Alister

• Categories to honour various kinds of residential and commercial developments, as well as achievements in architecture and design
• Entry submissions are open until 23 September 2022
• Awards will be presented at an exclusive black-tie gala celebration set on 9 December in Bangkok, Thailand alongside the 17th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final

NISEKO, Japan — 18 July 2022

PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards, the prestigious real estate awards programme that recognises the finest real estate in the region, launched the latest edition for Greater Niseko as Japan reopened its borders to international business travelers and tour groups.

Since lifting many border restrictions in June, Japan has gradually renewed enthusiasm among international travelers and property investors for its world-famous attractions, including the ski resorts of Greater Niseko, which comprises the villages of Hirafu and Hanazono and surrounding areas.

The PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko) programme returns bigger and better than ever for its 2022 edition, with open categories for eligible development companies and projects in the popular resort and holiday home destination.

This year’s programme is chaired by Bill Barnett, the foremost expert on the region’s hospitality industry and founder of C9 Hotelworks.

With the return of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko), the programme will showcase the alpine community’s finest developers and outstanding, best-designed developments to its wide network of property seekers across Southeast Asia and surrounding countries. Investors from Southeast Asia are expected to become a new driving force behind the Niseko market’s growth. The organiser PropertyGuru Group (PGRU: NYSE) is the largest proptech company in the region and the preferred destination for more than 38 million property seekers per month.

In addition, the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko) programme could reintroduce the destination’s many luxurious real estate offerings to the domestic market. “Japanese buyers and long-stay guests have been rediscovering Niseko, buoyed by the combination of remote working opportunities, world-class amenities and the natural environment,” Eddie Guillemette, CEO of property management company Midori no Ki and a member of the independent judging panel of the Awards, told PropertyGuru Property Report Magazine.

The Awards are set to represent and accolade Greater Niseko’s exemplary developers and projects across a variety of categories, including Best Developer and Best Hospitality Developer. Honours are also at stake for hotel condo developments, resort housing projects, resort developments, mixed-use developments, tourism attractions, restaurants, and eco-friendly developments. Other categories are poised to honour various achievements in architectural design, interior design, and landscape architectural design.

The Awards will be presented in an exclusive, black-tie gala dinner and ceremony alongside the 17th edition of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final at The Athenee Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok on Friday, 9 December 2022, together with other winners from key property markets including Australia, India, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asia.

Key dates for the 2022 edition:

23 September 2022 – Entries Close

10-11 October 2022 – Site Inspections

12 October 2022 – Final Judging

9 December 2022 – Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand

Entries from eligible developers are being accepted here: https://www.asiapropertyawards.com/

Professional, fair, and transparent judging

The Awards are determined by a professionally run and fully transparent judging system, establishing a reputation for fairness and integrity. Eligible entries are rigorously selected and shortlisted by an independent panel of judges, comprising experts in real estate consultancy, architecture and design, green building, and sustainable development. The selection process is supervised by HLB, the global network of independent advisory and accounting firms.

This year’s edition is supported by media partner Powderlife, the authoritative magazine about Niseko run by managing editor Kristian Lund, as well as Niseko Tourism’s promotional board, which represents more than 400 real estate and business leaders in the Niseko area, to bring added credibility and reach to the programme.

In 2021, the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko) were presented as a virtual gala celebration on digital platforms that included AsiaPropertyAwards.com, as well as Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. Highlights of the show aired on the History Channel, the official cable TV partner of the awards.

SC Global Developments Pte Ltd was revealed as Best Developer, earning the top accolade of the year. It also garnered four titles for its luxury development Setsu Niseko, which include the coveted title of Best Hotel Condo Development (Greater Niseko). Setsu Niseko went on to win the Best Condo Interior Design (Asia) award at the 16th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final.

Main winners of the Awards in Greater Niseko will be eligible to advance to the 17th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final where they will compete with peers across Asia for international honours.

The 2022 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Greater Niseko) programme is supported by official cable TV partner History Channel; official magazine PropertyGuru Property Report; media partner Powderlife; official ESG partner Baan Dek Foundation; supporting association Niseko Tourism; and official supervisor HLB.

For more information, email [email protected] or visit the official website: AsiaPropertyAwards.com.

Christie’s International Real Estate Eyes Major Expansion In Japan With H2 Group 

H2 Christie’s International Real Estate Will Be The Exclusive Affiliate For Hokkaido And Also Expand The Brand To Other Major Cities In Japan Through A Master Licensing Agreement  

CHICAGO and NISEKO (2022 July 20) – Christie’s International Real Estate, the world’s leading luxury real estate brand, is partnering with Hokkaido-based lifestyle real estate services firm H2 Group to launch Christie’s International Real Estate in Japan.  

