The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has strengthened its presence in Japan through new RPQ agreements with the Association for Real Estate Securitization (ARES), the Building Surveyors Institute of Japan (BSIJ), and the Japan Association of Real Estate Appraisers (JAREA).
Together, the agreements recognise the high professional and ethical standards upheld by each organisation and provide a clear route to RICS membership for eligible professionals in Japan.
ARES is a leading professional body representing specialists in real estate investment and securitisation in Japan. BSIJ represents quantity surveying and cost management professionals, while JAREA is the national professional body for licensed valuation professionals. RICS is a globally recognised professional body for the built environment, setting and upholding international standards in valuation, property and construction.
The agreements strengthen collaboration with respected local professional bodies and reinforce RICS’ commitment to upholding consistent global standards while recognising local expertise across key disciplines in Japan’s built environment sector.
For eligible members, the RPQ route offers the opportunity to join a globally recognised professional body. RICS membership acts as a global professional passport, supporting international recognition, career mobility and the ability to work across markets and jurisdictions, while demonstrating a commitment to the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.
Applicants admitted through RPQ are required to complete and maintain RICS’ professionalism and ethics requirements prior to becoming members.
Hiromasa Koizumi, Deputy Secretary General, Association for Real Estate Securitization (ARES), said:
“As a representative of ARES, I warmly welcome the conclusion of the RPQ agreement between ARES and RICS. This agreement reflects the high level of expertise in Japan’s real estate investment and securitisation sector and creates a new pathway for ARES Certified Master holders, who play a central role in this field, to engage with a globally respected professional institution. Becoming a member of RICS provides access to internationally recognised standards, extensive professional networks and opportunities for global practice. We are confident this will support ARES Certified Master holders as the real estate investment market continues to expand across borders.”
Masato Yokozawa MRICS, Chair of the International Committee, Building Surveyors Institute of Japan (BSIJ), said:
“I welcome the RPQ agreement between BSIJ and RICS, which recognises the strong professional and ethical standards of Japan’s cost management community. This pathway provides eligible BSIJ members with an opportunity to gain global recognition through RICS and further strengthens collaboration between Japanese professionals and the international surveying community.”
Shigeko Mizutani MRICS, Vice Chairperson, International Committee, Japan Association of Real Estate Appraisers (JAREA), and Managing Director, Head of Valuation Advisory, CBRE Japan, said:
“As an RICS member, I am pleased to see this RPQ agreement with JAREA come into effect. It recognises the strong professional and ethical standards of Japanese valuation professionals and provides an important pathway for experienced practitioners to gain international recognition. RICS membership offers a globally respected professional framework, supporting consistency, transparency and mobility across markets. This agreement strengthens collaboration between Japanese professionals and the global real estate community, while respecting local expertise and practice.”
Nicky Bowen, Market Director, APAC, RICS, said:
“These RPQ agreements mark an important milestone for RICS in Japan and reflect our commitment to working in close partnership with highly respected local professional bodies. By recognising the quality and professionalism of ARES, BSIJ and JAREA, we are strengthening pathways to RICS membership while supporting the continued development of built environment professions in Japan.
“RICS membership provides professionals with a globally recognised standard, offering international credibility, career mobility and access to a worldwide professional network. Together, these agreements ensure that local expertise in Japan is recognised within a consistent global framework of professionalism and ethics.”
Further information on eligibility and the application process: rics.org/join-rics/rics-member-grades/chartered-member-mrics/direct-entry-to-rics-membership
About RICS
We are RICS. Everything we do is designed to effect positive change in the built and natural environments. Through our respected global standards, leading professional progression and our trusted data and insight, we promote and enforce the highest professional standards in the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure.
Our work with others provides a foundation for confident markets, pioneers better places to live and work and is a force for positive social impact.