Indian Vision, Japanese Discipline: Rahul Bapat on Building a Business in Japan, Real Estate and Resilience.

Tokyo, June 20 2025

"Japan gave me the discipline to pursue my dreams, the people skills to nurture them, and the patience to sustain them. More than anything, this country taught me how to be human" mentioned Rahul Bapat, founder SkyZen K.K. Japan in an exclusive and candid conversation with Peeush Srivastava for Japancalling.in . While sharing his inspiring journey, revealing what it takes to succeed in one of the world’s most culturally complex markets.

 Rahul Bapat founder SkyZen K.K, Tokyo Japan

With over 24 years of experience in Japan, Rahul Bapat is not just a seasoned investor, he is a visionary who turned failures into foundations. Today, he manages a portfolio of over 90 property units in and around Tokyo under his real estate firm SkyZen K.K., offering fully furnished, hassle free Buy-To-Let & Build-To-Let apartments tailored for the Indian community. With $8 million in raised capital and $3.4 million through crowdfunding, Rahul is quietly revolutionizing the real estate landscape for foreigners in Japan.

When and what stage in your life did you consider Japan as a business destination? What influenced your decision to start your venture here?

It’s destiny, I came to Japan as an engineer at 21, not with the best IT skills, but with Japanese language proficiency and a relentless entrepreneurial instinct.

Born into a financially modest family, I already tasted entrepreneurship selling books, fireworks, and household items. That spirit remained alive even while working as a techie in Japan.

My ventures, translation agency in 2008 failed. Then came restaurants in 2009 and 2011 again were setbacks. In 2013, a healthcare investment in Pune turned disastrous. But in 2014, with no grand plan but unwavering grit, I bought a vending machine, and soon after, this first real estate unit a humble small apartment. That small investment marked the start of a journey that now spans over 95 serviced apartments across Tokyo.

Japan just happened. Failures just happened. But what never stopped was my focus on never giving up, is my reflection.

How has this journey shaped you as an entrepreneur? What did you learn from Japan, both professionally and personally?

Japan’s economy may not be booming, but when I look at visionaries like Masayoshi Son (SoftBank), Tadashi Yanai (Uniqlo), and Hiroshi Mikitani (Rakuten), I know there’s still so much potential here.

While India, is matrubhoomi (motherland), gave birth to my dreams, it was Japan as karmabhoomi that shaped me.

Japan gave me the discipline to pursue my dreams, the people skills to nurture them, and the patience to sustain them. More than anything, this country taught me how to be human.

As an Indian entrepreneur in Japan, how difficult is it to build trust with Japanese clients and partners?

It’s extremely challenging. The language barrier is one thing, but cultural congruence is what really matters here. Relationships are not transactional but it is deep, long-term, and built on trust.

In Japan, it’s not about technical skills alone, but about patience, empathy, and years of consistent engagement. And once that trust is built, it’s unshakable. Japanese clients stay with you through thick and thin.

What’s your advice for Indian entrepreneurs looking to enter the Japanese market? Any cultural insights they should keep in mind?

Japan is not the West-it values subtlety, discipline, and trust over flamboyance and speed. Quick relationship building doesn’t work here. You need to be persistent and genuinely committed. I encourage Indian entrepreneurs to find niche services or products and focus on excellence. 'Don’t just come for profit, come with purpose' is my message to Indian entrepreneurs.

What does SkyZen offer to those looking to settle or do business in Japan?

At SkyZen, we simplify life for Indians moving to Tokyo. I faced all the early struggles myself from finding housing to dealing with contracts in Japanese. That’s why we offer fully furnished, Indian-friendly apartments with flexible leasing plans and English contracts. Located primarily in Nishi-Kasai often called 'Little India' SkyZen apartments are more than just rental units. They are a ready-made ecosystem for the Indian diaspora, offering convenience, familiarity, and community.

From managing utilities to providing end-to-end tenancy support, we handle every detail so our residents can focus on what truly matters: thriving in their new journey.

Final Thoughts

Rahul Bapat’s story is one of perseverance, humility, and transformation. From selling fireworks as a young boy to managing a multimillion dollar real estate business in Tokyo, his journey is proof that dreams don’t just take flight they require grit, patience, and a relentless refusal to quit.

In a world often obsessed with overnight success, Rahul’s path stands out one that is grounded, resilient, and truly inspirational for any Indian entrepreneur eyeing the Land of the Rising Sun.

"At SkyZen, we simplify life for Indians moving to Tokyo. I faced all the early struggles myself from finding housing to dealing with contracts in Japanese. That’s why we offer fully furnished, Indian-friendly apartments with flexible leasing plans and English contracts. "