Terms of Use

SMITHRE.jp

Effective: April 2026

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using SMITHRE.jp (the “Website”), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use the Website. We reserve the right to amend these terms at any time without prior notice.

2. No Investment or Professional Advice

The content on this Website, including property market insights, building data, and investment trends, is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute a solicitation, recommendation, or offer to buy or sell any real estate or financial instruments.

SMITHRE.jp operates as an independent construction consultancy and property advisory service. We are not a licensed real estate broker under the Real Estate Brokerage Act of Japan. Our services are limited to construction consulting, project management guidance, and general property market information for foreign buyers and investors in Japan.

Users are solely responsible for their own investment decisions and are urged to consult with appropriately licensed professionals — including licensed real estate brokers (宅地建物取引業者), tax advisors, and legal counsel — before taking any action based on content found on this Website.

3. Accuracy of Information

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date insights, we do not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of any content on this Website. Building specifications, market prices, and regulatory requirements in Japan are subject to change without notice. Users should independently verify all information before relying upon it.

4. Intellectual Property

All content published on this Website, including but not limited to professional photography, drone footage, video property tours, 360° virtual experiences, written articles, market analyses, and site design, is the exclusive intellectual property of SMITHRE.jp and its operators.

Reproduction, redistribution, or commercial use of any content without prior written consent is strictly prohibited.

5. Prohibited Uses

Users agree not to:

  • Use information on this Website for any commercial purpose without prior written consent.
  • Scrape, copy, or redistribute content for third-party use.
  • Attempt to disrupt the Website’s security or functionality.

6. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by Japanese law, SMITHRE.jp and its operators shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, or incidental damages or losses resulting from:

  • Errors or omissions in the content.
  • Actions taken by users based on the information provided on the Website.
  • Technical issues, including system interruptions or computer viruses.

7. Regulatory Disclosures (Fiscal 2026)

From fiscal year 2026 (commencing 1 April 2026), Japan has introduced a requirement for foreign nationals to declare their nationality when registering property ownership with the government. This disclosure applies at the point of registration and is not a prerequisite for completing a property purchase. Nationality information will be stored in a government-internal real estate database and will not appear on the public property registry.

Additionally, non-resident foreign nationals who acquire real estate or related rights (including leasehold) in Japan are required under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (FEFTA) to report the acquisition to the Minister of Finance via the Bank of Japan within 20 days of the transaction.

Users are responsible for complying with all applicable Japanese laws and regulations, including the Real Estate Brokerage Act and any future amendments. SMITHRE.jp recommends that all foreign buyers obtain independent legal advice regarding their specific obligations.

8. Language and Communication

These Terms of Use are published in English. While SMITHRE.jp is able to provide explanations and guidance in English to assist foreign clients, this does not create any additional legal obligation beyond what is stated herein. In the event of any inconsistency between an English explanation and the governing legal terms, the applicable Japanese law shall prevail.

9. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms of Use shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan. Any disputes arising from the use of this Website shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Osaka District Court in the first instance.

SMITHRE.jp | Kansai, Japan | smithre.jp