Housing for Expat in Tokyo

Earthquake resistance of buildings in Japan

plazahomes — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:29:00 +0000

Earthquake resistance of buildings in Japan and risk of earthquake depending on the area

In Japan, Building Standard Act has been strictly reviewed every time we experienced a large earthquake.
All buildings are strictly required to have an earthquake resistance structure. Without rigorous compliance to earthquake proof standard set by a low, one can never get an approval of construction of a building from a public administration office in Japan.
It is said that the collapse ratio of the building as a result of a powerful earthquake is extremely low in Japan compared to any other countries.

Transition of building regulations and earthquake resistance standard by generations

　　1^st generation – buildings before 1971
　　2^nd generation – buildings after 1971 and prior to 1981
　　3^rd generation – buildings after 1981
　　4^th generation – buildings after 2000 (As to wooden structures)

1971	After the earthquake off the shore of Tokachi in 1968, the standard for tie-hoops of RC structure was tightened.
1981	After experiencing the disaster caused by the earthquake off the shore of Miyagi Prefecture in 1978, the Building Standard Act was revised and the New Anti-seismic Design Code came in to effect. The new standard focuses not only to prevent buildings from collapse caused by earthquakes but also to secure safety of people inside of buildings. All buildings are expected: 　　Old standard: to be capable of resisting an impact of JMA seismic scale 5 　　New standard: not to collapse in an earthquake of JMA seismic scale upper 6 or higher *　The New Anti-seismic Design Standard has been applied to all buildings requesting approval of construction as of June 1^st, 1981.
1995	From the experience of the Hanshin-Awaji earthquake in 1995, Act for Promotion of Renovation for Earthquake-Resistant Structures (an regulation that promotes earthquake-resistance structure on existing buildings) came in to effect. It required larger buildings than a certain size as specified in this regulation a duty to strive to assess an earthquake resistance level and renovate the structure of buildings in order to secure the same of higher earthquake proof performance level as the New Anti-seismic Design Standard required.
2000	The Building Standard Act was revised in order to improve safety of wooden buildings and to clarify anti-seismic performance level as well as specifications and forms of building foundation. The ground investigation became virtually mandatory.
2009	The Licensed Architect Act was revised as a result of the falsification matter of structural calculation discovered in 2005. The new law required all larger buildings than set on the standard to be structurally designed by a constructional design 1st class registered architect.

Most of buildings collapsed in the Hanshin-Awaji earthquake in 1995 were built before the New Anti-Seismic Design Standard came in effect. As explained here, the standard of earthquake resistance has been tightened every time the law was revised.

Level of earthquake resistance by structure of building

Earthquake Resistant Structure

It is the most common structure for detached houses in Japan. All buildings built after 1981 must conform to the New Anti-seismic Structure Standard requiring buildings to have an earthquake resistance structure.
With a seismic resistance structure, main structure of buildings, namely, posts, walls and floors, receive seismic motions. The structure can be divided in to Rigid Structure that is to build ridged structured buildings in order to prevent from collapse and Flexible Structure that main structural parts of which bow flexibly in order to spread the force of seismic motions.

Damping Structure

It places damping walls that absorb seismic energy within the building in order to minimize seismic motions. Damping structures can be divided in to Active type that uses energy such as electricity and Passive type that uses physical forces.
The structure reduces the seismic intensity down to 70 to 80% of the performance of seismic resistance structure.

>>　Rental Properties with Damping Structure (Tokyo)
>>　For Sale Properties with Damping Structure (Tokyo)

Seismic Isolation Structure

The structure is commonly used for high-rise buildings. It places quake-absorbing devices (isolator) such as laminated lubber that blocks seismic motions from reaching the building, as a part of the foundation of the building. The quake-absorbing devices include laminated lubber, lead, spring, damper, ball bearings, etc. Furthermore, newly invented construction methods use combination of these materials.
The structure reduces the seismic intensity down to 1/3 to 1/5 (less than half) compared to that of seismic resistance structure.

