A Real Estate Company Founded by a Mother and Daughter to Ensure Safe Living for Women

A Unique Real Estate Service for Women

In response to the growing need for safety among women living alone, 'Sumu Cafe Tokyo', a new real estate service, has been launched by a dedicated mother-daughter duo, Akiko Yoshioka and her daughter Minori Yoshioka. This initiative aims to provide a secure and comfortable living environment specifically tailored for women.

Addressing Safety Concerns

According to the Crime White Paper for 2024, the number of recognized criminal offenses against individuals has been on the rise for two consecutive years. Particularly alarming is the statistic indicating that in 2025 alone, there were 185,093 reported cases where women were victims of such offenses, with theft and assault being predominant. These figures underscore the significant fears women face regarding safety, especially when living alone.

Moreover, issues such as loneliness and health are also pressing concerns for many women who live independently. Understanding these multifaceted anxieties, Akiko and Minori, who come from diverse backgrounds in real estate and nursing respectively, have set out to create a supportive community through their company.

The Mother-Daughter Perspective on Home Selection

Akiko, the CEO of Laikaliving, has extensive experience in real estate and has witnessed firsthand the struggles that clients face when searching for a new home. Her own experiences of moving due to her husband’s job relocations and sending her two children off to college have given her insights into the emotional challenges involved. On the other hand, Minori, previously a nurse during the pandemic, realized the immense comfort that a safe home provides while living alone.

Together, they understand the importance of finding a home that matches individual preferences and lifestyles, ensuring that each client can achieve their desired future.

Thorough Property Checks for Client Assurance

What sets Sumu Cafe Tokyo apart is their commitment to personally visiting each property before recommending it to clients. In a fast-paced industry often reliant on outdated photos, they prioritize providing accurate representations of current living conditions. Their thorough inspections consider not just the apartments themselves but also the surrounding areas and community, like the cleanliness of waste disposal sites, which are essential for a pleasant living environment.

Their motto revolves around empathy, as they ask themselves, 'Would I feel comfortable if my daughter lived here? Am I safe when I return home?' Only properties that meet these personal standards are introduced to clients.

Building Relationships Beyond Transactions

The relationship with clients doesn’t end once they move in. Sumu Cafe Tokyo has established a dedicated communication channel via LINE for residents, facilitating easy conversations about any concerns they might face after moving in, whether it's noise issues or plumbing problems. They also organize monthly meet-ups called 'Sumu Cafe DAY', fostering community support and stability.

By nurturing these relationships, they aim to not only address immediate concerns but also to incorporate positive feedback and valuable community information into future housing searches.

Creating a Safe Community from Kunitachi City

Akiko's vision extends beyond individual clients; she aspires for the entire community in Kunitachi City and beyond to be places where women can live safely and comfortably. The company name, Laikaliving, is inspired by the flower 'Laika', symbolizing hope. They wish for every client’s aspirational living situation to blossom, striving to provide hope through a nuanced and considerate approach to housing.

In this nurturing atmosphere, Sumu Cafe Tokyo reinforces the concept that the quest for a home should not only be about location, but also about comfort and security—an ideal that resonates deeply in today’s society. Their heartfelt mission is to create a society where every woman can thrive in her chosen environment, beginning right here in Kunitachi City, Tokyo.