JAF Plaza Strengthens Housing Support for Foreign Talent and International Students in the Osaka Area

JAF Plaza Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo), which has operated international exchange share houses for over 25 years, is launching a new brand called the 'HUB Series'—starting with housing as a foundation to connect foreign talent, international students, companies, and local communities. As the first initiative, the company will rename 'J&F House Kansai 2,' an international exchange share house it has operated in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture since February 2011, to 'J&F House Kansai 2 Osaka HUB' starting July 2026, marking the debut of the HUB Series.

J&F House Kansai 2 Osaka HUB Living Room

J&F House Kansai 2 Osaka HUB Room

【Background of the Launch of J&F House Kansai 2 Osaka HUB】

Located in Muko-no-Sono, Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture, J&F House Kansai 2 Osaka HUB offers excellent transportation access—approximately 15 minutes to Osaka Umeda and 25 minutes to Kobe Sannomiya. This makes it an ideal location for foreign professionals working in the Osaka metropolitan area, international students studying in Kansai, and working professionals commuting between Hyogo and Osaka, offering a balance between urban accessibility and affordable living costs.

This name change is not merely a rebranding of the property. It reflects JAF Plaza’s intention to clearly position the facility as a key housing solution in the Kansai region amid the growing number of foreign professionals and international students living, working, and studying in the Osaka economic zone. It marks the first installment of the 'HUB Series,' designed to connect foreign talent, students, companies, and local communities.

According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the number of foreign workers in Japan has reached approximately 2.57 million, a record high. Additionally, the number of international students studying in Japan has surpassed 400,000, exceeding the government’s target ahead of schedule. However, many still face challenges such as the need for a guarantor, high initial costs, furniture and appliances, and language barriers, resulting in the ongoing issue of being unable to find housing even after securing a job or university placement.

JAF Plaza has long addressed these challenges by offering overseas applications, fully furnished rooms with Wi-Fi, no key money or agent fees, stays as short as one month, and on-site house manager support—providing a secure and comfortable living environment for foreign nationals from the moment they arrive in Japan. At 'J&F House Kansai 2 Osaka HUB,' housing is positioned not just as a living space, but as an entry point to life in Japan, a hub connecting individuals with companies and schools, and a gateway to integration within the local community.

Four Meanings Behind the 'HUB Series'

① A Transportation Hub Connecting Osaka and Hyogo

Muko-no-Sono, where 'J&F House Kansai 2 Osaka HUB' is located, offers convenient access to both Osaka Umeda and Kobe Sannomiya. It serves as an ideal starting point for those who wish to work in Osaka while enjoying a peaceful residential environment, or for those whose daily lives span both Hyogo and Osaka. Additionally, Muko-no-Sono was ranked first in the 2025 edition of the Kansai region’s most popular neighborhoods, reflecting its strong balance between transportation convenience and quality of living.

② A Housing Hub Supporting New Lives for Foreign Talent and Students

For many foreign professionals and international students, securing housing is often the first major hurdle upon arriving in Japan. Challenges include finding a guarantor, paying initial fees, navigating contract procedures, communicating in Japanese, and preparing furniture and appliances. J&F House addresses these by enabling overseas applications, providing furnished rooms, ensuring Wi-Fi connectivity, offering stays as short as one month, and maintaining an on-site house manager—creating an environment where newcomers can begin their lives in Japan with ease.

③ A Hub Connecting Companies and Schools with Talent

For companies seeking to hire foreign talent and educational institutions accepting international students, housing remains a critical issue. Even after securing employment or admission, life in Japan cannot stabilize without safe and reliable housing. Through the HUB Series, JAF Plaza aims to support the successful integration of foreign talent and students by providing housing, thereby expanding connections between individuals, companies, schools, and local communities.

④ A Hub for International Exchange Between Japanese and Foreign Residents

'J&F House Kansai 2 Osaka HUB' is not exclusively for foreign nationals. It also offers an environment where Japanese residents interested in English and cross-cultural exchange can naturally interact with people from around the world in daily life. Through shared living, residents can learn from linguistic and cultural differences and experience diverse perspectives. JAF Plaza will further strengthen the role of this facility as a hub for natural international exchange, connecting Japanese and foreign residents through shared living.

J&F House Kansai 2 Osaka HUB Residents

【Executive Comment】

Muneyoshi Kōmoto, Managing Director, JAF Plaza Co., Ltd.

“The name 'Osaka HUB' carries more meaning than just proximity to Osaka City. It signifies a support base for foreign talent and international students living in the Osaka economic zone, an entry point to a lifestyle connecting Osaka and Hyogo, and a hub linking Kansai with the world. By leveraging both Osaka’s urban functions and the peaceful residential environment of Muko-no-Sono, we aim to create a place where foreign talent and students can confidently begin their lives in Kansai. Going forward, we will continue to expand the HUB Series—connecting people, companies, and communities through housing—and contribute to the realization of a multicultural coexistence society.”

【Facility Overview】

〇Name: J&F House Kansai 2 Osaka HUB (formerly J&F House Kansai 2)

〇Location: 4-3-10 Minami-Muko-no-Sono, Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture

〇Access: Approximately 10-minute walk from Muko-no-Sono Station on the Hankyu Kobe Line; about 15 minutes to Osaka Umeda Station and 25 minutes to Kobe Sannomiya Station

〇Number of Rooms: 80

〇URL: https://jafplaza.com/share_item/jf-house-kansai-2/

〇Concept: An international share house where Japanese and foreign residents live together, fostering natural cross-cultural exchange

【Operating Company】

〇Company Name: JAF Plaza Co., Ltd.

〇Headquarters: 8F, Dōgenzaka 225 Building, 2-23-14 Dōgenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

〇Website: https://jafplaza.com/

〇Business Activities: Operation of international exchange share houses, support for foreign talent, real estate-related services

【Inquiries】

TEL: 03-6455-0360

Email: [email protected]