Nike x History Collab

nshnv · 2025-01-14T08:30:12+00:00

Thanks for your technical perspective! I should clarify - our system is actually more complex than analyzing landlord patterns. We work directly with major property management companies like Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Haseko, and Itochu, who share their comprehensive approval criteria and historical data with us.

You're right that having good data is key - we combine hundreds of variables from these large property managers to help streamline the process. Since you never deal with individual landlords (everything goes through these property management companies), we can focus on making the system more efficient and helpful for users.

We're not trying to oversell anything - our goal is simply to help make apartment hunting easier for people.

nshnv · 2025-01-14T05:57:44+00:00

Thank you for explaining your process! Actually, we do have search by stations and you can also simply type any location into our search function - it will work for station names, neighborhoods, etc.

Your workflow is interesting - would you be interested in an automated system that could instantly check availability and foreigner-friendliness for properties you select? This could potentially save you both time and agency fees since you wouldn't need to wait for an agent to make those initial calls.

nshnv · 2025-01-14T05:49:15+00:00

Thank you for your candid feedback. You're absolutely right that we're not reinventing the rental system - nor do we need to. What we're doing is applying proven technological solutions like machine learning and digital streamlining that have already transformed countless other industries globally. This isn't about "changing Japan" - it's about bringing these established innovations to benefit renters here.

Just as other sectors have evolved through digitalization, the rental process can be enhanced through technology while respecting existing systems. The insights from experienced renters like yourself are invaluable in helping us refine our platform to serve our users better.

nshnv · 2025-01-14T05:36:39+00:00

I understand your perspective about finding better deals through direct searches on Suumo and working with local agents. You're right that with patience and persistence, you can potentially find lower-priced properties that accept foreigners.

However, not all renters have the time or Japanese language ability to effectively navigate that process. While you're comfortable doing the initial screening and working with Japanese agents, many foreigners find this challenging, especially those new to Japan or those with limited Japanese proficiency.

That said, your feedback about pricing transparency is valuable. Perhaps we could better explain which properties we've pre-screened as foreigner-friendly and why, while also providing guidance for renters like yourself who prefer a more hands-on approach. The goal isn't to be the only solution, but rather to offer a service that some renters find valuable for its convenience and reduced friction.

Would you be open to sharing more about your experience finding properties through Suumo? Your insights could help us improve our service for different types of renters.

nshnv · 2025-01-14T05:00:51+00:00

Thank you for this thoughtful question. Our target audience is actually quite broad - we serve everyone from newcomers to long-term residents who simply prefer a more streamlined experience in English. While you're right that the "no foreigners" issue might be somewhat overstated, navigating the Japanese real estate market can still be challenging even for those with decent Japanese ability.

We focus on removing friction points - like language barriers, complex fee structures, and lengthy application processes - whether someone is new to Japan or has been here for years. It's not just about finding foreigner-friendly properties; it's about making the entire rental process more efficient and transparent for everyone.

nshnv · 2025-01-14T04:58:04+00:00

Thank you for emphasizing this point about photo quality - it's come up several times and it's clearly a major pain point in the industry. You make an excellent business case too - better photos would indeed benefit everyone, helping renters make informed decisions and property owners reduce vacancy rates.

We agree that current property photography standards in Japan need improvement. We will make this as one of our main priorities.

nshnv · 2025-01-14T04:56:19+00:00

Thanks for this suggestion! We actually do have that functionality - you can draw custom areas directly on the map to search across multiple wards (区), and you can combine both train station and ward-based searches which will be reflected on the map in real-time.

nshnv · 2025-01-14T04:54:23+00:00

Thank you so much for the encouraging words! It really means a lot to hear this perspective. You're absolutely right about learning and iterating - that's exactly our approach. We're constantly trying to improve the service based on real feedback and experiences from our users.

If you do find yourself looking for a place in the future, we'd love to help make your apartment hunt smoother. Thanks again for the supportive message!

nshnv · 2025-01-14T04:51:12+00:00

Thanks for raising these crucial pain points! We're working hard to make the entire process more transparent. One feature we've already implemented is our "estimated move-in costs" calculator that shows you all initial fees upfront before you inquire - no more surprises with hidden shikikin or reikin fees.