>>　Rental Properties with Seismic Isolation Structure (Tokyo)
>>　For Sale Properties with Seismic Isolation Structure (Tokyo)

The apartment and office buildings with damping structure or seismic isolation structure are more secure against earthquakes compared to general anti-seismic structure.

Type of building structures used for main part of buildings

Wooden Structure	It refers to the buildings that primarily use woods as a main material. With the structure, posts and beams of a building serve as core parts of the building. 　Many of detached houses in Japan are made of woods.
Steel Structure (S)	It refers to the buildings that primarily use steel materials for the framework of a building.　Steel structure is suitable for buildings with large spaces.
Reinforced Concrete Structure (RC)	It refers to the buildings that primarily use concrete with iron reinforcing bars inside for the framework of a building. The structure takes advantage of both reinforcing bars and steel frame. With Reinforced Concrete Structure, “reinforcing bars” that are steel material bars with tolerance against stretching forces reinforces “concrete” that resists compressive forces of the weight of a building.
Steel Reinforced Concrete Structure (SRC)	It refers to the buildings that primarily use concrete with iron reinforcing bars inside and iron frames for the framework of a building. The structure takes advantage of both steel structure and reinforced concrete structure and is often referred as “SRC structure”. With SRC structure, Iron frames construct poles and beams, which will be reinforced with iron reinforcing bars, later filled with concrete. The structure is often applied for high-rise buildings because it provides excellent seismic resistance and is also solid and durable.

Risk of earthquake depending on the area in Tokyo

cf. Bureau of Urban Development Tokyo Metropolitan Government

Risk of disasters differs depending on many different factors such as ground, shape of the land, density of buildings, etc.
In Tokyo, the areas with higher risk of building collapses can be found on the ground that is categorized as alluvial plain or lowland valley such as alluvial fan, natural levee zone or delta. Furthermore, it is said that so-called local town areas along Arakawa River and Sumidagawa River where old wooden houses and light steel structure buildings gather densely have higher risk of fire. More precisely, southern Adachi ward, Arakawa ward, Eastern Taito ward, Western Katsushika ward, Sumida ward and Northern Koto ward areas are considered more dangerous due to the reason described above.
The areas such as Chiyoda ward, Minato ward and Shibuya ward where many foreign companies gather and many foreign expats reside are considered as relatively safe areas.

>>　Earthquake Resistant Rental Properties : Apartment & Houses with Higher Tolerance against Earthquakes
>>　Earthquake Resistant For Sale Properties : Apartment & Houses with Higher Tolerance against Earthquakes

>> Indication of Earthquake Level in Japan
>> Emergency Evacuation Backpack
>> Evacuation Sites, Areas & Shelters in Central Tokyo
>> Indoor Safety Measures Against Earthquake
>> Earthquake Insurance
>> Methods for Contacting Family Members

For Rent : Olympiard Azabu Kasumizaka

plazahomes — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:15:00 +0000

Rental Property: Olympiard Azabu Kasumizaka

Address:	3-21-3, Nishi-azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Transportation:	Hibiya / Toei-Oedo Line, Roppongi Sta. 7 min.-walk Chiyoda Line, Nogizaka Sta. 11 min.-walk Hibiya Line, Hiroo Sta. 11 min.-walk
Structure:	Steel-reinforced Concrete 14 floors above
Completion:	August, 2000

It is located in a convenient location near Nishi-Azabu intersection.
Roppongi Hills is in a 4 min. walk. Hiroo and Roppongi areas are within a daily living range.
Many famous gourmet spots are dotted in the neighborhood in addition to many embassies.
>> Area Info. : Roppongi, Hiroo

Olympiard Azabu Kasumizaka is a 14-story condominium apartment.
The entrance and lobby areas produce a sense of luxury. It has 24h manned management system. The front desk service is also available.
The hallways to each unit are found indoor. Delivery boxes are also available.
Mechanical parking is located in the basement.

