Past ULI Japan Conferences
ULI Japan’s annual conferences, held twice a year in spring and fall, gather key experts from a wide range of industries including real estate, finance, economics, commercial and academia to shed light on the future of real estate development and land use.
– November 26, 2020 | Academyhills Roppongi Auditorium
We have multiple visionaries and leaders of global and national renown that will provide us with their visions for the new era we are now facing. The conference will welcome Sam Zell, Founder & Chairman of Equity Group Investments and arguably the most successful real estate professional of the past century; Naoki Yoshida, President & CEO of Pan Pacific International Holdings, who has delivered success through a unique model that upset the tidiness of retail in Japan; and finally, Katsunori Sago, Executive Vice President & CSO of SoftBank Group, who will provide a glimpse into the fusion of real estate and technology that is accelerating today.
– November 21, 2019 | Tokyo International Forum Hall B7
New real estate models have emerged and disappeared or at least temporarily collapsed in astounding fashion. Logistics has emerged as a major pillar of the real estate industry. Our reach has extended to airport concessions and the retail sector is undergoing a massive paradigm upheaval resulting in innovations that have been unseen in centuries in that segment. This conference, with a focus on “staying relevant” in the changing world, looked at the evolving retail model, the progress of sustainability in terms of ESG and SDGs, the evolution and status of capital markets featuring an expert Professor Yuichi Hosoya of Keio and featured David Manfredi, a globally renowned architect, who oversaw the design of Amazon’s second headquarters and a variety of other renowned projects. Closing keynote speaker Sonia Cheng, CEO of Rosewood Hotel Group, analyzed the now and the future of hospitality through the eyes of a luxury owner operator and a panel of players operating across the hospitality spectrum .
– May 23, 2019 | Marunouchi Building Hall & Conference Square
In a time of volatility and rapid progress that make speed and adaptability key elements of success, is the need to reanalyze longstanding ideas on creating value and the emergence of ideas that lead to new value. This conference invited Goodwin Gaw, Chairman and Managing Principal of Gaw Capital Partners and Takafumi Horie, Founder of SNS media&consulting as keynote speakers. Gaw, one of the world’s leading real estate investors who has successfully made many value-add investments in Japan, shared his acquisition strategies and why Japan is the place for investment going forward. Horie, a leader in the field of social media and internet technology opened the eyes of many with his perspectives on how support and popularity are created now and in the future, as well as the new ways for determining what will be successful going forward. Three panel discussions in between the speeches provided keen perspectives on topics in the design, proptech and retail sectors.
– November 15, 2018 | Tokyo International Forum Hall B
From the acceleration of the Internet since the birth of the iPhone in 2007 to AI and robotics, technology is forcing an evolution of all things. As the opening keynote speaker, Robert Mankin, a partner at NBBJ, a major US architecture firm responsible for designing many of the world’s leading technology company headquarters, such as Tencent’s iconic Shenzhen headquarters, Amazon’s Seattle headquarters and Samsung’s California headquarters shared the keys to workplace design that stimulate intellectual productivity. This was followed by a discussion by a panel made up of leaders from truly diverse fields, including Professor Bill Lee of Harvard Design School, who until recently headed up Microsoft’s office strategies. This panel, as well as other panel discussions throughout the entire day proved to be thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating on the topic of lifestyle changes brought about by workplace evolution, new accommodation options and fintech. The closing keynote address featured Professor Seiichiro Yonekura, renowned for his research into competitive strategy, who gave an astonishing lecture on the history and future of Japanese frontiers.
Keys to Success in the Age of AI and E-Commerce
– May 14, 2018 | Tokyo International Forum Hall B
Anticipating a paradigm shift sparked by the approach of the 4th Industrial Revolution, the conference invited leaders from various fields focusing on physical content that will be the key to placemaking and urban development that will attract people in this age of Internet supremacy. For the opening keynote address, John Shreve, senior principal at Populous and an expert in urban development centering on professional sports venues, provided important clues concerning the development of sports and entertainment venues in Japan where there are still many challenges. In the following panel discussion, methods to liven up nighttime in Japan as well as the future of real estate development and operation were introduced by pioneers of content provision. The closing keynote address by Dr. Kenji Kitatani, Executive Vice President, Asia Executive Director for Japan at AEG, an expert in media and entertainment business as well as law, shed light on the content that will be key to future success.
