Explanation of important matters

What the explanation covers

The explanation of important matters (重要事項説明) is a legally required disclosure delivered by a licensed real-estate transaction specialist before you enter the purchase contract. It covers title, legal restrictions, road access, utilities, disaster information, leasehold terms, building management, deposits, cancellation rights, and other material matters. This is where hidden problems — a leasehold, a non-rebuildable status, an easement, a management dispute, a hazard exposure — are supposed to surface, so read every line and ask about anything unclear.

Get the documents early

A common and avoidable mistake is seeing the important-matters documents for the first time immediately before signing, when there is no time to digest them or seek advice. Obtain them early — ideally days before — so you can review the details, cross-check the title and hazard information, and consult a professional if anything is complex (leasehold, non-rebuildable, or a management dispute). If the seller or broker resists giving you the documents in advance, treat that as a warning sign rather than a formality.

Key points to carry away: A licensed transaction specialist explains the material facts before the contract; It covers title, legal restrictions, road access, utilities, disaster info, leasehold, and management; It also covers deposits, cancellation rights, and other material matters; Obtain the documents early so you can review and ask questions, not sign under pressure. Use the linked guides and calculators for the full decision, and confirm anything material with the lender, a licensed broker, a judicial scrivener, or a tax accountant before you act.