Contact Information Here - Having Line app would show that you have some understanding of Japan⚠️]

Replace or delete all sections labelled as [⚠️_____⚠️]

(make sure your browser isn't translating this part to english 👇)

Subject: Inquiry Regarding [⚠️Insert Property Name or Property ID Here⚠️]

To Whom It May Concern[⚠️Replace this whole line with the realtor's name if you want⚠️],

Nice to meet you. My name is [⚠️Insert Your Name Here⚠️]. I am currently very interested in [⚠️Insert Property Name or Property ID Here⚠️]. I am a serious buyer considering purchasing this property with full cash payment, and I am prepared to act promptly to complete the purchase.

I understand there may be concerns about working with foreign buyers, but I would like to address the following points to put your mind at ease:

1. Language Concerns: I will use tools like Google Translate to accurately translate all necessary communications and documents.

2. Trustworthiness: To demonstrate my commitment to the transaction, I am ready to provide a substantial deposit immediately after reaching an agreement. This will minimize any risks for the seller and your agency.

3. Preparedness: I am a cash buyer and can complete the transaction quickly. I am also prepared to comply with all necessary procedures for purchasing property in Japan.

4. Tax and Legal Requirements: I will take full responsibility for understanding the tax and legal requirements involved in purchasing property in Japan.

Additionally, I would like to request that you represent both the buyer and the seller in this transaction (両手取引), and that your agency receives commission from both the seller and the buyer. This arrangement will ensure that you are fully compensated for your efforts in facilitating the transaction on both sides.

If possible, I kindly request the following information:

• Additional photos and videos of the property (interior, exterior, and surrounding area).

• Detailed information or documents about the property.

• A list of any major issues with the property, such as structural issues, property access issues, ownership issues, known leaks, plumbing or electrical issues, etc.

If you are willing to assist, I would appreciate your guidance on the next steps. Please feel free to let me know if you need further details or have any questions—I will respond promptly.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,
[⚠️Insert Your Name Here⚠️]
[⚠️Insert Your Contact Information Here - Having Line app would show that you have some understanding of Japan⚠️]

English translation:

You probably don't want to send this version unless you know that the agent speaks English well.