All units are bright and get excellent view as they face south.
The floor plan varies widely from 1LDK to 4LDK. Each unit has spacious floor plan.
*Please note that interior design as well as specifications differ depending on the unit, as it is a condominium apartment.

All units have a spacious living-dining space as well as plenty of storage space.
There is a large shoes closet at the entrance. The units larger than 2LDK have a walk-in closet in the bedroom.

Rental Info.(Rent, Floor Plan, Other Details.) for Olympiard Azabu Kasumizaka

Rental Apartments & Houses in Hiroo Area

Rental Apartments & Houses in Roppongi Area

For Rent : Oji Palace

plazahomes — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:04:00 +0000

Rental Property: Oji Palace

Address:	6-6-25, Minami-aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Transportation:	Ginza / Chiyoda / Hanzomon Line, Omote-sando Sta. 10 min.-walk
Structure:	Steel-reinforced Concrete 14 floors above, 2 floor(s) below
Completion:	September, 1970

Oji Palace is located along Aoyama Antique Street where famous restaurants and fashionable boutiques gather and is 10 min. walk away from Omote-sando Sta. Behind the property, Nezu Art Museum can be found in the environment with rich greenery.
>> Omotesando area information.

It is known as a luxurious condominium apartment gear towards foreign expats, which houses 40 units in total.
It offers an English bilingual service in order to assist residents’ living.
The entrance lobby is spacious and produces peaceful sense of luxury.
The private BBQ garden is located on the rooftop available for residents.
Parking is located within the premise.

The floor plan ranges from 1LDK to 4LDK. All units are spaciously laid out.

The living-dining room and master bedroom are spacious. The units larger than 2LDK have two bathrooms, which are suitable for foreign expat families.
It also has lots of storage space. A washing machine, dryer, large refrigerator, dishwasher, etc. are installed.
The white-based interior design creates a bright living space.

View from the property is also excellent. Depending on the unit, you can overlook greenery of Nezu Art Museum.

Rental Info.(Rent, Floor Plan, Other Details.) for Oji Palace

Rental Apartments & Houses in British School Area

Rental Apartments & Houses in Omotesando, Harajuku Area

Rental Apartments & Houses in Aoyama Area

For Rent : Park Habio Azabu Tower

plazahomes — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:47:00 +0000

Rental Property: Park Habio Azabu tower

Address:	1-8-4, Higashi-azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Transportation:	Toei-Oedo Line, Akabanebashi Sta. 4 min.-walk Toei-Oedo / Namboku Line, Azabu-juban Sta. 9 min.-walk Hibiya Line, Kamiyacho Sta. 9 min.-walk
Structure:	Reinforced Concrete 27 floors above, 1 floor(s) below
Completion:	February, 2009

High-rise apartment close to the Tokyo Tower.
Convenient location with a supermarket near by, convenience stores and restaurants are also close by.

Walking distance to Roppongi and Azabu-Juban area.
Good access to major business districts.
Short walk to ‘Tokyo Tower’ and popular Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) place ‘Zojoji Temple’, also Shiba Park is near by, great area for walking.

Room plans : Studio – 4BR
Resident building manager ; concirge service available.

Special access to the ‘Somerset’ apartment’s fitness gym and swimming pool with small fee.
Pet negotiable.
Close to Tokyo American Club(TAC).

Rental Info.(Rent, Floor Plan, Other Details.) for Park Habio Azabu tower

Rental Apartments & Houses in Kamiyacho Area

For Rent : Park View Nishiazabu

plazahomes — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:23:00 +0000

Rental Property: Park View Nishi-Azabu

Address:	1-chome, Nishiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Transportation:	Chiyoda Line, Nogizaka Sta. 8 min.-walk Hibiya / Toei- Oedo Line, Roppongi Sta. 10 min.-walk
Structure:	Reinforced Concrete 11 floors above
Completion:	January, 2000

It is a tower apartment next to the greenery of Aoyama Cemetery, to the north or Nishi-Azabu Intersection.
Three stations of Nogizaka, Roppongi and Omotesando are within walking distance.
Roppongi Hills is a 8 min. walk.