H2 Group’s residential brokerage division, H2 Real Estate, with offices in Niseko and Furano, will become Japan’s first Christie’s International Real Estate affiliate, rebranding to H2 Christie’s International Real Estate. The firm also has signed a Master Licensing Agreement to grow the Christie’s International Real Estate brand throughout Japan, including in the key markets of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hakuba, Fukuoka and Okinawa. 

H2 Group, founded by Simon Robinson and Michael H. Chen, has more than 20 years of experience in development, management, sales and service in the luxury real estate, leisure and hospitality industries in Hokkaido. Along with its real estate brokerage division, H2 Group offers development management, property management, and luxury rentals featuring curated lifestyle experiences in Hokkaido’s ski resort areas.  

H2 Christie’s International Real Estate expects to take advantage of resurgent demand for luxury real estate in Japan as the country reopens to international buyers following the 2.5-year global pandemic. Nowhere are those prospects more apparent than in Hokkaido prefecture, a popular vacation and second-home destination known for its ski resorts, temperate summer climate and national parks. A recent wave of development has added a number of new luxury 5-star hotel-branded residences in Hokkaido. In addition, the extension of the Shinkansen bullet train to Niseko and Sapporo will improve access to the region. Sapporo is also in the running to host the 2030 Winter Olympics.  

Japan’s broader housing market also has garnered increasing attention from international investors enticed by the weakness of the Japanese Yen against the U.S. dollar. Japan’s residential property price index rose by 6.9% from Q1 to Q3 2021, according to the Land Institute of Japan. Prices continue to be highest in the capital city of Tokyo.  

 “With their luxury focus, strong international connections and innovative, full-service approach to real estate, Michael and Simon are the perfect partners to expand Christie’s International Real Estate in Japan and give the brand even greater visibility in East Asia,” said Mike Golden, co-CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate.  

“Our affiliation with Christies International Real Estate will give H2 even more credibility and reinforce our expertise in the Hokkaido luxury residential market,” said Simon Robinson, co-CEO of H2 Group. “We are excited for this partnership to open new doors for us throughout Japan.” 

“We are thrilled and honored to be selected by Christies International Real Estate as its Japan affiliate, as our commitment to the highest quality of client care and experience are values much supported by Christie’s. With this partnership, we will offer an even higher level of service both in areas of marketing and technology, providing higher chances of success both for our clients and agents,” said Michael Chen, co-CEO of H2 Group. 

Christie’s International Real Estate’s close relationship with the world-renowned Christie’s auction house is another important client benefit considering Asian buyers represented 31% of Christie’s sales in 2021.  

“The ability to refer clients to the auction house and vice versa will create some incredible opportunities to grow our business and further service our clientele,” added Chen.   

“The Christie’s International Real Estate brand has tremendous growth potential in Asia thanks to a strong network and first-class operators like H2 Group. We are excited to be growing our footprint in this part of the world,” said Helena de Forton, Managing Director, Head of EMEA & Asia for Christie’s International Real Estate.  

H2 Group is active in local charitable and civic endeavors. The firm supports the Hokkaido International School, sits on the Niseko Promotion Board, is a member of the Kutchan Tourism Association and is the title sponsor for the Jolly Fox Niseko Invitational Charity Golf Series.  

For more information, visit https://h2realestate.jp/.  

About Christie’s International Real Estate 

Christie’s International Real Estate has successfully marketed high-value real estate around the world for more than 30 years. Through its invitation-only Affiliate network spanning nearly 50 countries and territories, Christie’s International Real Estate offers incomparable services to a global clientele the in the luxury residential market. The company and its affiliated brokerages have recorded approximately US$500 billion of real estate transactions over the last five years. For additional information, please visit christiesrealestate.com. 

The ANDARU COLLECTION NISEKO brings you an experience of serenity and exclusivity. Located at the heart of the Niseko region in Hokkaido, Japan, the six beautifully designed villas sit on a property of 9,200 m2 and are reserved for private use. Designed by the renowned Koichi Ishiguro, the ANDARU COLLECTION NISEKO strives to bring you closer to the peace and tranquility you have been searching for, a perfect spot for a workcation.

