Japanese property law is a confusing maze of clauses and terminology, some of which is still debated by Japanese legal experts. Foreigners should make sure to seek legal advice before they even search for properties in Japan.
Perhaps the most complex part of Japanese property law is the establishment of ownership during the transaction. The law does not explicitly state under what conditions ownership changes, and thus without sound legal advice it is possible, if improbable, to sell property monetarily without selling it according to the legal definition.
If that sounds confusing, consider that not all property is publicly registered under its true owners (for tax reasons), though legally all property must be registered in order for its ownership to be properly established. In Japan, these issues are dealt with every time a property transaction is conducted.
To find a qualified lawyer, you can consult the listings of layers and law firms specializing in Japanese law at HG.org .