– November 8 and November 9, 2017 |
Various Locations in Tokyo & Tokyo Midtown Hall & Conference – Hall A
In celebration of ULI’s 20th anniversary in Japan, the conference was held in a special full-two-day format. Day 1 featured a Tokyo study tour, a Young Leaders Group-led tour of Moxy Hotel and the Womenʼs Leadership Initiative committeeʼs official launch event. Day 2, the main conference, spanning both morning and afternoon, featured a keynote address by Masafumi Ota of Tokyu Corporation on their vision for the redevelopment of Shibuya, as well as panel discussions that looked at the next twenty years of the real estate from the perspectives of architects, investors, developers, and young professionals, welcoming a great line-up of speakers including Pritzker winning Kazuyo Sejima. The closing session was a dialogue between Patrick L. Phillips, Global CEO of ULI and Dr. Seek Ngee Huat, Chairman of Global Logistic Properties that looked at the future of real estate in Asia.
– May 18, 2017 | Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall
Millennials have transformed themselves into digital nomads, eschewing the traditional “this is my desk, this is my job” environment for a situation they feel offers increased flexibility and opportunities. Co-living communities have also come into vogue, catering to younger people who want that same flexible, collaborative, spontaneous environment – with the added benefit of avoiding rising living and housing costs in major metropolitan areas. The worldʼs urban population is increasing at a tremendous rate, driven and facilitated largely by technology. How will urban areas adapt to accommodate the sustained influx, and what becomes of rural areas when a sizable portion of their future workforce have fled the countryside? The program opened with a keynote address by Yasuyuki Tanabe, Representative Director of Airbnb Japan, whose companyʼs estimated contribution to Japanʼs economy increased 80% in 2016 to over 900 billion yen. The first panel gathered professionals from the hospitality, legal and technology industries to discuss how technology is being applied to the revitalization of towns and cities in outlying areas. The subsequent panel of experts on alternative working environments looked at whether the present incarnation is simply a way station or if we are indeed approaching a terminal. For the closing keynote address, Peter Weingarten, Regional Managing Principal for the Asia Pacific Region at Gensler, deliberated the viability of the Silicon Valley creative workplace model in other regions and cultures.
Strategies and Outcomes
– November 17, 2016 | Plaza Hall, Kasumigaseki Building 1F
This conference, constructed to provide insight into the future of real estate investment and development, kicked off with an opening keynote speech by Muneaki Masuda, CEO of Culture Convenience Club, the father of CCC innovations such as T-SITE and T-CARD which have changed the way people in Japan shop and enjoy their leisure time. The first panel discussion featured a presentation by Yoichi Takahashi, Kaetsu University professor and former Ministry of Finance executive, who spearheaded a discussion on Japan’s economic future; the Bank of Japan’s plans should the shortage of JGBs available for purchase reach a critical stage; whether or not we should continue to chase the 2% inflation target, and the possibility of default. The second panel, based on analysis of the future city by Sylvester Wong, Vice President, Strategies & Development Asia with AECOM, looked at how economic, technological and other factors would shape the future direction of urban development. For the closing keynote address, Miwako Date, CEO of Mori Trust shed light on her company’s role in the changing complexion of Tokyo, and Mori Trust’s vision for Tokyo and how the Japanese hospitality industry will maneuver through the grueling twists and turns in the medium and long term.
– May 12, 2016 | Tokyo Midtown Hall & Conference
The correlative relationship between technology and real estate has existed for decades and evolved at a furious pace. The influence of technological advances extends beyond the office sector, revealing secondary and tertiary effects via changing means of sharing information on goods and services, as well as in consumer thinking with regard to travel and accommodations. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are transforming the way people search for their next residence, and the way architects, developers and investors select sites and approach project conception and development. Data centers are fast becoming staples in investor portfolios. The conference, with the objective to focus on discussing how to utilize new technologies as solutions to the many issues facing the industry, began with a keynote address from John Jackman, managing director and head of development capital, Asia, at Macquarie Group. The following panel discussion looked at issues related to inbound travel with a diverse group representing various industry sectors. The second panel delved more into specific examples of technology’s impact on real estate. Masami Takahashi, President of Uber Japan concluded the day with his keynote address on how technology is transforming urban transportation.
ULI Japan Fall Conference 2015and What You Should Hold Tomorrow
– November 19, 2015 | Roppongi Academyhills 49
The society and economy of Japan have entered a period of tumultuous change. With the country’s emergence from the so-called “lost 20 years” and the plague of the deflationary spiral, international interest in Japan has once again grown. The conference welcomed leaders from the industrial and political realms, to provide an in-depth analysis of many pertinent issues the country faces. The opening keynote address was given by economic and political professional Takeshi Fujimaki, a sitting member of the House of Councilors. Comprised of a unique collection of market players, the first panel discussion looked at the future of the hotel industry, which is directly impacted by the rise in foreign visitors. The second panel featured an intercontinental group of investors representing North America, Europe and Japan, to discern the forces and motivating factors behind international investors’ interest in Japan and Asia. For the closing keynote address, Yoshie Komuro, President and CEO of Work-Life Balance shared her perspective on balancing professional and personal life, a new work paradigm, and how the continued emergence of work-life balance may impact the real estate industry.
