Can I Buy a Soundproof Room with a Loan in Japan? Screening, Interest Rates, and Plans for "¥10,000/Month"

“I want a soundproof room, but paying over 1 million yen (approx. $6,500 USD) upfront is tough…”

Are you giving up on your ideal music or streaming environment for this reason?

In the Japanese market, many people who purchase soundproof rooms wisely use “Shopping Loans” or “Installment Payments” instead of paying cash upfront. In particular, by using “0% Interest Campaigns” offered by manufacturers and music stores, you can get your own soundproof room for as little as ¥10,000 (approx. $65 USD) a month without paying any interest fees.

In this article, we explain financing methods to introduce a high-end soundproof room without financial strain, tips for passing screening, and tax treatment for freelancers in Japan.

4 Payment Methods for Soundproof Rooms in Japan

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There are four main payment methods. Let’s compare their features.

Among these, the most popular choice in Japan is “3. Shopping Loan”.

Why “Shopping Loans” are the Top Choice in Japan

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Why are shopping loans suitable for purchasing soundproof rooms? The reasons are “Interest”, “Credit Limit”, and “Speed”.

1. The Existence of “0% Interest Campaigns”

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This is the biggest benefit. Major music stores (like Shimamura Music or Ikebe Gakki) and soundproof room manufacturers frequently run campaigns where they cover the interest fees for shopping loans.

For example, if you use a “0% interest for up to 36 payments” campaign to buy a 1.2 million yen room:

• 36 payments: Approx. ¥33,000/month
• Total Payment: 1.2 million yen (Same as cash price)

If you used a credit card for the same number of payments, you would pay tens of thousands of yen in fees.

2. Does Not Affect Your Credit Card Limit

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Buying a high-ticket item like a soundproof room on a credit card can max out your “Shopping Limit”. This risks your ability to pay for daily necessities or utility bills that are auto-charged to the card.

Shopping loans use a separate screening process (Partner credit companies like Orico, JACCS, Aplus), so you can pay in installments while keeping your credit card limit open.

3. Web-Based & Fast Screening

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In the past, you had to fill out papers at the store, but now everything is completed on the Web via smartphone or PC. Screening is very fast, often giving results in 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Monthly Payment Simulation (1.5 tatami size / 1.2 Million Yen)

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Let’s look at a concrete simulation. Assuming purchase of a popular 1.5 tatami size (approx. 2.4 sqm) unit type (Total approx. 1.2 million yen / $8,000 USD).

Pattern A: 36 Payments (No Bonus Payment)

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A plan to finish paying in 3 years with equal monthly payments.

• Payments: 36 times
• Interest: ¥0 (With campaign)
• Monthly: Approx. ¥33,300 ($220 USD)

At ¥33,000 a month, it feels like adding a bit to your rent, or comparable to monthly studio rental fees.

Pattern B: 60 Payments (With Bonus Payment)

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A long-term plan to minimize monthly costs. Note: “Bonus Payment” is a common Japanese system where you pay a larger amount during traditional bonus months (Summer/Winter).

• Payments: 60 times (5 years)
• Bonus Add-on: ¥50,000 ($330 USD) twice a year
• Interest: Assumed approx. 5% APR (Long-term often incurs interest)
• Monthly: Approx. ¥10,000 - ¥15,000 ($65 - $100 USD)

By using bonus payments, you can lower the monthly burden to about the cost of a smartphone bill. “¥10,000 a month” puts it within reach even for students or part-timers.

Screening Checklist: Will I Pass?

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“Loans” can sound scary, but Shopping Loans generally have higher approval rates than bank loans. Check these points:

Can Part-timers Apply?

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Yes. As long as you have stable income, you don’t need to be a full-time regular employee. “Stability” is often more important than the “Amount” of income. For students, parental consent or a guarantor is usually required.

“Guarantor” Cases

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• Minors / Students
• Short employment history or income below criteria

It is common to be approved with the condition: “Approved if you provide a joint guarantor.” Consulting your parents beforehand can smooth the process.

For Freelancers: Tax Deductions in Japan

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For musicians, VTubers, and freelance engineers, tax knowledge is crucial.

Is Loan Interest Deductible?

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In principle, the principal repayment is not an expense, but the interest and fees can be claimed as “Interest Expenses”. (Note: If using a 0% campaign, there feels is no interest, so this doesn’t apply.)

The body of the soundproof room is expensed over several years as “Depreciation”.

Fixed Asset Tax (Property Tax) Rules

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This is important in Japan.

• Unit Type (Assembly): Generally NOT subject to Fixed Asset Tax (House) because it’s considered movable property (furniture), not part of the building.
• However, if used for business, it is subject to “Depreciable Assets Tax (Shokyaku Shisan Zei)”.

Tax Exemption Limit: If the total assessed value of depreciable assets you own in the same municipality is under 1.5 million yen, you are exempt from this tax. For many freelancers, a single soundproof room often falls under this limit, resulting in ¥0 tax.

Summary: Investing in Your Future

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Don’t wait until “I save enough money”. While waiting, you lose precious practice time and suffer from noise stress.

A soundproof room is not just a box. It is an investment to buy “Freedom to immerse yourself anytime” and “Peace of mind”. High-quality unit rooms also hold resale value in Japan.

Why not try a loan simulation at a music store?

Related Articles

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• [Basics]: Price Market and Requirements for Soundproof Rooms
• [Comparison]: Soundproof Room Price Comparison Guide
• [DIY]: How to Build/Move Soundproof Rooms