Walking with Akio Sakurai to his real estate office in Tokyo's Chuo Ward, he told the story of an Indian couple -- the husband working for a major European bank -- for whom he had found an apartment. The day before they were due to sign the contract, the landlord rang and withdrew the offer. A Japanese neighbor had complained, saying they would be scared if foreigners moved in. " 'For heavens sake,' I said. All they want to do is live in peace, just like everyone else. But it was no good. I couldn't change his mind."

In the office, a colleague was busy on the phone. By coincidence, Sakura Corp. had that morning been asked to find accommodation for an Indian family, with just three days to locate a property and seal the deal. "The father's due to fly to India to pick up his family and bring them back here. Everything needs to be ready for their return. But it's not easy. Only 20 percent of landlords will rent to foreigners, and I'd say it's getting worse rather than better." (So much for Japan's much-vaunted "internationalization.")

Several friends have found accommodation through Akio Sakurai, with high praise for his caring attitude and hard work. One American woman was moved within weeks of making the decision to divide her private life from her work, with a spacious apartment in leafy Setagaya and the perfect office/workshop in Azabu Juban. But as Sakurai pointed out, it's moderately easier to help Caucasians, and if -- as in this instance -- there is a Japanese spouse involved, chances are considerably improved.