Morgan Stanley is working to raise a new $684 million fund to invest in Japan’s real estate sector.

The fund is expected to close fundraising in June 2025 and is projected to reach at least 100 billion yen based on current investor commitments. Investments will primarily focus on office spaces, multi-family residential properties, logistics facilities, and hotels in major Japanese cities.

In recent years, Japan’s economy has begun emerging from deflation and stagnation, sparking increased investor interest due to the rising trend in real estate prices. For instance, land prices in Japan rose by 2.7% in 2024—the highest increase since 1991.

In addition, under corporate governance reforms, many Japanese companies are seeking to improve the management of their real estate assets, including selling some properties, which is positively impacting the market. At the same time, global investment funds are actively entering Japan’s real estate sector, intensifying competition.

Notably, the post-pandemic return to office trend has driven up demand for office space, boosting investor interest in the segment. As of December 2024, Tokyo’s office vacancy rate was just 3.5%, significantly lower than Manhattan’s 14.7% and Central London’s 7.6%.

These factors are likely to positively influence Morgan Stanley’s new fund and create fresh opportunities in Japan’s real estate market.