'Little Japan' eyeing big boost in Johor (13 PICS)

JOHOR BARU: Global Asia Assets (M) Sdn Bhd (GAAM) is expected to bring in RM500mil from Japanese investors to develop the country's first “Little Japan” township in Taman Molek here.

GAAM chief executive officer Fuji-mura Masanori said many Japanese were keen to emigrate here and make Malaysia their second home.

He said since March last year, some 70 Japanese had already relocated under the Malaysia, My Second Home programme and many more are expected due to Iskandar Malaysia's growth.

Fujimura said many Japanese prefer to live here due to the connectivity with Singapore and lower living costs compared to other neighbouring countries.

“Johor's proximity to Singapore and the increasing standard and quality of life, especially under the Iskandar Malaysia project with greater security and no natural disaster, makes it an ideal place for Japanese to make their second home here,” Fujimura said.

Boon from the Land of the Rising Sun: Fujimura showing an artist’s impression of the ‘Little Japan’ township during a press conference in Johor Baru.  

He added that the response had been very positive with Japanese clients buying 50% of the 248 high-end condominium units in Molek Pine Tower 3, a project by the Kuok Group's subsidiary, Tanjung Bintang Sdn Bhd, under the Berinda brand name.

“In view of the overwhelming response, we are eager to start the Little Japan' project in Taman Molek where our clients from Japan are expected to invest over RM500mil in landed houses and luxury apartments over the next few years,” he said.

He said “Little Japan” will be the first of its kind in Malaysia and is a self-contained township, complete with restaurants, spas, medical facilities and retirement homes for Japanese who want to work and live here.

“GAAM will woo these wealthy individuals to invest in Johor,” he said after a charity golf tournament in aid of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami fund.