Message from our CEO

As a Reliable Source of Information on Real Estate,
Our Aim Is to Help Realize a Global Society
Where Foreign Students Can Enjoy a Pleasant Living Environment

I was once a “foreign student.”

Outside of Japan, too, it was difficult for foreigners to find their ideal places to live. A lot of time, effort and documentation were required, searching for a place without help, executing a contract, moving in, and beginning a new life. Seeing foreign students in Japan struggling with the same issues, I have felt sorry and helpless to do anything for them.

Right now, about 50,000 students from abroad live in private apartments in the Kanto region. It is, however, extremely difficult for them to find the kinds of places where they can feel satisfied, not only because of a shortage of landlords willing to rent to foreign students, but because of the language barrier, especially when having just arrived in Japan. In addition, a co-signer/guarantor of Japanese nationality is sometimes required when contracting, which makes the situation for foreign students that much harder.

At the same time, within the domestic rental market, there are quite a number of owners of apartments for students who are concerned about a falloff in demand as a result of the declining birthrate. The real estate industry itself is hoping to see increases in the numbers of foreign students. In addition, the busy season differs among the various types of real estate transactions. Apartment rentals, for example, peak in the three months of January through March; the month-to-month segment is busiest from January through June; the remaining months see relatively little fluctuations. Even in that pattern, however, the potential for owners to improve business in the now-slow period from July through September is significant, by dealing with foreign students arriving in Japan.

Alleviating Concern over Language,
Serving as a Bridge to Smooth Communication
Between Owners and Foreign Students

In reality, many property-management companies and owners, worried about communication and lifestyle differences, do not have the confidence to accept foreign students. Even those who recognize the advantages and would like to, often do not so, due to the immediate difficulty of language.

This is why we launched our business – to be the bridge between foreign students struggling in their hunts for places to live, and owners seeking to publicize their available properties and increase their occupancy rates.

Transborders posts on its Internet website only information on real estate available to foreign students, and includes a search function in four languages – Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean. Transborders works further to try to prevent problems before they arise, between foreign students and owners, by taking up issues of customs and rules that students should understand when living in Japan.

Another advantage when using our service is the language support provided by our multilingual staff if communication problems arise later between a foreign student and a landlord or neighbors.

Meeting the Challenge: A Business Accomplished in Pursuit of Its Own Interests, Also Making a Social Contribution

Our goal is to provide pleasant living environments for students from overseas, in order that, as a result, they may be able to more fully enjoy their time in Japan and have good memories during their stay. As a Japanese, moreover, I like to encourage the development of a multi-cultural commensal society of which visitors will say: “I am happy to have come to Japan.”

It is sometimes assumed that only major companies, or those with surplus funds, can make substantive contributions to the society. Or, it is thought that this is only possible through volunteer activities, unencumbered by the need to make a profit. We, however, believe that even a small start-up can benefit society – and make a profit – if the management has that in mind, makes the right selections, and uses its imagination.

That said, sound managerial know-how is required to sustain such activities. Transborders enjoys the counsel of three advisors with Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees from universities in the United States, who help us ensure our on-going profitability as a substantive business enterprise.

We are thrilled to be part of creating a society where manifold cultures and value systems can exist together, irrespective of nationality, and, moreover, proud to be doing so on the basis of solid business performance.