#Japan #Tokyo #Nippon Steel #Sanu #Multi-Location Living

Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate Ventures into Multi-Location Living

Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate Co., Ltd., headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has officially entered the multi-location living market through a partnership with SANU Co., Ltd., a share villa service company based in Meguro, Tokyo. This collaboration aims to propose a novel lifestyle that seamlessly connects urban apartments with the tranquility of rural nature.

The initiative kicks off with the launch of two properties: SANU 2nd Home Karuizawa 2nd (located in Nagano Prefecture) and SANU 2nd Home Izu 1st (located in Shizuoka Prefecture), which will be available for sale starting December 24, 2025.

Historically, Nippon Steel Kowa has focused on providing residential solutions in urban areas. However, recognizing the accelerating trends of diversifying lifestyles and the concentration of population in cities, the company is now embracing multi-location living as a new business domain, aiming to fulfill a growing market demand.

Through this initiative, Nippon Steel Kowa plans to develop more multi-location residences in picturesque rural areas across Japan. This blend of urban and natural living proposes a lifestyle that allows city dwellers to coexist with the rich environment found outside metropolitan regions, subsequently enhancing the value of living experiences. In doing so, the company aims to increase engagement between urban residents and rural communities, contributing to local revitalization efforts.

Background of the Partnership

In April 2025, Nippon Steel Kowa and SANU entered into a capital and business alliance agreement, marking the start of their combined efforts to promote this innovative living concept. The partnership is grounded in the idea of creating “apartments designed to enrich life” under the Nippon Steel Kowa brand “LIVIO”, while SANU champions the ethos “Live with nature.” Together, they are committed to creating new housing value by merging urban residential projects with nature-driven retreats. This venture is positioned as a new business verification initiative in a market that aligns well with Nippon Steel Kowa’s existing operations.

Overview of the Properties

SANU 2nd Home Karuizawa 2nd

• - Location: 3248-3 Kitayama, Shiono, Miyota Town, Nagano Prefecture
• - Transport: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes by car from Tokyo Station via the Kan-Etsu Expressway, or 1 hour by train to Karuizawa, followed by a 30-minute taxi ride
• - Total Rooms: 9 units (30 shares per unit)
• - Total Shares Available: 270 shares (50 shares offered by Nippon Steel Kowa)
• - Land Area: 9,742 m²
• - Building Area: 581.71 m²
• - Structure: Wooden single-story construction
• - Ownership Type: Shared ownership of building and business-use leasehold right until October 31, 2055
• - Seller: Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate Co., Ltd.

SANU 2nd Home Izu 1st

• - Location: 1214-1 Futo, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture
• - Transport: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes by car from Tokyo Station via the Tomei Expressway, or 1 hour and 30 minutes by train to Futo, followed by a 12-minute walk
• - Total Rooms: 16 units (30 shares per unit)
• - Total Shares Available: 480 shares (50 shares offered by Nippon Steel Kowa)
• - Land Area: 7,993.57 m²
• - Building Area: 488.20 m²
• - Structure: Wooden, two-story building
• - Ownership Type: Shared ownership of building and business-use leasehold right until May 30, 2055
• - Seller: Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate Co., Ltd.

Future Developments

Nippon Steel Kowa plans to leverage insights gained from this initiative to develop new growth areas in residential housing over the mid- to long-term. Key focus areas include:

• - Gradual expansion of nature-focused locations
• - Development of collaborative services linking urban apartments and these nature retreats
• - Promotion of multi-location living and creation of new housing values

About SANU Co., Ltd.

Founded in November 2019, SANU operates the largest share villa service in Japan under the motto “Live with nature.” With a strategic plan aimed at expanding to 35 locations with a total of 231 rooms by December 2025, SANU endeavors to provide urban users with the opportunity to own a second home in nature.

About LIVIO

LIVIO, the apartment brand of Nippon Steel Kowa, is driven by the mission to enrich lives through thoughtfully designed residences. The brand offers a wide variety of properties catering to diverse customer needs, continually striving to enhance the lives of its residents.

For more information, visit the LIVIO website.