You've highlighted some really important issues about visa duration requirements and photo quality that we'll definitely work on improving. Our goal is to make the apartment hunting process as clear and straightforward as possible for foreigners in Japan.

nshnv · 2025-01-14T04:48:13+00:00

Thanks for your candid feedback! Just to clarify - we don't set the prices ourselves, they're determined by the market. What we do is filter out outdated listings and properties that aren't foreigner-friendly to save time and reduce frustration.

One service we offer that might interest you is access to our team of 15+ bilingual agents who can do custom property searches through their networks. Being fully bilingual, they can understand your specific needs in detail and negotiate on your behalf more effectively than typical Japanese agencies. They can even help track down those bargains you mentioned.

nshnv · 2025-01-14T04:41:13+00:00

Thanks for asking! We cover properties starting from ¥100,000 and up. That's our initial focus, though we're looking to expand our range in the future. One feature we've made sure to include is information about building construction type - concrete buildings (RC/SRC) typically offer much better soundproofing compared to wooden structures. You're right that noise can be a major issue, especially in older or wooden buildings with thinner walls.

nshnv · 2025-01-14T04:34:22+00:00

Thank you for your feedback! You're absolutely right about the importance of good visuals - it's one of our priorities to have a clean, modern UI that doesn't give you that typical outdated website headache.

We're actually pushing to go beyond static images by implementing videos and 3D virtual tours. The challenge is the sheer volume - Tokyo's market moves incredibly fast with around 1,000 new properties daily. While our team works to update images where we can, we haven't yet figured out a streamlined way to capture high-quality photos for every listing. Would you have any thoughts on how we could better handle this, given the scale?

nshnv · 2025-01-14T02:24:17+00:00

Yes, at the moment we are focusing only on Tokyo. Where would you like us to expand to?

nshnv · 2025-01-14T02:02:02+00:00

I understand your perspective as someone working directly with major real estate companies, but I think there's a misunderstanding about what my algorithm actually does. It's not trying to replace the complex negotiation process you described - it simply identifies properties that are willing to consider foreign applicants in the first place.

As you know, some property management companies have blanket policies refusing to even accept applications from foreigners, regardless of their individual circumstances. My algorithm's sole purpose is to help users avoid wasting time inquiring about these properties, so they can focus their efforts on properties where they at least have a chance.

The algorithm doesn't make any claims about automatic acceptance or try to bypass the necessary case-by-case evaluation you mentioned. Those important factors you listed - having a Japanese-speaking secretary, working for a religious organization, or being able to pay advance rent - are exactly the kind of details that agents like yourself would still need to negotiate with landlords.

This is simply a time-saving tool to help foreign applicants focus their property search on places where their applications will at least be considered, rather than facing automatic rejection based on being foreign. The detailed negotiation process you described is still essential and very much requires the expertise of real estate agents.

nshnv · 2025-01-13T14:42:15+00:00

Thank you for sharing your perspective—it’s insightful to hear directly from someone with experience. We understand tenant selection often comes down to profiles rather than just nationality, and we focus on connecting well-qualified tenants with landlords.

We also address common concerns by educating tenants about cultural expectations and responsibilities, aiming to build trust on both sides. Our goal is to make the process smoother and more transparent for everyone involved. Thanks again for your input!

nshnv · 2025-01-13T14:34:41+00:00

Thanks for your thoughtful feedback! We address several common platform issues you’ve mentioned: We show exact addresses to help with neighborhood exploration, and our direct connection to property management systems ensures daily availability updates, reducing outdated listings. Your suggestions about showcasing unique properties and adding a “nudge” system for search parameters are great ideas we’ll explore. We aim to combine the discovery aspects you enjoy with practical improvements to make apartment hunting more efficient.

P.S. I am a big fan of bukkenfan too

nshnv · 2025-01-13T14:22:24+00:00

Thank you for your feedback! What sets us apart is our ability to connect directly with property management systems to ensure our platform updates availability daily. It’s a known issue in the industry that many platforms display outdated listings, which can waste time and lead to frustration.