ULI Japan Fall Conference 2014in 2015 and Beyond
– November 13, 2014 | Toranomon Hills Forum
Japan’s population decline is progressing rapidly. In addition to government reform initiatives such as support for the advancement of women in society, promotion of the hiring of the elderly, regional revitalization, and the acceptance of immigrants, what are we required to proactively think about and take action on? The conference began with a keynote address by Hiroya Masuda, former Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications and former Iwate Governor, on coping with the population decrease. The two ensuing panel discussions featured leading private equity real estate investors from across the Asia Pacific who looked at emerging opportunities amidst the decrease in population, and at what is drawing core capital investors’ interest back to Japan despite the numerous issues the country currently faces. As the closing keynote speaker, Andrew Reilly, Tourism Australia’s Regional General Manager for Japan and Korea, shared his views on formulating an international tourism strategy.
ULI Japan Spring Conference 2014– May 15, 2014 | Roppongi Academyhills 49
Over the past quarter-century, the way in which we regard office and business space has been dramatically reshaped by the unrelenting evolution of information technology. The empowerment of women in the workplace over the past several years has begun to attract long-overdue attention and recognition in Japan as an issue not only of gender fairness but one of great economic importance. To discuss the convergence of these phenomena – distinct, powerful agents of change – upon the real estate market, the program featured keynote addresses by Makoto Arima, Founder & CEO of MAK Corporation and former Google Japan Country Head, and Lynn Thurber, Chairman of LaSalle Investment Management. Between the keynotes were panels of industry experts and specialists who looked at the impact of advances in information technology on the real estate industry, and the effects of the advancement of women in society on real estate and the economy.
16th Annual ULI Japan Conference– December 13, 2013 | Marunouchi Building Hall & Conference Square
In September 2013, 56 years after hosting the 1964 Summer Olympic Games, Tokyo was officially selected to host the 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. With the establishment of the clear goal of conducting the Summer Olympic Games in seven years’ time, the acceleration of a host of urban infrastructure upgrades is expected, which should lead to enhanced civic strength for Tokyo and to the world once again casting an eye toward Tokyo. The conference focused on how to take advantage of this momentum and activate Japan’s true dynamism to further business investment and expansion by foreign firms into Japan and Tokyo, maintain and further expand the number of tourists visiting Japan from around the world, and heighten Japan’s presence internationally. For keynote speakers, Yoshiaki Fujimori, President and CEO of LIXIL Group Corporation – which is in the midst of an aggressive foray into the U.S. market – and Yosuke Tsuruho, Member of the House of Councillors and former Senior Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism were invited. Between the two keynote addresses were panel discussions focusing on the significance of Tokyo having secured the 2020 Summer Olympic Games, and on the real estate investment market in 2014.
ULI Japan Summer Conference 2013Tired of Hanging In, Ascending to a Brighter Future
– July 11, 2013 | Marunouchi Building Hall & Conference Square
Six months have now passed since the new administration took office, and the effects of Abenomics are beginning to assume a palpable form. The first (aggressive monetary policy) and second (flexible fiscal policy) arrows of the economic strategy have manifested themselves in the form of the Bank of Japan’s “otherworldly” relief and last fiscal year’s sizable supplementary budget. “Hope” has returned among the citizenry and also in the overseas perception of Japan concerning the future direction of the Japanese economy, thanks in part to the recovery in consumption and corporate performance. The third arrow (new growth strategy) of Abenomics, which was conceived for the purpose of transforming that “hope” into “action,” has taken shape with the June 14th approval by the Cabinet of the revitalization strategy named “JAPAN is BACK.” One of the three action plans comprising the strategy – “Plan for the Revitalization of Japanese Industry” – depends upon the further fortification of industry in the cities of Japan and collectively as a nation to enhance global competitiveness. The program welcomed Etsuro Honda, an advisor to the Abe cabinet and one of the key figures in the formulation of Abenomics, and William Hiroyuki Saito, renowned entrepreneur and member of multiple government advisory committees, to bring their wisdom and perspectives to the keynote speaker slots. The two panel discussions in between featuring a political leader, senior bureaucrat and industry leaders provided a precise analysis of the present situation and possible solutions within the business environment.
15th Annual ULI Japan Conference– December 12, 2012 | Marunouchi Building Hall & Conference Square
The economy has been shaken by yet another global crisis, ineptitude in handling the earthquake aftermath, new unrest in Asia and other massive issues. As the need for clarity regarding positive steps for the future increases, this conference welcomed visionaries of the time including former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Lawson CEO Takeshi Niinami who shed light on the direction to a prosperous tomorrow through sincere discussion.
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For information of the conferences held before 2012, please contact the ULI Japan office.