CBRE’s Yuko Toda & the Surge of Japanese Capital in the Pacific

Yuko Toda is a seasoned professional in the commercial real estate sector, currently contributing her expertise at CBRE since 2024, joining as Director in 2024, based in CBRE’s Tokyo office. Her career is marked by significant roles and accomplishments across various organisations.

At CBRE, Yuko’s current role involves overseeing strategic initiatives and managing key client relationships. She is responsible for driving growth in the commercial real estate sector, leveraging her extensive experience and deep understanding of market dynamics. Her leadership and vision are crucial in navigating the complexities of the industry and ensuring the successful execution of projects.

One of the key areas Yuko focuses on is the influx of Japanese capital into the Pacific real estate markets. Japanese investment in these regions has surged in recent years, driven by the stable business environment and growth potential. According to the “2025 Asia Pacific Investor Intentions Survey: Japan Results” report, Japanese investors maintain a robust appetite for real estate investments, with 90% planning to purchase more or the same volume of real estate as last year.

Sydney and Melbourne are among the top investment destinations for Japanese investors in the Asia Pacific region, ranking third and seventh respectively. This highlights the attractiveness of the Australian market for Japanese capital. Japanese firms such as Mitsubishi Estate, Mitsui Fudosan, Daiwa House, and Sekisui House have expanded their presence in Australia, engaging in major transactions and joint ventures. The build-to-rent sector, in particular, has seen substantial Japanese investment due to the ongoing housing shortage and the familiarity of Japanese investors with this model.

Japanese investors are increasingly interested in value-add investments. This strategy is preferred across various asset types, including office, industrial, retail, residential, and hotels. Residential properties remain the most popular investment type among Japanese investors, followed by logistics. The interest in logistics has risen due to the potential tightening of the supply-demand balance as rising construction costs deter new construction.

Despite the strong investment appetite, Japanese investors are aware of several challenges, including rising labour and construction costs, uncertain geopolitical landscapes, and higher interest rates. These factors could impact their investment decisions and strategies. However, there is a growing willingness among Japanese investors to pay a price premium for properties that meet sustainability standards, reflecting the increasing importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in investment decisions.

With her extensive background in finance and real estate, Yuko is well-positioned to facilitate Japanese investments and strengthen relationships between Japanese investors and the Australian and New Zealand markets. Her role is pivotal in navigating these trends and ensuring successful transactions in the dynamic world of commercial real estate.

Yuko Toda

Director, Capital Markets

CBRE Japan +81 70 502 371 74 yuko.toda@cbre.com