Christie’s Chooses Niseko To Launch Its Japan Real Estate Brand

Niseko-based property company H2 Group has been named master affiliate for Christie’s International Real Estate for Japan.

H2 Group co-CEO Michael Chen says the H2 Christie’s International Real Estate brand will launch in Niseko and Furano, with plans to expand to other major cities in Japan through a master licensing agreement.

“To have a brand like Christie’s International Real Estate present in this market elevates the visibility of Niseko and Furano on a global scale,” Chen said.

“It means global recognition and interest in Niseko is increasing, and is now amongst the top resort property market brands in the world.

“It will also enable us to expand our business beyond Hokkaido and to provide the next level of service offering to our clients and agents through marketing and technology.”

Christie’s International Real Estate says the partnership is an opportunity to expand its foothold in East Asia.

“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,” Mike Golden, co-CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate said.

The affiliation will see H2 Real Estate rebranded H2 Christie’s International Real Estate.

H2 currently has two offices in Hokkaido (Niseko and Furano) and co-CEO Simon Robinson says it is looking to expand into the key markets of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka, Hakuba and Okinawa.

H2 Group Formation

H2 was formed in 2020 as a merger between Hokkaido Tracks and HakuLife.

Hokkaido Tracks was founded in 2001 and completed the first modern international ski accommodation in Niseko’s main ski resort, Hirafu, in 2003.

HakuLife was founded in 2017 and introduced Niseko’s first fully serviced chalet and villa properties that include private chefs and butlers.

Christie’s International Real Estate

Christie’s International Real Estate was started as a subsidiary of the British fine art auction house founded in 1766.

In 1995 it acquired luxury real estate network Great Estates, a luxury real estate network founded in 1987, and in 2020, the Christie’s International Real Estate business was entrusted to @Properties, one of fastest growing real estate agencies in United States.

Christie’s International Real Estate is “an invitation-only affiliate network composed of the world’s most proven and qualified real estate specialists in the luxury residential sector.”

H2 x Christie’s Brands

Chen said the reason for the deal was because H2 was a “believer in the power of brands”.

“The H2 brand has been developed, cultivated, and invested in with a total commitment to quality, culture, and service – all values shared by Christie’s International Real Estate,” Chen said.

“This partnership with Christie’s International Real Estate will help us fast forward this vision as it will lend credibility and reinforcement to our brand and expertise in the real estate market in Japan.”

View H2 Christie’s International Real Estate’s listings at h2realestate.jp.

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