Not a salesperson, your agent
Real Estate Agents in Japan: What They Do, and What I Offer
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A practical starting point covering the key steps, costs, and post-purchase responsibilities in Japan.
Typical Responsibilities of Brokers and Sales Agents in Japan
In Japanese real estate transactions, brokers and sales agents are generally responsible for the following:
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Responding to inquiries about properties
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Arranging and attending property viewings
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Assisting with the submission of purchase offers
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Coordinating price and condition negotiations with the seller
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Handling contract-related matters (preparing and managing the Explanation of Important Matters, contracts, and required documents)
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Providing the Explanation of Important Matters (by a licensed agent)
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Receiving the deposit at the time of contract (held by the agent or sent directly to the seller)
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Coordinating settlement dates and communication with financial institutions (for mortgage-related transactions)
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Arranging communication with a judicial scrivener (registration procedures are handled by the scrivener)
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Supporting settlement logistics (cash handling, key delivery, and confirmation of completion)
Understanding the Role of Brokers in Japan
In Japan, the role of a broker or sales agent is focused primarily on contract-related tasks.
Unlike in countries such as the United States or Australia, where a buyer’s agent actively supports the buyer throughout the process, this role is still uncommon in Japan.
In most transactions, only four parties are involved: the seller, the buyer, the broker/sales agent, and the judicial scrivener.
Compared to countries with more clearly separated roles, there is no third-party oversight of the contract process.
As a result, both the seller and buyer tend to rely heavily on the broker, whose time and resources are primarily dedicated to ensuring that the transaction is completed.
Brokers typically begin their involvement after a buyer inquires about a specific property. From there, they may arrange property viewings or introduce similar options. In some cases, buyers are expected to view properties on their own without the agent present.
Once a buyer is ready to proceed, the broker prepares the required documents and facilitates the contract process, including the Explanation of Important Matters and signing.
*For more on the full process, click here.
In short, Japanese brokers operate primarily at the back end of the transaction—contract to closing—rather than providing strategic advice, planning, or buyer-focused support from the front end.
Property introductions and viewings prior to contract are not legally required, so service quality and responsiveness vary greatly by agency.
English support is also limited, making it difficult for many overseas buyers to navigate the process confidently.
As explained on this page, buyer’s agents in the Western sense are rare in Japan.
Even when a broker appears to be working for the buyer, their primary function is usually still to facilitate the contract, not to act as a representative or advocate.
This makes in-depth analysis, research, or negotiation on behalf of the buyer structurally and practically limited.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for any overseas buyer working with brokers in Japan.
What I Offer
I am a real estate agent affiliated with RE/MAX, and one of the few professionals in Japan who work as a buyer's agent under an exclusive agreement with the buyer.
While I handle brokerage tasks in accordance with the Real Estate Brokerage Act, I do so from the perspective of the buyer, providing guidance and communication throughout the transaction.
Based on your preferences and needs, I offer counseling and advice to support you from property search through to closing, all in English.
For overseas clients, I can also arrange online property viewings and remote briefings for the Explanation of Important Matters.
Please note that translation or interpretation of legal documents is outside the scope of brokerage services. However, I provide English summaries and explain key points so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Additional support beyond standard brokerage duties is available as a paid service.