Saizen REIT

[gzbkel]

I think it is still customary for Japanese to buy their own home when they get married. It is part of their image of middle class life.
New employees in bigger company usually stay in the company-provided housing with very cheap rent of around 15k JPY/month for a few years while saving up money to buy their property.
Of course there are also people who prefer to rent long term, especially if they stay single (getting common). One reason is because their company can assign them to another city if necessary, and they want to stay mobile if that happens.

Perhaps earthquake is a consideration, but I don't hear them talk about this factor much. Newer buildings are earthquake resistant. During the big earthquake in 2010, few buildings collapse even in the north east region which experienced 6-high on the Japanese scale. (7 is max). Most buildings that were destroyed was because of the tsunami.
However, even if it does not collapse, property value will drop if it sinks or tilt due to soil liquefaction.
When buying properties, best to research the geography of the area and avoid softer ground like reclaimed land.
Also avoid low-lying land in coastal area, on top/below cliff, etc.