Each 1LDK unit occupies a whole floor.
The units occupying an entire floor have windows on three directions to bring in good natural light and breeze. The view is also widely open; which brings great openness in to the rooms.

Inside of the units is renovated with white as its theme color. It is modern and stylish.
Three built-in ACs are installed in each unit.
The bathroom has a heater-dryer system as well as bath heating system.
The excellent kitchen facilities include a water filter, microwave oven and dishwasher. The gas stove has 3 burners.
In addition, it has delivery boxes that are very useful for single persons.
The storage is available for 8,000 yen/month.
The unit on the 4th floor has a large roof patio.

Rental Info.(Rent, Floor Plan, Other Details.) for Park View Nishi-Azabu

Rental Apartments & Houses in Roppongi Area

For Rent : Motoazabu Terrace Apartment

plazahomes — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:39:00 +0000

Rental Property: Moto-azabu Terrace Apartment

Address:	2-11-5, Moto-azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Transportation:	Toei-Oedo / Nanboku Line, Azabu-juban Sta. 7 min.-walk Hibiya Line, Hiroo Sta. 15 min.-walk
Structure:	Reinforced Concrete 5 floors above
Completion:	January, 1987

It is located in a quiet residential area of Motoazabu, Minato-ku.
The whole venue will make you forget the fact that you’re in the middle of Tokyo because of its rich flaura.
>> Motoazabu/Azabujuban area information.

It is the most popular location, being so close to Nishimachi International School and within walking distance to Azabu Juban shopping arcade.

A spacious room layout and tasteful sense of luxury are its attractions.
It offers a bilingual management system and is a popular luxury condominium apartment for foreign expat families.

Rental Info.(Rent, Floor Plan, Other Details.) for Moto-azabu Terrace Apartment

Rental Apartments & Houses in Hiroo Area

Rental Apartments & Houses in Azabujuban, Motoazabu Area

For Rent : Garden Court Daikanyama

plazahomes — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:30:00 +0000

Rental Property: Garden Court Daikanyama

Address:	12-19, Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Transportation:	Tokyu-Toyoko Line, Daikanyama Sta. 4 min.-walk
Structure:	Reinforced Concrete 3 floors above, 1 floor(s) below
Completion:	January, 2010

It is located in a quiet residential area, 4 min. to Daikanyama Sta.
Hibiya Line Nakameguro Sta. and JR Ebisu Sta. are also a 12 min. walk away.
Daikanyama Address, right next to the station, houses fashionable stores and restaurants.
A grocery store (Peacock) is nearby and overall this is a convenient location.
Shibuya public Sarugaku fitness gym is very closeby; which is available for Shibuya residents for 400 yen per visit.
>> Daikanyama area information.

Garden Court Daikanyama is a designers apartment that is so specific in every detail from the exterior to the interior.

You can enjoy the view of an English garden within the premises from the windows of each room as well as from the lobby.
The English garden is lit up at night and produces a superb space.

Each room is designed to be modern and different.
Specific, fine taste designs fit in to the view.

Bath room is fully automated and has a dryer.
Other facilities such as a floor heating system, a dishwasher,
a water filter, an oven-microwave, storage rooms, delivery lockers, etc., are also in place.
Double auto lock, security cameras as well as ALSOK security system assures the residents safety.

An all-electric system is installed.
Piano is negotiable.

Rental Info.(Rent, Floor Plan, Other Details.) for Garden Court Daikanyama

Rental Apartments & Houses in Shibuya, Shoto Area

Rental Apartments & Houses in Daikanyama Area

For Rent : Aoyama Park Tower

plazahomes — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:12:00 +0000

Rental Property: Aoyama Park Tower

Address:	1-19-18, Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Transportation:	JR Yamanote / Hanzomon Line, Shibuya Sta. 5 min.-walk Ginza Line, Omote-sando Sta. 8 min.-walk
Structure:	Reinforced Concrete 34 floors above
Completion:	January, 2003

Shibuya Sta. is 5 min. walk away. Both Aoyama and Omotesando areas are within a walking distance.
This is a 34-story condominium tower apartment that stands on the hilltop away from the buzz of Shibuya. There are Miyashita Park and Mitake Park nearby.

