The specialized real estate purchasing service “Goen” launches in the Kutchan-Niseko and Furano areas! Secure and direct property purchases to eliminate future uncertainties.
Connecting Precious “Memories” to the Next Opportunity
Kukan Inc. (Headquarters: Sapporo, Representative Director: Kentaro Yamamoto, hereinafter referred to as “our company”), which operates various businesses in Hokkaido under the mission of “Creating Spaces and Circulating Value,” has launched a real estate purchasing service specializing in properties in the Kutchan-Niseko and Furano areas. The service, named “Goen”, is dedicated to direct real estate purchases.
Background of the Business Launch
1. Increase in Vacant Homes
In recent years, Japan has been experiencing an unprecedentedly rapid decline in birth rates and an aging population. A look at birth and death rate trends clearly illustrates this:
- In 2000: Births: ~1.19 million / Deaths: ~960,000
- In 2015: Births: ~1.00 million / Deaths: ~1.29 million (Deaths significantly outnumbered births)
- In 2023: Births: ~730,000 / Deaths: ~1.57 million
◇The situation has reached a critical point. (Source: “Overview of the 2023 Population Statistics Monthly Report” by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)
◇Increase in Vacant Properties (Source: “Overview of the 2023 Population Statistics Monthly Report” by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)
This demographic shift has led to a rise in vacant properties due to inheritance issues and the absence of residents following aging or death. Rural areas, in particular, are experiencing a surge in vacant houses, creating major social concerns.
As of 2023, the total number of vacant homes in Japan reached 9 million, the highest ever recorded, with the vacancy rate hitting 13.8% of all residential properties. (Source: “2023 Housing and Land Survey Results” by the Statistics Bureau of Japan)
Unmanaged vacant homes can cause various problems, including:
- Deterioration of the neighborhood’s appearance
- Overgrowth of weeds and tree branches extending onto roads
- Structural damage or building collapses
- Unpleasant odors, insect, and pest infestations
- Illegal occupation and security concerns
Severely neglected properties may even be designated as “Specified Vacant Houses” by local governments, making them subject to forced demolition. (Source: “Government Online: Strengthened Measures for Proper Management and Utilization of Vacant Homes”)
2. Vacant Home Issues in Kutchan-Niseko & Furano
Despite being globally recognized resort destinations, the Kutchan-Niseko and Furano areas are also facing challenges with vacant homes.
Vacant House Countermeasures in Kutchan and Furano
- Kutchan Town:
- 2014: Established the “Kutchan Town Ordinance on Vacant House Measures”
- 2017: Formulated the “Kutchan Town Vacant House Measures Plan”
- 2022: Revised the “Kutchan Town Vacant House Measures Plan”
- Furano City:
- 2022: Established the “Furano City Vacant House Measures Plan”
The area has seen increased foreign investment in real estate, leading to ownership by foreign individuals and corporations. However, this has resulted in issues such as:
- Unpaid Property Taxes: Some foreign property owners fail to appoint tax managers, causing administrative disputes.
- Lack of Maintenance: Properties owned by overseas residents are often left neglected, negatively affecting local communities.
Given these risks, selling properties to foreign investors may be unappealing to current property owners. This is one of the reasons Goen was established—to provide a safe and reliable local alternative for property sales.
Features of “Goen” – A Specialized Real Estate Purchasing Service
1. Sell As-Is – No Need to Clean or Repair
✓ Sell without removing furniture and appliances
✓ Properties over 50 years old are also eligible
Goen directly purchases properties, so owners don’t need to clean, dispose of furniture, or conduct renovations before selling.
2. No Extra Costs – Fast Cash Transactions
✓ No brokerage fees
✓ Cash payment possible within one month
Since Goen directly buys properties, sellers avoid intermediary fees, and transactions can be completed quickly.
3. Full Privacy Protection & After-Sale Support
✓ No liability for property defects after the sale
✓ Sales can be kept confidential from neighbors
Even if issues arise after the sale, Goen does not hold the previous owner responsible. Additionally, Goen respects sellers’ privacy.
4. Coverage Areas
Goen specializes in Kutchan-Niseko and Furano areas, including:
- Kutchan-Niseko Area: Kutchan Town, Niseko Town, Kyogoku Town, Makkari Village, Toyako Town, Kimobetsu Town, Rusutsu Village, Rankoshi Town, Iwanai Town
- Furano Area: Furano City, Nakafurano Town, Kamifurano Town
Priority Purchase Areas
We are currently focusing on purchasing properties in the following locations. If you own a vacant home or land in these areas, please contact Goen!
- Kutchan-Niseko Priority Areas: Around Kutchan Station, Hirafu, Kabayama, Hanazono, Soga, Rusutsu, Kimobetsu
- Furano Priority Areas: Around Furano Station, Kitanomine, Shimo-Goryo, Kami-Goryo, Gakuden, Nakafurano
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Am I obligated to sell if I request an appraisal?
A: No, you are not required to sell. We encourage you to take your time to decide.
Q2: Is an in-person inspection necessary?
A: A preliminary estimate can be provided based on property information alone. However, a final price requires an in-person assessment.
Q3: Do I have to move out immediately after selling?
A: No, we can adjust the move-out date based on your needs, with past cases allowing up to six months for relocation.
The Future Kukan Inc. Aims for Through “Goen
Through Goen, Kukan Inc. seeks to contribute to regional revitalization and job creation.
We have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by rural Hokkaido, such as youth migration and deteriorating employment conditions. Although still a young company, we are committed to supporting the communities that have supported us.
Reusing Purchased Properties for Local Development
Instead of leaving properties vacant, Goen repurposes them as vacation rentals, supporting the local tourism industry. Additionally, the company hires local cleaning staff, creating new job opportunities.
As a business rooted in Kutchan-Niseko and Furano, Kukan Inc. will continue to give back to the community and contribute to its long-term prosperity.
Company Overview
- Company Name: Kukan Inc.
- Established: November 29, 2022
- Capital: ¥1,000,000
- CEO: Kentaro Yamamoto
- Head Office: 3-1-1 Toyohira 4-jo, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 062-0904
- Branch Office: 4-7 Sakae-cho, Furano, Hokkaido, 076-0023
Business Activities
- Vacation Rental Investment – Operation of JANKEN and support for investment projects in Hokkaido
- Retail Business – Operation of 24 Sweets Shop Sapporo Teine
- Creative Services – Business development, branding, and marketing solutions