Inside the spacious 118 m2 villas you will find a luxurious bathroom and bedroom. The Bedrooms come in two types, Type-A comes with two double-sized beds and one double sofa bed, while Type-B has an extra single bed in addition to the Type A beds. The Villas also include a kitchen with a refrigerator, a dining area, and a living space, complete with a Digital TV set. With a floor-to-ceiling window on the second floor, it provides guests a sense of being one with nature and of quiet solitude.

The villas and facility building offer an unhindered view of the surrounding area which consists of the courtyard, the forest, and the mountain view, visible from the clubhouse and restaurant. The magnificent mount Yotei serves as the backdrop to the whole property which was designed specifically to incorporate the mountain view as part of the experience.

Stemming from the mind and creativity of Koichi Ishiguro, an award-winning architect that has designed many properties within the Niseko Region, the Villas bring out the best of the uniqueness of the region. The external design of the villas would remind you of ancient times when people lived in thatched-roof huts and lived one with nature, a very much one-of-a-kind design in the area.

Activities on the property consist of a one-of-a-kind Dutch Fire Pool experience that guests can enjoy outdoors while enjoying a bottle of wine, immersed in the beauty of the curated courtyard that reflects the beautiful Niseko nature. The Dutch Fire pool is open until 10 PM which makes stargazing an option.

For guests who enjoy a look at the starry heavens, the property also provides a telescope for use on the grounds for no extra charge. You only need to ask any of the friendly staff to accommodate you.

The vast courtyard of the property also offers a range of activities. A picnic on the grass is encouraged on sunny days. The staff will prepare a tent where guests can experience a glamping style moment, and the food ingredients will be prepared for you outside, while you enjoy a drink and savor the Fuji of Hokkaido that is Mount Yotei in all its grandeur.

A barbecue and all the necessary ingredients will be prepared by the staff, most of which are locally harvested from the Hokkaido and Niseko region, including the world-famous Hokkaido beef. Then guests can try their hands on the prepared BBQ grill themselves to test their cooking skills.

The one responsible for ANDARU’s culinary experience is Chef Kensuke Shima. He is a native of Hokkaido and after traveling the world decided to come back to Hokkaido after inventing his own Glamping Style cuisine.

During their stay, guests may indulge in the culinary extravagance that ANDARU COLLECTION NISEKO prepares freshly for every meal. Guests will be treated to a grand breakfast experience both in Japanese-style cuisines as well as western-leaning dishes.

Dinner is an assortment of cuisines from all over the world. The dishes differ from one day to the next, adding the element of surprise to an already succulent treat. One meal could be a medley of seafood from the sea surrounding Hokkaido, the next a no holds barred BBQ with a variety of meats and vegetables, or it could be an elegant traditional Japanese Donabe with herbs and spices harvested locally and refined by the Chef’s own hands.

Each meal is also accompanied by a selection of desserts, a simple warm baked apple that reveals delectable tastes with every bite, or freshly prepared Panna Cotta using the milk of the famously healthy and robust Hokkaido cows.

ANDARU COLLECTION NISEKO is situated about a 10 minutes ride from the Hirafu city center and Niseko’s official roadside station. Whenever guests feel the urge to indulge in some touristy activities or even a sudden hankering for skiing, they can take a short car ride and be at the spot they want in about 10 minutes.

During winter the Niseko region is known around the world to be one of the finest powder snow locations. This makes Niseko a very popular destination for skiing and snowboarding and other winter activities. There are 4 ski areas in Niseko, the Annupuri, Niseko Village, the grand Hirafu, and the Hanazono. All four are connected and interlinked at the top of the mountain so visitors can try each ski area if they wish.

Other winter activities that are offered in Niseko are horse rides, Snowshoeing cross country, snowmobile, and snow rafting. While in the summer, visitors may enjoy hiking in one of the many hiking trails available, playing golf, and even rafting. Visitors who wish to engage in these activities could ask the front desk for assistance.

• Website: https://andaru.jp/en/
• IG:https://www.instagram.com/andarucollection_niseko/
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/andarucollectionniseko/
• Reservation: https://reserve.489ban.net/client/andaru-niseko/4/plan
• Contact: +81 (0)136-22-1816, https://andaru.jp/en/contact/

You can reach ANDARU COLLECTION NISEKO by the following:

• Access: Kabayama, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0078, Japan

From New-Chitose-Airport (CTS)

• BUS

By shuttle bus
CTS→Hirahu Welcome Centre about 150mins
By complimentary shuttle buses
Hirafu Welcome Centre→ ANDARU COLLECTION NISEKO about 10mins

• JR train

via Sapporo/Otaru 180mins
[Kutchan Station・Niseko Station]
By complimentary shuttle buses about 10～30mins