Tatsuru Kono

Tatsuru Kono joined Newmark in 2012 to focus on the representation of Japanese companies both locally and nationally. Kono also advises Japan-based investors seeking business opportunities in the U.S. His depth of expertise as an advisor to the world’s major Japanese companies reinforces Newmark’s role as a leading resource for prominent clients across all geographies.

A 30-plus-year real estate veteran, Kono has built a substantial roster of clients based in Japan with real estate requirements in New York and across the U.S. He has experience in every facet of real estate brokerage, including Tenant Representation, Owner Representation, Leasing Agency and Management, Development, Investments and Consulting for a broad range of property types including office, retail, industrial and mixed-use. With the growing demand for Japan’s business in the U.S., Kono’s unique expertise and diversified real estate background are critical advantages for Newmark’s global as well as national brokerage capabilities.

Partial List of Notable Leasing Transactions

• Mizuho Financial Corp, 107,200 SF
• Mitsubishi International Corp., 96,700 SF
• ITOCHU International, 44,100 SF
• Japan Airlines, 40,500 SF
• Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank USA, 38,134 SF
• Norinchukin Bank, 36,300 SF
• Mitsubishi Nuclear Energy System, 35,000 SF
• NTT America, 22,809 SF
• NTT DOCOMO, 13,194 SF
• Daiichi Life, 15,591 SF
• SYSCOM USA, 15,504 SF
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, 11,200 SF
• Toray Industries, 11,200 SF

Partial List of Tenant Clients

In addition to leasing transactions, Kono played a critical role in a number of significant capital transactions, including Mori Trust’s acquisition of its first office buildings in Boston and the disposition of property belonging to Ikegami Electric and Tigerflex corporation.

Prior to joining Newmark, Kono represented Japanese companies as a Senior Director at Cushman & Wakefield.

Prior to Cushman & Wakefield, Kono served as President of Sumitomo Realty & Development. In 1989, he transferred from Tokyo to New York City, where he initially served as Vice President of Financing, Leasing and Management at Sumitomo New York. In this position, Kono was responsible for Sumitomo-owned properties in the U.S., including 666 Fifth Avenue and 489 Fifth Avenue in New York City and 1710 K Street NW in Washington, DC. At 666 Fifth Avenue, his significant leasing transactions included Daiwa Trust Banking (70,000 square feet), Yasuda Trust Banking (50,000 square feet), The NBA Store (35,000 square feet), Dentsu (35,000 square feet), Toyo Trust Banking (33,000 square feet) and Brooks Brothers (27,500 square feet).

Notably, Kono directed Sumitomo Realty & Development’s award-winning $30 million renovation of 666 Fifth Avenue for a successful repositioning and marketing campaign. Additionally, Kono is credited with creating and launching the firm’s real estate consulting business and then outsourcing its services to major Japanese companies with real estate needs ranging from investment pursuits to tenant, owner, leasing and management requirements.

Earlier in his career, Kono was based in Tokyo, where he managed the development of 17 buildings, including commercial, residential and mixed-use sites.

Education

Kono is a licensed real estate broker in the New York. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in law from Waseda University in Tokyo.