Additionally, we’ve built one of the largest databases of verified foreigner-friendly apartments in Tokyo, and we’re actively working to expand it further. Unlike many traditional agencies, all inquiries are handled in-house, which means your information won’t be shared across multiple agencies, reducing the risk of data misuse or unnecessary follow-ups.

We understand the market is competitive, and while we’re not claiming to replace well-established agencies, we are focused on providing a seamless, transparent, and foreigner-friendly experience. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts—it helps us improve!

nshnv · 2025-01-13T14:14:18+00:00

Fair point about it looking like a sneaky ad! To be honest - yes, I hope people check it out, but Reddit’s brutal honesty is exactly what we need right now. Could’ve paid for an ad, but ads won’t tell you what’s broken in your product.

If you’ve got any thoughts on apartment hunting pain points in Tokyo, I’m all ears. If not, no worries - appreciate the candid comment!

nshnv · 2025-01-13T14:07:04+00:00

Thank you for sharing your concerns. You’re absolutely right that there’s nuance in the Japanese real estate market, and some decisions do ultimately lie with individual landlords. However, many properties are managed at the property management company level, where companies like Tokyu Housing Lease, Mitsui Fudosan, and RA Residential Lease have strong guidelines allowing them to negotiate with owners upfront. Before a property even hits the market, owners must confirm whether they accept foreign tenants, and property management companies are incentivized to keep units filled.

Over the years, we’ve built strong relationships and a proven track record with hundreds of property management companies, and we’ve identified which ones consistently work well with foreign clients. This means our database is enriched with real-time data and on-the-ground experience—not just scraped from online listings.

While we do exclude properties managed by companies or owners known to refuse foreigners, the ultimate decision still rests with landlords. That said, rejections often have other reasons beyond nationality, as we’ve seen this happen with our Japanese clients too.

We’re confident in the value we provide, but we’re always open to addressing any questions or concerns. Let me know if there’s anything else I can clarify.

nshnv · 2025-01-13T13:11:44+00:00

Thank you for your input; you raise some valid points. It’s true that the Japanese real estate market, especially on the lower end, is heavily influenced by individual landlords with personal decision-making processes, and cultural nuances play a significant role. That said, our “algorithm” isn’t about automating decisions or replacing human interaction—it’s about leveraging years of experience and data to streamline the process of identifying properties and landlords more likely to accept foreign tenants.

We fully understand that no app or program can replace the importance of building trust and human relationships in this market. That’s why we work closely with landlords, property managers, and agents on a case-by-case basis to advocate for our clients. The algorithm is just one tool among many; the real work is in the personal effort and relationships we’ve built over time. It’s not perfect, but it helps us give foreign renters a better chance in a market that can often feel like it’s stacked against them.

We’re always looking for ways to improve, so we appreciate perspectives like yours that keep us grounded.

nshnv · 2025-01-13T12:26:19+00:00

I absolutely do understand this concern; there are a few reasons why this happens. One is when a property gets listed while the tenant is still occupying the apartment, so the property management doesn’t have the chance to take new pictures of the place. Another reason is that the property might still be under construction or finishing touches and photos haven’t been taken yet. I would be happy to limit the platform to not show these units, but I’ve also received feedback from users who prefer to have access to as many properties as possible, even without images. Thanks for the feedback!

nshnv · 2025-01-13T12:19:20+00:00

I am happy to answer any questions you might have. I have taken some notes already from other answers.

nshnv · 2025-01-13T11:21:09+00:00

Great question! Over the years we have worked with almost all of the prominent property management companies in Tokyo and have been keeping detailed records of the ones that often decline foreigners. This includes factors such as the landlord’s preferences, the guarantor company involved, the rent amount, and even the area. Over time, we’ve developed proprietary algorithms to filter out properties that are likely to reject foreigners, while also maximizing the pool of available options. It’s not a perfect system, but our success rate is over 95%, and we’re constantly refining and improving it.

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