The beautifully organized garden within the premise enables you to enjoy and appreciate seasons.
The hotel-like lounge and lobby areas produce openness.

It has extensive common facilities; which is a huge advantage of a luxurious condominium apartment.
There are Sky Lounge and Sky Jacuzzi on 28-29F.
The Sky Deck on the rooftop provides a 360-degree panorama view.
A very reliable security system is in place. The management support is available 24 hours.

Since this is a condominium apartment, the interior design and specification of units varies.

Inside of each unit is finished in high standard. The view from higher floors is excellent and you can oversee long ways away.
Even in the lower floors, you can still enjoy views of greenery within the premise.
Some units are negotiable to use music instruments.

Rental Info.(Rent, Floor Plan, Other Details.) for Aoyama Park Tower

Rental Apartments & Houses in British School Area

Rental Apartments & Houses in Shibuya, Shoto Area

For Rent : Roppongi Arents

plazahomes — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:54:00 +0000

Rental Property: Roppongi Arents

Address:	6-16-11, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Transportation:	Toei-Oedo / Namboku Line, Azabu-juban Sta. 8 min.-walk Hibiya / Toei-Oedo Line, Roppongi Sta. 8 min.-walk
Structure:	Reinforced Concrete 14 floors above
Completion:	July, 2003

5 min. to Kasumigaseki and 7 min. to Ebisu and 10 min. to Ginza by Hibiya Line. 8 min. to Shinjuku by Oedo Line. Great access to major business districts.
Close to Roppongi Hills, convenient for shopping and eating out, but yet located in a quiet, high-end Motoazabu area.
>> Area Information : Roppongi, Azabujuban/Motoazabu.

Concierge service, fitness room available on the first basement level.
Comfortable space of spacious lobby and ‘modern’ private Japanese garden.

Large rooms with simple yet stylish interior.

Living/Dining space with marble counter and downlighting produce the room a cozy space.

Equipment:
Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Microwave oven/grill, Washer/Dryer.
Also equipped with “Fridge for raw garbage”, delightful consideration.

Rental Info.(Rent, Floor Plan, Other Details.) for Roppongi Arents

Rental Apartments & Houses in Roppongi Area

Rental Apartments & Houses in Azabujuban, Motoazabu Area

For Rent : Denen Green House No.5

plazahomes — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:14:00 +0000

Rental Property: Denen Green House No.5

Address:	5, Den-enchofu, Ota-ku, Tokyo
Transportation:	Tokyu-Toyoko /Tokyu-Meguro Line, Denenchofu Sta. 12 min.-walk
Structure:	Reinforced Concrete 2 floors above
Completion:	April, 1987

It is a luxurious rental apartment very near from Tamagawadai Park and Hourai Park in Denenchofu.
The high ceilings create open living spaces. It also has a solid garage that can accommodate a large vehicle. The property is the most suitable for a family.

The private space in the unit offers latitude and comfort such as the openness of the rooms and spaciousness of the patios. In addition, it also provides a set of luxurious home appliances, which appears as if it is a truly luxurious rental condominium apartment.

It has a large private garden for the residents where you can BBQ as well. This is a great place where small children can run around safely, if you are a family with small children.

This is a low-rise apartment where you can live comfortably while being in Denenchofu, luxurious residential neighborhood, and being located in a excellent location to be very close Hourai Park and Tamagawadai Park.

Rental Info.(Rent, Floor Plan, Other Details.) for Denen Green House No.5

Rental Apartments & Houses in Denenchofu, Jiyugaoka Area