Cabot Properties Enters Japanese Logistics Market with Osaka Acquisition
Cabot Properties, a prominent investor, developer, and operator of logistics properties across the United States, Europe, and the Asia Pacific, has announced the acquisition of a modern logistics warehouse in the Greater Osaka region of Japan. The property, a four-story facility totaling 220,608 square feet (6,202 Tsubo), is located at 3-4-8 Shinmachi Nishi in Minoh City, Osaka. This acquisition marks Cabot’s first investment in Japan, highlighting the company’s strategic expansion into high-demand logistics markets in Asia.
This addition aligns with Cabot Properties’ global investment strategy, which focuses on acquiring high-quality industrial assets in dynamic, supply-constrained locations across Europe, the United States, and the Asia Pacific region. By establishing a foothold in Japan, Cabot is reinforcing its commitment to long-term growth in key logistics hubs.
Modern Facility Designed for Efficiency and Sustainability
Completed in 2021, the newly acquired warehouse is a modern, multi-story facility that combines operational efficiency with sustainable design. The building features rear loading capabilities, 12 dock-high doors, and a clear height of 18 feet (5.5 meters), which ensures flexibility for a range of logistics operations. Truck court depths of 41 feet (12.5 meters) and 41 parking spaces accommodate seamless vehicle movement and loading.
The property has also been equipped with 40 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, reflecting the growing emphasis on green logistics infrastructure. Additional sustainable features include solar energy capabilities, supporting Cabot’s commitment to environmentally responsible investments. The building has achieved a CASBEE A rating, a Japanese certification that recognizes structures meeting rigorous standards for environmental performance and occupant well-being.
Currently, the warehouse is fully leased to a single logistics tenant, providing immediate cash flow and a stable operational foundation for Cabot in the Japanese market.
Strategic Location in the Greater Osaka Area
The property is situated within the Minoh Logistics Park, a highly sought-after submarket in Osaka’s Inland Area. Its strategic positioning within 25 kilometers of the Osaka Central Business District provides excellent access to a population of approximately 19 million in the Greater Osaka area. This central location is crucial for logistics operations, enabling efficient distribution throughout western Japan.
Additionally, the warehouse offers direct connectivity to the Shin-Meishin Expressway, facilitating access to other key regional markets, including Nagoya, Okayama, and Hiroshima. Its proximity to Osaka International Airport, which handled roughly 90,000 metric tons of cargo in 2024, further enhances the property’s logistical advantage for air cargo and time-sensitive shipments.
Executive Perspectives on Market Entry
Yu Nishimura, Director of Investments, Japan for Cabot Properties, emphasized the significance of this acquisition: “This acquisition offered the opportunity to establish Cabot’s presence in the Japanese logistics real estate market with a modern, strategically located property that provides significant potential for long-term value creation. The Greater Osaka region remains a vital hub for logistics and distribution activities, driven by the increasing penetration of e-commerce in Japan. This milestone further underscores Cabot’s strategy of investing in modern, Class A facilities that benefit from the consumption patterns of growing population centers.”
Franz Colloredo-Mansfeld, CEO of Cabot Properties, added: “Cabot’s entrance into the Japanese logistics market represents a key milestone in the execution of our investment strategy. We began our expansion in the Asia Pacific region in 2020 with the opening of our Sydney office. With teams in Japan and Australia, we believe we are well-positioned to capitalize on attractive logistics investment opportunities in what is already the largest economic region in the world. We look forward to building on this momentum in 2026 and beyond, seeking compelling investments across the top logistics markets in the U.S., Europe, and APAC.
Osaka Logistics Market Fundamentals
The Osaka logistics market remains strong and resilient, underpinned by robust demand for modern, mid-sized facilities. As of 2025, vacancy rates in the region stood at approximately 4%, indicating a healthy balance between supply and demand. New logistics supply and net absorption were both projected to reach roughly 1.6 million square meters for the year, according to K.K. Ichigo Real Estate Service.
With a relatively moderate development pipeline, the Osaka market is expected to experience steady rent growth over the medium term. This market stability makes it an attractive destination for investors seeking consistent returns from logistics properties.
Demand Drivers in Western Japan
As the principal logistics hub for western Japan, Osaka benefits from sustained demand driven by multiple sectors. Third-party logistics (3PL) providers, e-commerce companies, and manufacturing-related tenants continue to seek modern, strategically located facilities. The growing e-commerce penetration in Japan, in particular, is fueling the need for high-quality distribution centers capable of supporting rapid delivery and efficient supply chain operations.
Cabot Properties’ acquisition of the Minoh City warehouse positions the company to capitalize on these trends, providing a Class A facility designed to accommodate modern logistics demands while offering operational efficiencies and sustainability features.
Long-Term Investment Potential
Cabot’s entry into Japan represents more than just a single acquisition. It signals the firm’s broader strategy to expand its presence in high-growth logistics markets across the Asia Pacific region. By establishing operations in Japan alongside its existing presence in Australia, Cabot is now well-positioned to identify and acquire additional logistics properties in key economic regions, leveraging its global expertise in industrial real estate.
The Minoh City warehouse acquisition exemplifies Cabot’s approach of targeting premium assets in supply-constrained locations, ensuring long-term value creation for investors. With its sustainable design, modern amenities, and prime location, the property is expected to provide both immediate operational benefits and future growth opportunities.
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