Keller Williams Expands to Japan
Keller Williams has awarded a new master license in Japan. The real estate technology franchise now has more than 50 market centers and 2,164 agents across 10 countries and regions in Asia.
Since launching in 2012, Keller Williams Worldwide now has more than 200 market centers, operating outside of the U.S. and Canada, across 39 regions globally. Collectively, Keller Williams Worldwide has more than 9,469 agents, a 36.3% increase since August 2018.
“The team in Japan understands that our model is highly disruptive and unique for their local agents,” said William E. Soteroff, president of Keller Williams Worldwide, the international division of Keller Williams. “We are excited to have a remarkable new leader in Asia who understands this massive opportunity and has a clear vision for the future.”
The Keller Williams franchise in Japan is led by Mark Yamamoto. The first market center is expected to open in fourth quarter 2019.
Serial entrepreneur Yamamoto founded Toho Cinemas, formerly Virgin Cinemas Japan in 1997 with Richard Branson, founder of UK-based Virgin Group. The firm was later sold to Toho Co. Ltd., and rebranded. Yamamoto has also founded several other companies in Japan, the U.S. and Germany.
Japan is the 10th Keller Williams master license in Asia. The brand’s other nine regions include Cambodia; Dubai, UAE; Greater Shanghai, China; Indonesia; Israel; Malaysia; the Philippines; Turkey; and Vietnam.
Keller Williams’ international division is exploring additional expansion in Africa, Central and South America, Central and Eastern Europe, and other areas of Asia.
