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Building global partnerships: Reflections from Japan and Korea

Picture of IREM By   ·  2 minute read

IREM® leaders visited partners in Japan and Korea to strengthen collaboration,MOU-ceremony_Seoul support local chapter growth, and deepen our shared commitment to professional education. The trip focused on listening to member needs, exploring new sponsorship models, and identifying ways to expand IREM’s presence in both markets. These conversations reinforced how much we can achieve together across borders.

Why IREM visited Japan and Korea

Driven by strong indicators of growth in the region, especially in Tokyo, IREM CEO Zack Wahlquist and Senior Director of International Programs Leah Misbin traveled to Tokyo and Seoul to engage with chapter leaders, member firms, universities, and corporate partners. Their goal was to learn how IREM can better support property managers in Asia, strengthen administrative practices for IREM Japan, and explore opportunities for new global partnerships.

IREM will be visiting Japan again June 2 – 4, 2026, for IREM Japan’s Annual Meeting in Nagoya, where IREM Japan invites members from around the world to join in celebrating their newest CPM® cohort. Save the date- registration details to come soon.

Highlights from Japan

Collaboration with Japan Property Management Association

The visit began in Tokyo with Ari Shintani, CPM®, Vice President of IREM Japan, and leaders from the Japan Property Management Association (JPMA) including IREM member Teruo Suenaga, CPM®, the current past president of JPMA, and Hiroshi Ishiko, JPMA CEO. The conversation focused on identifying new ways our organizations can work together to support professional development in Japan.

Site visits with AMO® firms

IREM visited several AMO firms shaping the future of Japanese property management:

  • CF Nets is challenging longstanding norms around rental pricing.

  • KACHIAL is creating housing solutions for seniors and international renters.

  • Owner’s Agent, part of Art Avenue, demonstrated how collaborative office design is supporting new ways of working.

Exploring brand awareness and technology innovation

The team met with Akito Suzuki, CPM®, of GMO TECH Holdings, Inc., who shared guidance for launching a sponsorship program in Japan and strengthening IREM’s visibility with targeted promotion. They also met with Jutaku Tech Lab, a startup focused on improving how to find owners and provide them property management services.

Conversations with Royal Enterprise and Relo Corporation

Both companies shared their perspectives on the AMO program and discussed the changing needs of property managers in Japan. These insights will help shape future AMO growth strategies.

Media engagement and chapter planning

Zack was interviewed by the National Rental Housing Newspaper, Japan’s primary publication for the rental housing sector. The visit concluded with strategic planning sessions and meetings with the IREM Japan Executive Committee and staff.

Highlights from Korea

Deepening academic and industry partnerships

In Seoul, the team met with Korea Chapter President Prof. Yang Donato and other chapter leaders. IREM signed Memorandums of Understanding with Seoul Venture University, Dongguk University, and Hansung University, reinforcing our shared investment in real estate education.

Expanding corporate relationships

IREM also signed MOUs with the Korean branches of the Residential Real Estate Council, Re/Max, and The Real Estate Legal Consumer Cooperative. Additional meetings explored instructor training, Skill Badges, sponsorship opportunities, and future outreach efforts.

Outcomes from the trip

IREM’s visit helped advance:

  • A clearer path for sponsorship models in Japan and Korea.

  • Stronger collaboration with universities to support real estate education.

  • New insights into how AMO growth can be supported locally.

  • Expanded relationships with corporate and technology partners.

  • Better understanding of member needs in two of the world’s most dynamic housing markets.

What this means for the IREM community

These visits reaffirmed the leadership of our partners in Japan and Korea and strengthened IREM’s commitment to serving members around the world. The insights gained will help shape future programs, education, and outreach so IREM can continue supporting property managers everywhere.

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